February 15, 2022
A retired astronaut renowned for having spent a full year on the International Space Station, Kelly offers compelling insights in this work that is part memoir, part how-to guide. Kelly relates how, when he was 7, his grandmother, a special education teacher, gave up after trying to teach him how to read; she said he was just dumb. This belief informed much of his life going forward, as he took senseless risks and lived fearlessly--and only learned in the military and at NASA how fear can actually be helpful. Because of his childhood struggles, Kelly felt like a failure, but learning when to be comfortable with failure was also important. Readers become acquainted with much of Kelly's personal life, including how, as a White American, diversity of all kinds has positively impacted his career; he hopes in his lifetime to see a transgender astronaut (his son is transgender). Folded into every anecdote is a life lesson, for example, about the value in admitting one's errors and the importance of empathy. Kelly does a great job of exploring the arduous aspects of being an astronaut as well as offering a peek behind the curtain at the most thrilling parts of the job. Those with an interest in space exploration will immediately be hooked, but others will also appreciate Kelly's straightforward approach to topics like conspiracy theories, risk-taking, good leadership, and more. The text is enhanced with photographs. An inspiring, energizing guide to life illustrated by space anecdotes. (photo credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18)
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June 1, 2022
Gr 5 Up-In this slim memoir, NASA astronaut Kelly recounts several key moments in his life and the significance they played in his work and way of thinking. He covers a wide range of topics, from the personal, such as his struggle with cancer, to current topics in our society, such as valuing diversity. The first two chapters discuss how he learned the importance of having a healthy dose of fear and learning from failure, and not letting either of these deter him from his goals. The rest of the book discusses what he learned from different leadership styles and how he came to his own understanding of effective leadership. He conveys the importance of empathy, listening to and relying on all team members, believing in science, appreciating people's differences, and the critical role having a diverse team plays in success. For space lovers, many of his stories highlight the realities of living and working in space. But the importance of this work is found in Kelly's views on leadership and his life lessons for students, whether they aspire to leadership roles or not. VERDICT An excellent addition to all library collections.-Karen T. Bilton
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