How Do You Burp in Space?

by Susan E. Goodman

How Do You Burp in Space? tells that it is not a story or imagination, but a guidebook based on the existing history of exploring space and the knowledge of predication of space travel. From this novel perspective, little readers may know much more knowledge about space and astronauts and it may cultivate their interest to the exploration of outer space.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Space, Middle Grade, Picture Books, Juvenile, Childrens

103 pages, Paperback

First published September 4, 2012

About the author

Susan E. Goodman is the author of more than thirty nonfiction books for children, including How Do You Burp in Space?; See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House;All in Just One Cookie, an ALA Notable Book; and On This Spot, a Washington Post Top Picture Book of the Year. She lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

from https://us.macmillan.com/author/susan...

see also http://www.carolhurst.com/authors/sgo...

Reviews

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Text Structure
Combination (Question and Answer, Description, Problem and Solution)

Text Features
Index, glossary, timeline, pictures, headings, table of contents, games, special text

Twin Text
Kelly, M. (2015). Astrotwins: Project blastoff. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.

Rationale
I selected Astrotwins and How Do You Burp in Space? as twin texts because both books are about space travel. More specifically, both present various problems and solutions presented with space flight and space travel. In Astrotwins, the main characters design and build their own space capsule and rocket launcher for a science fair project; the children actually launch one of the team members into space! Of course, this is pure fiction, but as children read this book, they will learn about a lot of accurate space concepts: how to train for space flight, how a space ship gets into space, what to wear in space, what food is best to eat in space, what to see in space, how to safely return to earth, and more. How Do You Burp in Space? covers all of these same topics. I would actually use the nonfiction book to introduce students to these concepts, since the book is shorter, has lots of great information presented in a condensed manner, and uses a lot of pictures and diagrams to explain potentially complicated material. This would prepare the students for the more technical information presented in Astrotwins.

Strategy Application: DR-TA
I would use a Directed Reading-Thinking Activity to help students make connections between these texts. I would start by showing How Do You Burp in Space? to the class. After doing some opening moves (looking at the cover, making predictions about the book based on pre-existing knowledge and the cover art, reading the title, getting students' responses to the title), I would read the Introduction and Chapter 1: Planning Your Trip aloud, taking time to look at the pictures and to let students respond to the information. I would then skip to page 39 and read about space food (which will answer the burping question presented in the title!) and continue with pages 40-46, which are the first 6 pages of Chapter 6: What to See and Do (again, I would allow time for students to discuss what they are learning and to look at pictures and other text features). I would start with just these sections because they will get students interested in the topic of space travel and introduce them to some basic concepts without overloading them with too much information all at once.

Over the next several weeks, the class would read Astrotwins. Using the knowledge gained from reading the introductory sections of How Do You Burp in Space?, students would make predictions about Astrotwins: What do you think this book is about? (read the synopsis from the dust jacket) What do you think the twins will do? Do you think they will be able to make their own space ship? Do you think they will have any problems? I would record students' predictions on a class chart.

Students would then begin reading Astrotwins. Since the general topic order is roughly the same in both Astrotwins and How Do You Burp? -- build ship, train for flight, plan what to bring, blastoff, take in the sights, potential problems, returning to earth -- I would read the appropriate section of How Do You Burp in Space? to the class before students then read the corresponding section in Astrotwins. Each time, students would make predictions of what would happen in the chapter book based on the information they read about in the nonfiction book, and I would record this information on the class chart. We would also look back at previous predictions to see whether or not they were correct.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe how optimistic this book is for space travel but at the same time inspiring. I can't imagine a kid reading this book and not wanting to grow up and be an astronaut! It made me even consider a career change. To me the best part of this book was the fact that it didn't say "if" we have commercialized space travel, but "when" we have it. The author is so convincing it is going to happen, this book of honestly useless information for someone stuck on earth all of a sudden becomes vital to your future. It felt as if I had to read this book in order to be prepared for what is to come. This book is my ticket to outer space. I'd love to believe this book is correct and it would be cool to take a day trip to space. Unfortunately according to this book right now that would cost me $20,000,000. I'll start saving now, maybe in a couple years... The McHughs have it on their places of lists to visit. Someday!

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun little book about what it's like to be in space. Here's a couple fun facts I learned:

*Each pound costs $10,000 for the space shuttle to bring.
*NASA uses "Mission Elapsed Time" (MET) to measure time in space since they pass through a time zone every four minutes.
*One astronaut, Suni Williams, had signed up to run the Boston Marathon but she was still in space so she ran it on the space treadmill.
*Coca Cola wanted to be the first soft drink in space but carbonation makes you burp and the burps in space bring up everything else too. Yikes!

My only complaint was the little cartoons the sometimes drew over the real photos. I'd rather see the complete photo.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son really enjoyed this book. There were a lot of fun facts and information about space, all of which he thought were really cool. I liked this book too, but there was something about the way it was written that didn't flow too well for me as I read it to him. Also, the blue pages with the whitewashing behind the text made it hard for me to see the actual text. I don't know if anyone else has had this issue, but it wasn't pleasant.

[Stephanie Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun and engaging book with awesome photos, illustrations, quotes, and examples. It describes space life in a humorous, yet true way preparing you for a trip into space (which is more possible than we may imagine!). It makes me want to be a space tourist when that becomes available! So excited to use this in my classroom this coming year with our space theme.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book on interesting facts to know about what it would be like to be in outer space. After reading several books on outer space, this was a fun read and lots of good facts to know.

[Heather Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

megan summer reading 2018, children's book, nonfiction, outer space, travel

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for booktalking. Also one of this year's selections for Battle of the Books (in my area).

[yaashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was good

[Lisa Huninghake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of cool facts about space along with fun anecdotes and interesting photographs.

[Maddi Petro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read and taught me stuff I didn't know before.

[Kristi Betts · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of this reminiscing and traveling down memory lane has to do with the book I just finished reading, How Do You Burp in Space?: And Other Tips Every Space Tourist Needs to Know by Susan E. Goodman. Now I know that space travel has been occurring my entire lifetime and for many years prior to my birth. I also know there are currently people bidding to be one of the first tourists in space. What I didn't expect was a book of tips to be written at this point for those space tourists. I really thought it was too far in the future to even be considered with at this time. In fact, the reason I chose this particular book to read was the title. I mean who doesn't want to know how to burp in space?!?

Ms. Goodman's delightful book for children (8 - 12) targets the exact population for potential space tourists. I found the layout of the book to be well organized with chapter headings including : Planning Your Trip, Getting There, Getting Oriented, Accommodations, Dining, What to See and Do, Going Home, and Learning More About Space on Earth. The text included in each chapter is clear and very informative. It is quick read and provides a number of interesting facts. Did you know that it costs approximately "$10,000 for the shuttle to carry each pound of weight into orbit"? Each astronaut is limited to 2 pounds of personal items. Plan your packing very carefully.

I was intrigued with the information provided in this tourist guide and truly believe anyone with a passion for space will also find this book an enjoyable read. Did you know your watch will not help you to know the time when in space? Astronauts measure time using Mission Elapsed Time (MET). The time begins at launch and is read as how many days, hours, minutes, and seconds have elapsed since take off. Throughout the book there are beautiful photographs showing various shots taken while in space of the earth, astronauts, and equipment. Also included are astronaut quotes, and personal stories of space travel. The inclusion of astronaut expressions, favorite menu items for the astronauts from other countries working on the International Space Station, and exactly how one uses the bathroom in space will be points especially favored by most readers.

I'm not sure if I would ever consider taking a luxury trip to the moon, but if I were to pursue such an adventure I now know a little bit more about planning my trip, how to prepare myself for launch and re-entry, as well as the items I should not pack for the journey.

I would highly recommend this book for school and public libraries serving children from 8 - 12. I'm sure younger and older children alike would be interested in the topic and find this book to be not only fun, but also very informative. Who knows, the readers of this book may in fact take their own children on a very different "road" trip in the future. One that leads them on a journey to places far beyond our imagination.


*To comply with new guidelines introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, Bloomsbury USA has provided a complimentary electronic copy of this book through NetGalley.com.

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary
Did you know if you cry in space, the tears just stay in your eyes because of the reduced gravity? Or did you realize that each member of a space flight is allowed only 2 pounds of personal supplies because the fuel costs approximately $10,000 per pound!!

In this relatively short "travel guide", the reader gets a taste of what might be experienced if one were to travel into space. Starting from take-off, the author describes what the travelers might see, feel and do in space. It contains factual information combined with some entertaining humor. Some things the reader will learn include what to expect during take off, what microgravity feels like, what astronauts do for fun, and what daily activities, such as eating (and yes, using the bathroom) will be like.

My Thoughts

I was very happy I decided to read this book. It is not the type of book I usually choose to read. I found it to be very entertaining and informative. Having only seen clips of space travel on the news, I knew very little about what astronauts actually do in space. I never really thought about how difficult everyday things could be in microgravity. Think about it. So much of what we do every day relies on gravity such as brushing our teeth, drinking, and eating just to name a few.

The author also describes what can be seen looking down on Earth from space. Space travelers might see erupting volcanoes, and storm systems as they look back on the "big blue marble". The book contains photographs of real astronauts in space interspersed with some cute cartoon-ish characters that I think kids will really like. Throughout the book, there are interesting quotes from real astronauts. A timeline of space travel and suggestions for further reading are at the end. At 80 pages, the book is not too long, but is long enough to engage a wide range of readers.

