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Space Taxi #1
Archie Takes Flight
Archie Morningstar learns a big family secret and helps save the universe. All before breakfast! It's not every day a regular kid like Archie gets to wake up at midnight. But today is Take Your Kid to Work Day, and Archie is finally allowed to ride along in his dad's taxi cab. He has been waiting eight years, eight months, and eight days for this moment to arrive. But he's about to discover his dad is no ordinary cab driver...In fact, he drives an intergalactic space taxi! All night long, he shuttles aliens from one corner of the universe to another. And being a space taxi copilot is no easy Archie must steer them into wormholes, keep them from crashing into planets, deal with a very unusual cat...and save the universe from an evil mastermind!Space Taxi marks the debut of a brand new chapter book series from New York Times bestselling author Wendy Mass and teacher Michael Brawer, filled with humor, adventure, and plenty of science to impress your friends and teachers!
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2014
34 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Mass
83 books3,690 followersWendy Mass is the author of thirty novels for young people, including A Mango-Shaped Space, which was awarded the Schneider Family Book Award, Leap Day, the Twice Upon a Time fairy tale series, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall, the Willow Falls, Space Taxi and Candymakers series. Wendy wrote the storyline for an episode of the television show Monk, entitled "Mr. Monk Goes to the Theatre," which aired during the show's second season. She tells people her hobbies are hiking and photography, but really they're collecting candy bar wrappers and searching for buried treasure with her metal detector. Wendy lives with her family in New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
August 10, 2015
Occasionally, I will pick up a book that I have never heard of because I like the cover and the title. That’s what I did with this book and look where it got me? SUCKED INTO YET ANOTHER SERIES. Curse all the cute kid books. They’re always sucking me in with their adorableness and I am left to deal with the consequences.
Reasons to read this book
-It features a talking alien cat nicknamed Pockets. This reminds me of that time when I was in third grade and wrote a story about an alien family whose dog started talking (but that’s beside the point.)
-Archie is 8 years 8 months 8 days old and his life is about to change. He is going to find out that his dad is not just any taxi driver; his dad is a space taxi driver. His dad travels across galaxies (and gets to use wormholes) to pick up his customers.
-An adorable father son relationship
-Aliens, outerspace, crime fighting cats!!!!!!
-Also cuteness.
I need to get my hands on book 2 soon...
Reasons to read this book
-It features a talking alien cat nicknamed Pockets. This reminds me of that time when I was in third grade and wrote a story about an alien family whose dog started talking (but that’s beside the point.)
-Archie is 8 years 8 months 8 days old and his life is about to change. He is going to find out that his dad is not just any taxi driver; his dad is a space taxi driver. His dad travels across galaxies (and gets to use wormholes) to pick up his customers.
-An adorable father son relationship
-Aliens, outerspace, crime fighting cats!!!!!!
-Also cuteness.
I need to get my hands on book 2 soon...
May 27, 2014
Let’s blast off into space!
”Streaks of color fly past our windows almost faster than I can see them. I gasp as we twist and turn like we’re on the universe’s longest roller coaster.”
I loved this book! Archie Morningstar’s smile, enthusiasm, and energy shoot off the pages! I laughed and smiled right along with him as they zipped and dipped through the stars.
This is a big night for eight years, eight months, and eight days old Archie Morningstar. He is off to work with Dad in his taxi cab. But Archie is in for a world of surprise when he realizes Dad sees a lot more than just city streets. Dad’s secret is out as soon as they take off. Dad sees galaxies, wormholes, stars and aliens in his space taxi every night! Can Archie learn to navigate through this new world? Jump on board and find out.
The energy and imagination in this story are contagious. I loved every new twist and turn and word. Great read-aloud words like glob, gasp, whiz and loop-de-loops. Haha…I was grinning at page three! Archie and his Dad run into fur flying fun and trouble packed with surprises. Space cat cuteness (Yes, I said space cats! Hehe…) action, laughs, facts, pictures, and heart. This book has it all! Heartfelt messages and facts are seamlessly slipped in between the action. It was perfect! Mom giving Archie an extra-long look and hug as he goes out the door—maybe seeing for the first time how fast the years fly by. And Dad! His pride is evident in every word and smile he throws Archie’s way. You can tell how much this father and son team enjoyed their space taxi ride! How much they loved sharing and spending time together.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It is sure to put a smile on your face.
