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Teen Astronauts #1
Houston, Is There A Problem?
Thirteen-year-old Houston Williams is smart. Very smart. So no one is surprised when he earns a scholarship to attend a prestigious NASA space camp. At the training facility he immediately bonds with his new team, including a girl named Teal. He also clashes with a girl on a rival team named Ashley, who matches or beats him in every exercise. The three of them impress the directors so much they are invited to join a top-secret research project that studies how space travel affects people of different ages. But only two of them will actually be going into space. Houston will do whatever it takes to make sure he's picked.
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2021
4 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Eric Walters
156 books908 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 28, 2021
I will definitely read the second book too. This was a fun read, especially if you're into space, and space travel, presented in a realistic way. Houston is a 13yo who wins a scholarship to a space camp, but then learns it's actually a top secret audition for a new Teen Astronaut Program to send teens into space to study the effects of long-term microgravity on younger humans. The story is exciting, the characters are endearing, and the facts are realistic. The build-up definitely makes us eager for book two!
Content warning to note: Underage drinking. There is one scene where two 13yo's share a flask of cherry brandy. Nothing really comes of the fact that they're drinking. Adults catch them, but just tell them to hide it and they won't report it. This aspect of that scene seemed unnecessary to the story or the characters, in my opinion, and odd that the adults didn't say anything about it. Nor did it ever come up again in the rest of the book. For me, I would still let my 13yo read this book, but use that scene as a discussion starter about alcohol.
Content warning to note: Underage drinking. There is one scene where two 13yo's share a flask of cherry brandy. Nothing really comes of the fact that they're drinking. Adults catch them, but just tell them to hide it and they won't report it. This aspect of that scene seemed unnecessary to the story or the characters, in my opinion, and odd that the adults didn't say anything about it. Nor did it ever come up again in the rest of the book. For me, I would still let my 13yo read this book, but use that scene as a discussion starter about alcohol.
August 25, 2021
I’ve long considered Eric Walters to be my favourite author of all-time, so I was beyond thrilled to receive an e-ARC of his upcoming middle-grade release, “Houston, Is There a Problem?” from Orca Book Publishers through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review!
Our story follows 13-year-old Houston, who receives a full scholarship to a prestigious NASA-affiliated Space Camp. While there he meets the intriguing Teal, and the troublesome Ashley, but what neither of them knows is that this Space Camp is ANYTHING but ordinary, and it isn’t long until they’re recruited into the top-secret Teen Astronauts Program. But there’s only 2 places on the Shuttle and with 3 contestants, the derision of some older astronauts, the rigorous training and the behind-the-scenes machinations of the higher-ups, getting to space is bound to be a bumpy ride.
I’ve long been interested in space and space history, and like most boys, I dreamed of being an astronaut at one point. I’ve also loved every single Eric Walters book I’ve ever read, so this book was no exception, and it really was a perfect read for me.
The concept of this book was unique and intriguing, and Eric’s writing was as engaging and accessible as it always is. I really enjoyed Houston as a main character, and it was really great to read about both his personal growth and the evolution of his relationships with Teal and Ashley over the course of the novel. I also particularly enjoyed seeing the rigours of astronaut training portrayed, without it feeling completely unrealistic or dull. Perhaps the most important thing I can say however is that, immediately upon finishing Book 1, I wanted to read a 2nd book, so I’m thrilled that this will be a series and I can’t wait to see what’s next for all of our characters!
With this novel, Eric has started his new series off on a perfect note. With each book I read by him, he further cements himself as my all-time favourite author. Whether he’s writing middle-grade or YA, he is a masterful storyteller, and if you’re looking for a fun, engaging, accessible read about space, this book will definitely deliver!
Many thanks to Eric Walters, Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book early!
Our story follows 13-year-old Houston, who receives a full scholarship to a prestigious NASA-affiliated Space Camp. While there he meets the intriguing Teal, and the troublesome Ashley, but what neither of them knows is that this Space Camp is ANYTHING but ordinary, and it isn’t long until they’re recruited into the top-secret Teen Astronauts Program. But there’s only 2 places on the Shuttle and with 3 contestants, the derision of some older astronauts, the rigorous training and the behind-the-scenes machinations of the higher-ups, getting to space is bound to be a bumpy ride.
I’ve long been interested in space and space history, and like most boys, I dreamed of being an astronaut at one point. I’ve also loved every single Eric Walters book I’ve ever read, so this book was no exception, and it really was a perfect read for me.
