Mortimer: rat race to Space

by Joan Marie Galat

A spot on the International Space Station (ISS) has opened up, and Mortimer, the journal-keeping lab rat, is not about to miss his chance to become an intergalactic space rat. And that’s just the first step in his master scheme to prove that rats are much better suited than humans when it comes to colonizing Mars.

Mortimer sets out to expose the impracticality of human astronauts by conducting experiments and recording the evidence for YouTube. As far as he’s concerned, pellet-eating rats are much easier to feed than fussy humans, and just think of all the unwashed underthings floating around the galaxy — especially when compared to the versatile rattail!

But when Mortimer’s schemes go awry, he is forced to face new truths about dreams, friendship, and choosing the right thing to do. Maybe not everything is a rat race.

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2022

About the author

Although she started making books at the age of nine, Joan Marie Galat wasn’t published until she was 12 years old, when she became a paid weekly newspaper columnist. Today she is the award-winning author of more than 25 books, with translations in eight languages. Her titles include Mortimer: Rat Race to Space (DCB), Solve This! Wild and Wacky Challenges for the Genius Engineer in You (National Geographic Kids), Stars (Scholastic USA), The Story of Malala Yousafzai (Rockridge Press), Dark Matters: Nature's Reaction to Light Pollution, and Dot to Dot in the Sky—Stories of the Aurora (Whitecap Books).

Joan shares her love of the stars in the Dot to Dot in the Sky series which combines the science of the night sky with the ancient myths that give constellations and planets their names. Her first title, Dot to Dot in the Sky, Stories in the Stars, became a best seller within six weeks of its release. As well as astronomy and mythology, Joan’s books for children explore light pollution, ecology, nature, volcanoes, wildlife, engineering, printmaking, cultural traditions, and history. Her titles include both fiction and non-fiction, often with a focus on one or more STEM or STEAM topics (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Her titles for adults include a travel guide and motivational book. A frequenter presenter, Joan offers both virtual and in-person talks and school visits.

Joan operates MoonDot Media, a communications business offering writing and editing solutions in broadcast, print, and multi-media. Her freelance jobs have encompassed writing radio and video scripts, a cartoon, magazine articles, exhibit text, speechwriting, grant applications, annual reports, and other projects. She also provides corporate training and public workshops, as well as consults for writers on query letters, manuscripts, and the submission process.

Reviews

[Shaula Corr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mortimer may be a lab rat, but I just fell in love. He is a rat on a mission and, as sometimes happens in life, he has to pause along the way to reflect on his beliefs and change course — unafraid to admit he may have been a tad wrong in his assumptions.

As Mortimer’s action-packed International Space Station adventure unfolds, he learns valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the human race. What I truly love about this story is the subtle way Joan Marie Galat weaves morality and perspectives into the tale without banging the reader over the head. Her skillful foreshadowing brings the reader to understand the issues Mortimer is forced to contemplate before he even considers changing his viewpoint, with the reader unable to resist rooting him on! Even more remarkable is Joan’s ability to blend fact into a tale of fantasy.

Every part of Mortimer’s adventure on the ISS rings true to the actual exploits of the ISS astronauts — you can almost believe a rat could become a valuable member of the orbiting team. Readers will come away feeling good about this engaging story and armed with facts that would make Chris Hadfield proud. I highly recommend this story for pleasure as well as science classrooms everywhere!

[American Mensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I began reading this book, I thought the cover was so eye catching and made me so excited to start reading! I love animals and anything space themed and I was sure it would be a good read. I really liked how Mortimer and some of his friends are named after types of cheeses and I thought it was fun to read about them all. I do think Mortimer was very sneaky at the beginning and at first, I didn't agree with his character too much, but I am glad in the end he realized what was right.
This book definitely is full of fiction from the talking rats to having Mortimer use YouTube! The author made it fun to read and it's easy to follow along with the story. I thought it was cleaver how they called certain characters "Iceberg hands", however I won't tell you who those are before you read! Another character who is important in the story is Celeste and she was one of my favorites as she seems sensible and stood up for what was right. This book is probably better for kids who can read chapter books well and even adults would probably like it too.