For more view my blog post http://thelatebloomersbookblog.blogsp...

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

How Do You Burp in Space?: And Other Tips Every Space Tourist Needs to Know by Susan E. Goodman with illustrations by Michael Slack is a fun and informative book about what it is really like to be an astronaut, and the possibility of experiencing it first hand in the future. The book is set up like a travel guide for someone taking a trip into space, and answers important questions, like what to pack, where you might sleep, what you might do for fun, and of course what would happen if you burped in space. While actually commercial spaceflight might still be a long way off, at least for those of us that are not millionaires, this book can inspire young and old alike to look at the sky a little different and dream about the possibilities.

How Do You Burp in Space? is a well researched book that manages to impart a large amount of facts in a way that is extremely fun and can spark the imagination of those that read it. While I doubt I will ever be a space tourist, I am sure that it will happen one day. Perhaps my kids, and some of the young readers of this book, will have the chance in their lifetimes. The facts are sometimes very humorous, and occasionally a little icky, but life is like that even in space. It made me think about how hard it must be to do even the most simpler tasks while in orbit, and I am not sure I really want to have the experience. Fun cartoons about the material are interspersed through out the book, along with photographs and quotes from astronauts.

Anyone with an interest in space, space travel, or just some curiosity about what it might be like in space, will find something worthwhile in How Do You Burp in Space?. It is both fun and entertaining, with simple things to interest even the youngest readers along with some more technical information about microgravity. I highly recommend it to anyone even vaguely interested in the subject.

[Teresa Scherping Moulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

People take vacations all over the world, and someday soon you may be able to take a vacation to outer space! If you're lucky enough to take a trip orbiting earth or landing on the moon, here are some things you should know. Eating in space can be tricky with everything floating around, so you'll have to get used to eating from a tray that's strapped to your legs, with magnetic silverware and sticky food in pouches. If you like playing with your food, you can play M&Ms baseball or drink orange juice with chopsticks! But there's no soda in space - burping can cause a big mess! When it's time for bed, you'll have to be strapped to a wall. There are no beds in space because they'd just float away! Find out all this and much more in this informative and fun nonfiction guide.

This book had a lot of fun information that will get you thinking about how life is different in microgravity. I liked the photos of real astronauts, and it seemed like there were almost more women astronauts pictured than men! The book is structured in short sections with lots of pictures that might make it more friendly for reluctant readers. It definitely has its gross-out moments, which kids will probably love. Hopefully a book like this would inspire kids to learn more about space as a future career or at least dream about an outer space vacation.

I would recommend this for grades 3-6, especially fans of space or science and reluctant readers. Really, anyone who's curious about space will want to pick this up. Readalikes include You Are the First Kid on Mars by Patrick O'Brien and My Tourist Guide to the Solar System and Beyond by Lewis Dartnell.

[Jim Erekson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This reboot of the familiar 'what is it like in space' book distinguishes itself by adding material about the new commercial space flight programs, which makes the 'tourist' point of view more viable. The bulk of the book covers already-known territory, recounting in guide-book format how things like eating, going to the bathroom, and sleeping work for astronauts. Without the material on the new commercial flights, this would be mostly a recycling of information from shuttle- and Apollo-era books on the same topic. The nice thing is that in previous books, the guide-book format only worked if you accepted the idea that you might one day become an astronaut (odds?), but now the idea is that it's only a matter of time and scale to figure out how more people will get this experience.

In the end, I wished this book had been more speculative about the future of space travel for everyday people instead of revisiting just the familiar topics. The ideas of moon resorts and suborbital microgravity experiences is so fun to think about, but still seems so far away and unrealistic. I would have liked to read more on that future.

The cartoon illustrations correspond to the text, and often are drawn over photographs from past space missions to illustrate a point. There is no narrative thread to the illustrated storyboard. Each illustration is a topical stand-alone.

[Celeste]

How Do You Burp in Space? And Other Tips Every Space Tourist Needs to Know is a humorous and accurate nonfiction book that explores the past, present, and future of space travel. It can be classified in the genres of nonfiction, space travel, and science as it focuses on the real experiences of astronauts who have been in space. This book will appeal to students in the intermediate grade levels of 3rd through 6th grade because it is funny, has great illustrations and photographs, and is full of interesting facts. It makes a great use of all nonfiction text features, including a timeline of space travel. This book was copyrighted in 2013.

A twin text I would recommend for this book is Cakes in Space, by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre. This chapter book will grab the attention of developing readers with its creative illustrations and hold the interest of advanced readers with its hilarious story line. The books can be connected because How Do You Burp in Space? explores the rigors of preparing for space travel while Cakes in Space is a fictional narrative of a child who's family is moving to space. Students will be able to make connections between real space travel and fantasy space travel through the comparing and contrasting of both of these funny, space books.

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable nonfiction book about the details of living in space with virtually no gravity to determine right side up and upside down. What do you eat? How do you go to the bathroom? How do you bathe, sleep, exercise, go outside? Can you really drink balls of juice you catch with chopsticks? And what's there to do up there, anyway?

Easily read material covering all sorts of things you've wondered about but had no idea where to find answers to your questions. The book is printed on multicolored pages with text mixed in with photos of actual astronauts in space, comments by astronauts, and graphics (stand alone drawings or added to the photos). The format is lively and fun and should help keep the reluctant reader's attention.

Written for about grade 4 through grade 8 although it's interesting enough that many teens and adults will enjoy reading it too.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever dreamed of visiting the moon or traveling in outer space? You might not need to be an astronaut to make these dreams come true. Commercial space flights are happening and might be more accessible in the future. If you were to vacation on the moon you will need to read this book to learn all about how things will be different there than at your regular holiday destination. Simple things like eating and using the bathroom are unique in an outer space environment. And you definitely need to read this before packing so you know what your baggage restrictions are. This is a fun and informative book for all ages. The photos and eye-catching illustrations add a nice touch that will draw the readers in.

[Joanne Zienty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a nonfiction aficionado so I am always looking for great nonfiction books for my students. This one's on this year's Illinois Bluestem list. It's good, not great, but, as with last year's The Truth about Poop, I think kids will gravitate towards it, no pun intended. It's written as a tour guide for future space "tourists," and includes a wealth of factoids and quotes from a number of astronauts about their experiences. Kids will enjoy the gross-out factor, which includes explanations on how astronauts pee and poop, including their use of "maximum absorption garments," NASA-speak for adult diapers.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This non-fiction book is all about planning your trip into space, because everyone knows we will be able to vacation there someday. Right? The book tells you what not to pack (money, postcards, etc.), because you are not on a normal vacation! Readers even learn tips on how to eat in space and keep clean in space. It is a very neat book. Kids will love it because of the amusing pictures and quirky comments that are highlighted throughout the book. Kids might not know it, but they are learning about space, as they are reading a book that they love!

[Bmack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. It is like a travel guide to visiting space and has all kinds of fun facts about what you need to know to have a good experience. It was fun to think about what I would take to space with me. Astronauts can only take 2 lbs. of personal items. Luckily they provide the toothpaste! Some things I might think of taking don't make sense because of the lack of gravity. This book is really well done with great illustrations and fun content. Very fast read.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun little read; you don't even realize that you're learning as you read because it's quite charming to read. However, I found it a bit gimmicky for my taste. Still, I learned a lot and it was very fast. The concept of space tourism is a fun thing to imagine, makes it feel almost like you're reading sci-fi but it is actually all facts with very little speculation. Still, the speculation that was there annoyed me.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A humorous, yet factual 'guide-book' for recreational space travel. Kids will get a glimpse into the future, as author Goodman tells us what we can expect once tourist sites and accommodations are available on the Moon, Mars, and other-worldly places.

The cartoon-ish characters superimposed on real-life astronauts is creepy and inappropriate.

Includes a glossary, space timeline, bibliography, quotation sources, and index.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an informative, kid-friendly introduction to the everyday realities of space travel that is organized intelligently and has a very good visual layout. It's filled with lots of hope for the future of space exploration (and, by extension, humanity itself) too - confidently saying things like "We will establish bases on the moon" without qualification or hedging. Recommended for any older kids (grades 3+) who like outer space.

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book includes all of those things that kids want to know about - how do you go to the bathroom in space, what food do astronauts eat, and what happens when you burp in space. The book is written as a travel guide and tells you what you would need to go into space, how it feels to go in space, and what all you might see. A really entertaining and informative book.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

With information about prepping for space travel, what it's like on a shuttle, and astronauts feeling upon returning to earth, I though this was a very engaging book. I didn't intend to read all the way through, but it kept me engaged. It might be a bit long for reluctant readers, but they could just read sections of particular interest to them.

[Pat Salvatini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catchy title, colorful layout and interesting facts make this space traveler's guide a must read for anyone considering future space travel. Goodman's enthusiasm jumps off the pages and is bound to excite readers. Non-fiction readers will enjoy the book but more importantly this book could serve as a great introductory to those who typically do not self-select the genre.

[Abby Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been a booktalking staple for one of my children's librarians, so I wanted to pick it up for myself. It's a fun read about space travel designed as a guidebook for would-be space tourists (which our kids may be someday!). Through this format, the author shares factoids about space and astronauts. This would be a great book for kids interested in space and looking for a fun factual read.

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Talk about a title that screams boy appeal! Lots of cool facts about space travel and the future possibility of space tourism, like a travel guide for kids. Well researched, full back matter.