Packing for Mars for Kids

March 25, 2022

Gr 5-7-In this trimmed version of her book for adults, science journalist Roach explores the nitty gritty-and the icky, slimy, and stinky-aspects of living in space. Based on interviews with astronauts and NASA researchers, as well as an actual ride (with sound effects) on the infamous "Vomit Comet," and a literal spin on a testing device dubbed the "rotating chair," she describes in rousing detail how some of the less savory challenges of space flight were tackled or endured: finding ways to dispose of body waste and (mostly in a chapter memorably titled "Barfing on the Ceiling") to cope with motion sickness; living for days or weeks in confined cabins with people who can't wash or change clothes; and more. Along the way she acquaints readers with the ins and (unfortunately) outs of NASA's "dreaded fecal bag," explains how gravity affects nearly everything we commonly do, and tucks in details that are likely to be new even to confirmed students of space travel-such as the corned beef sandwich astronaut John Young smuggled aboard Gemini 3, and the stamina of Gemini 7 astronaut Frank Borman, said to have gone nine days in orbit without defecating. An adequate selection of period photos offers glimpses of grimly smiling astronauts of both sexes, as well as clear views of space food, space toilets, and ground-based training facilities. VERDICT Along with plenty of laughter, this work may engender even more respect for the toughness of those first generations of space travelers.-John Edward Peters

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 1, 2021
Grades 4-7 *Starred Review* Best-selling, popular-science writer Roach ditches her usual audience (adults) for that of the middle-grade kid (her true kindred spirit) in this entertaining young reader's edition of Packing for Mars (2010). Streamlined to a cool seven chapters, Roach's book digs into the fun, the gross, and the unexpected challenges of space travel with a level of detail not typically seen in kid's books. The text is driven by Roach's genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for the information she imparts, and grounded in science without ever getting didactic. The majority of the book is devoted to astronauts' experiences, both in training and in space, and the science and engineering required to keep them alive and healthy. Readers will delight in the serious attention paid to bodily functions: throwing up in your helmet poses real dangers, and the chapter on space toilets (and the dreaded fecal bag) is a thing of wonder. Also covered are the challenges of showering in space, astronauts' food, and living in tight quarters with others. Photos and snippets from conversations between astronauts and mission control jazz up chapters, but the real boost comes from Roach's engaging tone and active role in what she's reporting. She doesn't just talk about parabolic, anti-gravity plane flights and spinning chairs for motion-sickness testing; she takes a ride on both. Kids will eagerly join her every step of the way.

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