The concept of this book was unique and intriguing, and Eric’s writing was as engaging and accessible as it always is. I really enjoyed Houston as a main character, and it was really great to read about both his personal growth and the evolution of his relationships with Teal and Ashley over the course of the novel. I also particularly enjoyed seeing the rigours of astronaut training portrayed, without it feeling completely unrealistic or dull. Perhaps the most important thing I can say however is that, immediately upon finishing Book 1, I wanted to read a 2nd book, so I’m thrilled that this will be a series and I can’t wait to see what’s next for all of our characters!
With this novel, Eric has started his new series off on a perfect note. With each book I read by him, he further cements himself as my all-time favourite author. Whether he’s writing middle-grade or YA, he is a masterful storyteller, and if you’re looking for a fun, engaging, accessible read about space, this book will definitely deliver!
Many thanks to Eric Walters, Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book early!
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August 8, 202113 year old Houston is used to being the smartest person in the room, bu when he's offered a scholarship to a prestigious space camp, he finds himself surrounded by the best of the best. Houston, Teal, and Ashley rise to the top of the ranks and are offered the incredible opportunity to go into space. The catch? There's only room for two of them.
One aspect of this book that I enjoyed was the detail in the training scenes and simulations. Who hasn't imagined going to space? I know as a kid that I would have LOVED the opportunity to be an astronaut - or at least the opportunity to pretend through reading. The variety of situations that the characters found themselves in were a good mix of science and adventure - the exercises themselves were realistic even if the ages of the participants weren't. (Which is the whole fun of middle grade fiction, in my opinion!)
There's also a theme of teamwork and loyalty here, which was really nice. Even in a competitive situation, the main characters realize that they need to work together and trust each other, and they routinely stick up for each other in the face of authority.
One thing that I didn't love is that there's a scene where Houston and Teal are on the rooftop, and Teal is drinking alcohol and offers Houston some. I think it was a way to establish some backstory and part of Teal's character, but I didn't think it was necessary and didn't love casual drinking being promoted for 13 year olds, especially since this is a middle grade novel. That said, it isn't enough to make me not share it with students - but if I was doing this as a read aloud for my third graders, I'd skip over that section.
This was a very solid middle grade read. In terms of reading level, I would say it's probably accessible for a typical beginning fourth grade independent reader and up. In terms of content, I would say it's accessible for third grade and up (not counting previous scene) and could really see it being enjoyed through middle school. I love the science and adventure aspects in this, as well as the inclusion of girls in STEM! As I was reading it, I could think of a few students I've had in the past who would find this right up their alley. Overall, I would recommend this and think it has a wide appeal.
Thank you to Orca Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
One aspect of this book that I enjoyed was the detail in the training scenes and simulations. Who hasn't imagined going to space? I know as a kid that I would have LOVED the opportunity to be an astronaut - or at least the opportunity to pretend through reading. The variety of situations that the characters found themselves in were a good mix of science and adventure - the exercises themselves were realistic even if the ages of the participants weren't. (Which is the whole fun of middle grade fiction, in my opinion!)
There's also a theme of teamwork and loyalty here, which was really nice. Even in a competitive situation, the main characters realize that they need to work together and trust each other, and they routinely stick up for each other in the face of authority.
One thing that I didn't love is that there's a scene where Houston and Teal are on the rooftop, and Teal is drinking alcohol and offers Houston some. I think it was a way to establish some backstory and part of Teal's character, but I didn't think it was necessary and didn't love casual drinking being promoted for 13 year olds, especially since this is a middle grade novel. That said, it isn't enough to make me not share it with students - but if I was doing this as a read aloud for my third graders, I'd skip over that section.
This was a very solid middle grade read. In terms of reading level, I would say it's probably accessible for a typical beginning fourth grade independent reader and up. In terms of content, I would say it's accessible for third grade and up (not counting previous scene) and could really see it being enjoyed through middle school. I love the science and adventure aspects in this, as well as the inclusion of girls in STEM! As I was reading it, I could think of a few students I've had in the past who would find this right up their alley. Overall, I would recommend this and think it has a wide appeal.
Thank you to Orca Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 2, 2021
Eric Walters’s newest series opens with a contest disguised as a space camp. The premise—young teens training for and unknowingly competing for an opportunity to become an astronaut—is obviously appealing, especially to readers who like high-stakes adventure and stories about space. Through Houston’s eyes we get to see all the different elements of astronaut training, from puzzle building underwater to zero-gravity simulations in airplanes. These aspects of training are brought realistically and believably to life by Walters, who actually attended such a space camp as part of his research for this book. The concepts of commitment and teamwork carry throughout the novel.
The story itself, however, falls somewhat flat. There don’t seem to be any real stakes for the three teen characters, who go to the original camp in the same way any young person might go to a specialized camp during the summer: It’s interesting and it’s something to do. But it doesn’t actually matter. Ashley, one of the three, is initially set up as an antagonist, but she becomes a friend once they are chosen to undergo additional training. Captain Sutcliffe enters the story during their astronaut training as the new antagonist, but really comes off as just an inexplicably immature and spiteful adult, who actually has no bearing on whether the teens will be accepted into the mission or not. And instead of danger, suspense or hazard, the action scenes each turn out to be highly controlled exercises organized by NASA to test the youngsters, all of which undermines the agency of the characters. They are carried along by the adults in the book.
This novel begins with an exciting premise but ultimately reads more as a description of the training regimen of astronauts than a compelling story about young people overcoming obstacles. Those who have an interest in space and astronauts will enjoy reading this book. A sequel is forthcoming. Hopefully, once the teens are actually in space, they will be empowered to meet challenges and perils that only they can resolve.
With thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.
This review also appears on www.yadudebooks.ca.
The story itself, however, falls somewhat flat. There don’t seem to be any real stakes for the three teen characters, who go to the original camp in the same way any young person might go to a specialized camp during the summer: It’s interesting and it’s something to do. But it doesn’t actually matter. Ashley, one of the three, is initially set up as an antagonist, but she becomes a friend once they are chosen to undergo additional training. Captain Sutcliffe enters the story during their astronaut training as the new antagonist, but really comes off as just an inexplicably immature and spiteful adult, who actually has no bearing on whether the teens will be accepted into the mission or not. And instead of danger, suspense or hazard, the action scenes each turn out to be highly controlled exercises organized by NASA to test the youngsters, all of which undermines the agency of the characters. They are carried along by the adults in the book.
This novel begins with an exciting premise but ultimately reads more as a description of the training regimen of astronauts than a compelling story about young people overcoming obstacles. Those who have an interest in space and astronauts will enjoy reading this book. A sequel is forthcoming. Hopefully, once the teens are actually in space, they will be empowered to meet challenges and perils that only they can resolve.
With thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.
This review also appears on www.yadudebooks.ca.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2022
This may be one of my books of the year, Houston is such an interesting protagonist and one that I feel like fits to what I've always wanted from a character, someone who's honest and curious, while holding his ground and working towards what he wants. I know it's not meant to be that deep, but there's such a good energy here and it's so hopeful for our future that I can't help but have enjoyed every moment. I can't wait for the sequel, who doesn't love reading about space? And to have a group of characters like Houston, Teal, and Ashley around I can't wait to see what happens next.
July 2, 2025
In general, this book is pretty fun! The concept was interesting and the teen characters were likable.
However, it has the same problems I've noticed in a few other Eric Walters books. Many adults act more like teenagers than the actual teen characters (even more irritating in this one, considering that real astronauts get tested on their personality and teamwork skills to make sure they can work together effectively). The pacing also felt off, and the ending was rushed and abrupt.
Luckily, it still leaves me interested enough to read the sequels!
However, it has the same problems I've noticed in a few other Eric Walters books. Many adults act more like teenagers than the actual teen characters (even more irritating in this one, considering that real astronauts get tested on their personality and teamwork skills to make sure they can work together effectively). The pacing also felt off, and the ending was rushed and abrupt.
Luckily, it still leaves me interested enough to read the sequels!
December 20, 2025
I did not like this book very much, yet I have enjoyed so many of the author’s books in the past. As I was reading, I tried to put my finger on why… then I realized that it was because all the characters are obnoxious and unlikeable. The space training was interesting enough I guess, but nothing that you haven’t already seen in every movie made about the space program.
I highly recommend Flyboy, Safe as Houses, King of Jam Sandwiches, and the Camp X series.
I highly recommend Flyboy, Safe as Houses, King of Jam Sandwiches, and the Camp X series.
September 1, 2021
A superb middle-grade novel - and first in a series - featuring a Teen Astronaut Program, likeable characters and important themes of perseverance, leadership, and growth mindset.
Full review to be published via CM Magazine (U of Manitoba).
Full review to be published via CM Magazine (U of Manitoba).
September 24, 2024
No, Houston, there is not a problem.
June 19, 2025
2025- My 12 yo son liked it.
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September 23, 2023I was a few chapters in when I noticed that he had written that John Glenn was the first man in space - it was Yuri Gagarin. I had been reading it to my son and I found an error like that to be very strange in a book about astronauts.
January 22, 2022
Another great story from Eric Walters. This book is destined for my grandson, but of course I had to read it first. Looking forward to #2, Boldly Go.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews