Space on Earth: How Thinking Like an Astronaut Can Help Save the Planet

Gr 2-4--Living on a space station is the ultimate survival situation--the scientists have a finite amount of resources and can't just run to the store if they run out of water, food, or fuel. As anticipated, astronaut Williams and author Pruessen provide sound scientific explanations for Earth's water cycle and the makeup of oxygen. Those descriptions are followed with how astronauts use the limited amount of water and oxygen they brought from earth into orbit, and how readers can utilize some of those principles to conserve water and create cleaner air. Food waste and food shortage issues are also covered, a welcome topic, though all the "Think Like an Astronaut" advice is written to children whose families don't require food assistance programs. Kids won't be able to enact much of the conservation guidance tips in the waste and fuel sections alone, but the evidence-based explanations will make it easy for them to convince their caregivers to help them make household changes. For readers looking for ways to do more for the planet, this will be an exciting read. VERDICT A strong selection for most libraries.--Abby Bussen