To Space and Back

by Sally Ride, Susan Okie

Much has been written about the vast scientific importance of space exploration, but very little about the human side of being a m, ember of an astronaut crew. In this book, with the help of journalist Susan Okie, Sally Ride shares the personal experience of traveling into space.

Astronauts live, sleep, eat, and work in conditions totally unlike anything we know here on Earth. Everything they do is affected by weightlessness. The simplest of daily routines, such as preparing meals or getting dressed, is a challenge to human ingenuity. Astronauts live and work as members of a team -- each a highly trained expert in a particular field. The cheerful enthusiasm with which they adapt to the special environment of space is testimony to their total commitment to their work.

Written especially with a young audience in mind, To Space and Back answers questions frequently asked by space enthusiasts of all ages. It also reveals that the remarkable men and women who have chosen to pioneer the frontiers of space are first and foremost unique individuals -- like all of us.

Genres: Science, Space, Nonfiction, Childrens

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Dr. Sally Kristen Ride (May 26, 1951–July 23, 2012) was an American astronaut and physicist. Born in Los Angeles, she joined NASA in 1978 and became the first American woman in space in 1983. Ride was the third woman in space overall, after USSR cosmonauts Valentina Tereshkova (1963) and Svetlana Savitskaya (1982). Ride remains the youngest American astronaut to have traveled to space, having done so at the age of 32. After flying twice on the Orbiter Challenger, she left NASA in 1987.

Ride worked for two years at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Arms Control, then at the University of California, San Diego as a professor of physics, primarily researching nonlinear optics and Thomson scattering. She served on the committees that investigated the Challenger and Columbia Space Shuttle disasters, the only person to participate in both. Ride died of pancreatic cancer on July 23, 2012.

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously this book is older now, but it's still pretty freaking cool. Sally Ride took some excellent photos during her trip to space. She explains the workings of the space shuttle, satellite repair, and astronaut daily life concisely and clearly. I definitely learned some things, and I bet despite its age, a lot of kids will still find this one valuable.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Sally Ride put together an excellent book on life in space for early readers.

[Zoii Vogt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was short and very informational. I loved all of the pictures astronauts have taken from space inside the spacecraft and of the planet. I also liked that Sally wrote about her mission and drew a diagram of the spacecraft so the reader understood what she was talking about.

[tyRonE hArDing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and interesting about life inside the shuttle. (audio)

[sal]

The first book of 2024! Lovely!

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably dated but interesting.

[Velma Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A family look at going into space.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an easy-to-read book describing the astronaut's experience before and during a space flight. Sally and Susan Okie did a good job making the space experience interesting for "young people." The pictures are excellent images of inside and outside the space craft. I am going to give copies of this book to some of our grandchildren to expand their knowledge and interests. Thanks Sally.

[Katya Epstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for kids, say 5-8, who want to be astronauts. Doesn't get into any of the science, but answers all of the questions kids might have about what it's like to be in space, including the obvious ones about eating, sleeping, moving around, and yes, using the toilet. Written in plain, excited English, with lots of big full-colour photographs to illustrate what is being described.

[dogluvers867 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally loved it! THis book really gave me a feel of what it's like in space and Sally Ride made me want to become an astronaut. Just her vivid description and pictures and just.. random things I totally loved. There was not one part about that book that I loved. Great pics!

~Audrey**

[Sophia]

I read this book obsessively as a kid.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for anyone who is interested in learning more about space.

[Mermarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

R.I.P Sally! <3

[Mellanie C]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14680111

[Kate Taelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 8yr old daughter and I read this together. My daughter was able to read most of it and understand it. We both found it incredibly interesting. I highly recommend it.