Looking forward to more trips into space with Archie and his Dad!
May 29, 2019
101 pages. Great story for boys. A boy named Archie goes with his dad one night to see what he does for a living. It turns into a whole intergalactic adventure. Kids will like this one. Not too long and a fast moving plot. Highly recommended for Grades 4-5.
March 28, 2014
Full disclosure first: I met Wendy Mass at a library meet and greet yesterday, mostly because my daughter (an English teacher) was unable to attend. I had done a bit of preparation, going to the author's website to see what she had done, and downloaded one of her more recent books that caught my attention, Pi in the Sky. A quick reading in that book was sufficient to spark my interest beyond simply meeting a random author.
This chapter book was given to me, autographed to my grandson, right in the middle age of the target audience at age 8. I read it last night and thoroughly enjoyed the quirky humor and adventure involved.
It is often a mystery for children to know what their parents do all day long while they are at school. Archie Morningstar knows that his dad drives a taxi at night, and he is tremendously excited that it is Take Your Kid To Work Day, because he will be spending the night with his Dad. Is he in for a surprise! Dad operates a Space Taxi, and his fares are all over the galaxy. Archie is in for more than a speedy trip across the stars.
The book is fast paced, the characters sketched just enough to inspire the imagination of an early reader, and the story line resolves quickly, leaving nice openings for sequels. At the end of the book are some interesting science information and speculation about gravity, wormholes, and exoplanets.
My grandson finished the book and was excited to discuss it with me. He was so excited, we almost started discussing it at a family lunch, but he asked me to wait, because he didn't want to spoil it for anybody else who might want to read it. I'd say the characters, concept and plot worked well, based on his reaction.
I'm going to see what my grandson thinks of this one, and report back soon.
This chapter book was given to me, autographed to my grandson, right in the middle age of the target audience at age 8. I read it last night and thoroughly enjoyed the quirky humor and adventure involved.
It is often a mystery for children to know what their parents do all day long while they are at school. Archie Morningstar knows that his dad drives a taxi at night, and he is tremendously excited that it is Take Your Kid To Work Day, because he will be spending the night with his Dad. Is he in for a surprise! Dad operates a Space Taxi, and his fares are all over the galaxy. Archie is in for more than a speedy trip across the stars.
The book is fast paced, the characters sketched just enough to inspire the imagination of an early reader, and the story line resolves quickly, leaving nice openings for sequels. At the end of the book are some interesting science information and speculation about gravity, wormholes, and exoplanets.
My grandson finished the book and was excited to discuss it with me. He was so excited, we almost started discussing it at a family lunch, but he asked me to wait, because he didn't want to spoil it for anybody else who might want to read it. I'd say the characters, concept and plot worked well, based on his reaction.
I'm going to see what my grandson thinks of this one, and report back soon.
April 25, 2014
I read this aloud to my three year-old. It is the first chapter book I read to him. He picked it out at the library and I was doubtful about reading it because he had never sat for a story with no pictures. It was a huge hit. There are not many illustrations, but the ones that are in the story are cute and funny and help listeners to visualize the action.
Since this is the first chapter book I read aloud to my son and because he is so young, we re-read every chapter. I read two chapters at a time and then the next night, we read the same two over again. The chapters are short enough that they will hold a preschooler's attention and the content is at a younger child's level. There is no foul or questionable language and definitely a good start for reading chapter books aloud to a young child.
Since this is the first chapter book I read aloud to my son and because he is so young, we re-read every chapter. I read two chapters at a time and then the next night, we read the same two over again. The chapters are short enough that they will hold a preschooler's attention and the content is at a younger child's level. There is no foul or questionable language and definitely a good start for reading chapter books aloud to a young child.
