Norah Patten brings you on a journey high above the earth and into space. You will learn about space travel, astronaut training and life without gravity. A fun and engaging book about space and becoming an astronaut: but most importantly this book is about following your dreams no matter how big!
Category: Accelerated Reader - Middle Years, Picture Book
Dr. Norah Patten, from Ballina in Co. Mayo, was one of 12 participants from around the world selected to take part in a unique scientist-astronaut training programme, Project Possum. She is now on course to become Ireland’s first astronaut!
Follow Norah as she brings you on a journey high above the earth and into space. You will learn about space travel, astronaut training and life without gravity. Norah will answer those all-important questions such as how long does it take to become an astronaut and where exactly astronauts go to the toilet?!
A fun and engaging book about space and becoming an astronaut but most importantly a book about following your dreams no matter how big!
Norah Patten was 11 years of age when she visited NASA on a family trip to the United States. From that moment on she was hooked on all things space! Norah was on a mission: she wanted to learn everything she possibly could about space exploration, rockets, and how she could someday become an astronaut.
In 2017 Dr. Norah Patten, from Ballina in Co. Mayo, was one of 12 participants from around the world selected to take part in a unique scientist-astronaut training programme in Florida. She is on course to become Ireland’s first astronaut! In achieving her dream of becoming an astronaut Norah hopes to inspire and encourage the children of Ireland to dream big and reach for the stars!
Norah has given talks at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition and helped to launch the CBI, BoldGirls campaign. She has appeared on TV and radio.
Jennifer Farley is an author and illustrator from Dublin. Her artwork is bright, colourful and a little bit humourous. Jennifer has illustrated several books for other authors, and has written and illustrated three books herself, including Island of Adventures, and her latest book, Scout's Best Day Ever.
In 2019, she illustrated Shooting For The Stars, written by Dr. Norah Patten, which won an An Post Irish Book Award.
Jennifer's latest book is Scout's Best Day Ever. Scout (the dog) promises to send cat a postcard from every place he visits on his travels around Ireland. But which will be the BEST. DAY. EVER?
Having left the bright lights of the city, Jennifer now lives in rural Ireland with her husband and their two dogs.
Norah’s knowledge and experience are enthusiastically shared on every page with fascinating facts and information to be learned along the way. Anyone curious about space travel and life in zero gravity is in for a treat as Norah answers many important questions such as what do astronauts eat in space and where do they go to the toilet. At all times it seems like Norah is talking directly to us and the accompanying colourful, cartoon-like illustrations by Jennifer Farley are a perfect match to this conversational tone, making this a highly accessible and most enjoyable read. Norah’s personal story is also compelling as she outlines her path to date, emphasising the work, determination and self-belief involved in placing herself at the forefront of potential future astronauts. Her story is one that many young people will not only enjoy but also find inspirational as Norah encourages everyone to follow their dream and work hard to achieve success
fun and fascinating
fabulous … fun and captivating
part memoir, part non-fiction … the story of one woman’s journey towards being the first Irish astronaut. Packed with interesting facts … attractive child-friendly illustrations add to the book’s appeal
Got a wannabe astronaut at home? They’ll adore this
a fun and captivating book about space and how to become an astronaut which encourages us to be persistent in our dreams … a fabulously illustrated book which brings the words to life
suitable for 3rd class to 6th class and perfect for a non-fiction read aloud due to its engaging text and colourful illustrations … a special Christmas present
a very child-friendly book with humourous illustrations by Jennifer Farley
If you wanted something beautiful and inspirational for a little person, Ballina native Norah Patten’s Shooting for the Stars is a great choice
Download Activity sheets: Range of activity sheets by Peter Heaney
