The Astronaut's Guide to Leaving the Planet

About this book

In this exciting book, a former NASA astronaut inspires the next generation of space travelers with answers to all kids' questions on how people become astronauts, how they prepare for space travel, and what it's like to live and work in space. A kid's guide to leaving the planet from someone who's done it! Former astronaut Terry Virts guides readers through the practical elements of becoming an astronaut, along with the wonders (and challenges!) of space travel. With insider information on training, piloting a ship, and working in space, readers and aspiring astronauts will be inspired to start their own journey to the stars. This practical guide is full of valuable wisdom and insight that will guide the astronaut candidates of tomorrow!

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Why widely assigned

This Juvenile Nonfiction title, typically at grades 6–8. Published in the canon; cited across 1 curriculum framework.

Where this book is assigned

• South Carolina Junior Book Award

  • recommended·6th grade · South Carolinasource: South Carolina Junior Book Award (South Carolina Association of School Librarians) — 2025-26 nominee (grades 6-8), read + voted by South Carolina students; nominee list via studySC / SC State Library + SCASL
  • recommended·7th grade · South Carolinasource: South Carolina Junior Book Award (South Carolina Association of School Librarians) — 2025-26 nominee (grades 6-8), read + voted by South Carolina students; nominee list via studySC / SC State Library + SCASL
  • recommended·8th grade · South Carolinasource: South Carolina Junior Book Award (South Carolina Association of School Librarians) — 2025-26 nominee (grades 6-8), read + voted by South Carolina students; nominee list via studySC / SC State Library + SCASL

Common questions

What grade level is The Astronaut's Guide to Leaving the Planet?

The Astronaut's Guide to Leaving the Planet is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 6–8. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.

How long does it take to read The Astronaut's Guide to Leaving the Planet?

It takes about 3h 15m to read The Astronaut's Guide to Leaving the Planet (178 pages) at an average adult reading pace of about 250 words per minute — roughly 195 minutes. Faster or slower readers will vary; the estimate is a planning guide for assigning the book.

What curricula assign The Astronaut's Guide to Leaving the Planet?

The Astronaut's Guide to Leaving the Planet appears on reading lists for South Carolina Junior Book Award. Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.

Is The Astronaut's Guide to Leaving the Planet banned in schools?

The Astronaut's Guide to Leaving the Planet does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.