December 28, 2014
This is story isn't just on "Take your child to work day." Archie Morningstar is introduced to his family's business of being space taxi drivers. Archie learns that he had talent for being a navigator. This is sort of like Men In Black. This first adventure has the Morningstars and Pocket the cat (secret agent) saving the world. It is a whirlwind adventure with a bit of science and humor thrown in. It would be a good read.
June 11, 2018
Space Taxi is very fun science fiction book which consists of fun science facts and knowledge about space.It is the story of 8 years old kid name Archie morning star who travels in space taxi. he is exactly 8 years eight months and eight day when he goes for adventure with his dad. It is full of adventures and science books. I recommend every one to read this cool science fiction book.
-Biswesh, PWPLS Teen Summer Reader
Click here to find the book at the Prince William County Public Library System.
Click here to find the downloadable eaudiobook at the Prince William County Public Library System.
-Biswesh, PWPLS Teen Summer Reader
Click here to find the book at the Prince William County Public Library System.
Click here to find the downloadable eaudiobook at the Prince William County Public Library System.
January 12, 2020
Message learned: Trust your intuition.
This was an adorable early reader. I'll admit, my son thought the first two chapters were a bit dull. Archie gets to go to work with his dad, who drives a taxi at night. They then go to a diner and get some breakfast.
At this point, my son had no interest in continuing, but I pointed out the clues that had been laid out (and that the name of the series was "Space Taxi") and his eyes went wide as he realized what was soon to come.
Sure enough, off Archie and his dad take off into space - in a Taxi!
The illustrations weren't my cup of tea, but they were infrequent and weren't a distraction. The story was predictable and fantastical, but still good entertainment for the younger crowd. We'll definitely read more in this series.
This was an adorable early reader. I'll admit, my son thought the first two chapters were a bit dull. Archie gets to go to work with his dad, who drives a taxi at night. They then go to a diner and get some breakfast.
At this point, my son had no interest in continuing, but I pointed out the clues that had been laid out (and that the name of the series was "Space Taxi") and his eyes went wide as he realized what was soon to come.
Sure enough, off Archie and his dad take off into space - in a Taxi!
The illustrations weren't my cup of tea, but they were infrequent and weren't a distraction. The story was predictable and fantastical, but still good entertainment for the younger crowd. We'll definitely read more in this series.
September 7, 2019
Read it to Miss 5 in a single sitting. She thought it was okay but would have liked more pictures. I think she might find it more interesting in another year or two - the talking cat working for the Intergalactic Security Force is pretty cool.
Miss 5 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
Miss 5 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
July 1, 2017
My son enthusiastically read this early chapter book out loud to me. He has been ready for chapter books for while, but it has been hard to find ones he wants to read, so I am excited that there are more books in this series. What child wouldn't want to be the co-pilot for his/her dad's space taxi? Cute story that is high interest for kids who would enjoy being in a space taxi, and there are at least one or two illustrations per chapter.
January 3, 2018
I read this to my kindergarten son and we both loved it. It’s funny (not slapstick) and has great descriptive language. it has a few pictures scattered throughout. We’re just transitioning away from picture books and my son said at one point he wished there were more pictures but that he could see what was happening really good in his head. It’s a sweet story, is set in outer space, has some suspense with enough humor to never be scary and alien cat- everything a kid needs to love a book!
April 27, 2018
Another entry into the word world of young people literature, with this one being about an interplanetary space taxi and a young person saving the day with the assistance of a race of space cats and fighting bad guys from an organisation named B.U.R.P (yes that's right, and no one knows what it stands for either)
Anyway pretty below average book with lots of exclamation points and little character development.
Anyway pretty below average book with lots of exclamation points and little character development.
November 16, 2019
Awesome series! Already hooked! It has everything a kid could ever want in a book: adventure, aliens, criminals and cops, intergalactic cat police, and so much more! Plus, in the midst of all the imaginative and quirky going-ons, the author does a great job of teaching real science/space facts sprinkled throughout! The main character is 8 years old and I think this series would be great for 3rd grade and up.