Review by Jack H., 7, Central Florida Mensa

[Laurie Crookell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rat in space? What could be more exciting? Meet Mortimer, the rat. Mortimer is not your everyday kind of rat. Think bigger. Dream bigger. Imagine bigger. Mortimer wants to be a ratonaut, an intergalactic space rat. Mortimer's mission? To prove, once and for all, the superiority of rats over humans for colonizing Mars.

I love this book! Like triple love it!! Joan Marie Galat has written a compelling middle grade novel with a character you will fall in love with. Mortimer's mischievous actions will keep children laughing and completely engaged. With so many fascinating facts about outer space and the International Space Station (ISS) woven into the story, this book is a fabulous read and a wonderful learning resource at the same time. Children will love Mortimer's adventures as he follows his dream to become an intergalactic space rat. Go Mortimer!

[Stephanie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mortimer the rat dreams of going to space and proving rats are better suited for space than humans. When he gets a chance to go to the ISS, he tries to demonstrate how great rats are by performing experiments.

This book was super cute. Mortimer is a good main character and Boris is an excellent sidekick. I really appreciated how the author was able to mix facts about space and space travel so seamlessly into the story. I learned a lot!

I have recommended this book to the grade six teacher at my school as I think it would be an excellent read aloud companion to their outer space unit.

My only complaint about the book is that it kind of felt anti-climatic. If there were to be a sequel, it might make more sense, but as a stand alone, the ending felt rushed and kind of a let down.

[Jean Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the STEM-science-y young readers are going to love this fast-paced story about a resourceful rat who travels to the International Space Station. Readers will be cheering for Mortimer (our narrator) as he deals with challenges – both technical and interpersonal (inter-rat-ical?) – on his journey. The technical/science details are woven into the story through Mortimer’s lively narration, so that readers won’t feel as if they’re being lectured to. Rather, readers are along for the ride, and it’s a bit of a thrill ride, at that. But this is also a story about interacting with colleagues/friends, making choices, and recognizing when it’s time to do the right thing, even if that’s hard. Highly recommend.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mortimer reminds me of Humphrey the classroom hamster except that Mortimer is a bit more adventurous. If I was to suggest some changes I would say that a smarty-pants rat that can perform scientific research on video and write in a journal would also be able to learn the names of the humans he works with and would also realize that talking in “rat code” INTHIYHTSIO (is not that helpful if you have to spell it out). This code is throughout the book and I found it a little annoying. However, the story is sweet and I think would be appealing for grades 3 & 4 or any student with an interest in space or rats.

[Kay S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I HIGH DISLIKE RATS, I really enjoyed this book. The space info was given in small chunks and are super manageable. The characters are cute enough to appeal to middle-graders but mature enough to think through their problems. / I'm not overly fond of the letter code system and found it heavy handed in the latter half of the book. I think it'll make a great addition to a library collection and I know exactly the kiddos I'll be sending towards this book.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fascinating and a whole lot of fun getting a glimpse of life on the International Space Station as Mortimer goes about trying to make a case for rats living on Mars. Morty is a character the 9 and 12 year olds in my life will absolutely love!

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another of the Grade 4/5 Reading Link Challenge books for 2024 - 25. The audio narration was great, and the subject matter balanced fun (including the requisite inclusion of pre-teen-level toilet humour) with some useful information related to science and space travel.

[Ron Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read indeed!

[DM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, adventurous story with loads of interesting facts. I thoroughly enjoyed reading!

[Shaunna MacDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A cute animal first-person read with great space facts throughout. Just ignore what would actually happen if a rat was found in a faulty space suit and who would be blamed for it 😅

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5* rounded up. Just not for me I think. I only finished my because it’s a Reading Link Challenge book for work. YouTuber rats in space?… I did like when they hid the underpants though lol

[Laurie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a delightful read! I loved following along with the adventures of Mortimer and his lab rat companions. I particularly enjoyed the many rat jokes and puns and the seamless presentation of what it's like to live on the International Space Station. There are some wonderfully authentic social-emotional lessons in here, too. Perfect for budding young scientists and animal lovers alike!