January 2, 2021
Neither of us liked this book. I was initially turned off to the downtrodden stereotype of a taxi cab driver. And then I was turned off that this guy threw his son into the fire and just forced him to learn under pressure of death. Unbelievable and just not wholesome to read to a 5 year old.
Anyway, the story wasnt very good either and my son was whining that he did not want to finish it at chapter 6. We forced our way through, no pressure though.
Anyway, the story wasnt very good either and my son was whining that he did not want to finish it at chapter 6. We forced our way through, no pressure though.
May 17, 2017
An elementary level chapter book filled with a dad's secret "taxi man" job and an out of this world adventure with plenty of twists and turns. What I liked most about this book is the main character is supposed to be an 8 year old and the "voice" in which the story is told rings true. Girls and boys alike will hop in the taxi with Archie and enjoy the ride!
November 21, 2018
It's Take Your Kid to Work Day, and Archie is excited to finally ride in his Dad's taxi. What he doesn't know is that this will not be an ordinary taxi ride. He will encounter wormholes, talking cats and the Intergalactic Security Force. Take equal parts adventure, science and humor and you get a great read by Wendy Mass and Michael Brawer.
December 14, 2018
What's not to love? Archie turns eight and gets to go with Dad on take your kid to work day in his taxi - except the taxi picks up fares all over the galaxy and it's Archies job to navigate. He also helps nab a thief and joins the intergalactic FBI, while his new partner, a cat with many talents comes to live with him. Funny, action packed, easy to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2020
This is a book I definitely recommend for those people who, like me, do not like reading science fiction. This book actually grabbed my attention and it was quite silly and easy to read. It is about a boy and how he looks up to his father. He already thinks his dad has the best job ever, but when he finds out what his dad's job really is, he is amazed and is eager to help his dad save the world!
January 31, 2022
I was drawn to this book simply by the cover and the concept of a taxi also being a spaceship. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. This would be a great book to have in a classroom for students getting used to reading chapters books, as it is not too long, and there are still pictures incorporated. I would recommend for teachers to have it in their classroom library.
February 8, 2021
My space obsessed 4yo gives this 5 stars. I'd say it's a similar level and somewhat better writing than the Magic Tree House series. I like the loving fathers depicted (cat and human alike). And of course, happy with anything that gets my kiddo hooked on reading.
March 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this easy read. I think it would be great for upper elementary or even lower middle schoolers who have lots of background knowledge about space and would enjoy the vocabulary and concepts. Plus it's a fun read.
June 1, 2023
Cute book! I read Space Taxi #1 out loud to my young children and they loved it. The content is clean and there is no agenda which we really appreciate!! (Thank you Wendy Mass!) I also purchased the next 3 books in the series and hope they are as good as the first.
May 14, 2017
Great premise -- son is father's co-pilot on an interstellar taxi -- written well. The right amount of suspense and surprise for young readers. Perfect for my second graders.
July 31, 2017
Cute early chapter book. Silly and space-y. Will probably order the series for my library.
April 26, 2018
What a ride! I really really enjoyed this fast-paced intergalactic read. It remind of my Neil Gaiman's Fortunately, the Milk and that's a good thing.
January 21, 2019
B. fiction, children's fiction, grade 2, humor, father/son, fantasy, adventure, series, (Space Taxi, #1), grandchildren book-of-the-month candidate
November 27, 2019
The charm of take-your-kid-to-work day when your Dad drives a Space Taxi. . .what's not to like? A perfect book for younger middle grade readers to enjoy and older readers to chuckle over.
October 3, 2020
Awesome readaloud book with my 3 kids, ages 5 to 10. The chapters were the perfect length. It kept their attention all the way through and we can't wait to start on the next one.
October 26, 2020
Wendy Mass is an excellent children’s chapter book author. These stories are so engaging and read aloud well for shared reading!
April 14, 2021
Fun book to read a loud
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews