Houston is a brilliant 14-year-old student and space fanatic, who is nominated and then sponsored to go to a two-week Space Camp. While there, he finds that camp is actually a cover for a rigorous screening for a new Teen Astronaut Program. Houston and two extremely bright, talented girls (all with healthy egos) make the cut for the extraordinary space program. Only two will be the first youths in history to be launched into space! Colonel Sanderson, a retired astronaut and living legend, mentors Houston and joins the teens in this pioneering, multi-age space study. In this first title in the Teen Astronauts series, Walters cleverly tackles topics such as family values, privilege, friendship, inflated egos, loss of parents, absentee parents, adult bullies, and empowering youth to pursue their dreams in a competitive environment. | Walters, a prolific YA author of over 115 books, has earned over 100 awards.

Caution: Incident with young teens drinking alcohol.

256 pp., 5 × 7.5"

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

Eric Walters is the author of many acclaimed and bestselling novels for children and young adults. His novels have won numerous awards, including the Silver Birch, Blue Heron, Red Maple, Snow Willow, Ruth Schwartz, and Tiny Torgi, and have received honours from the Canadian Library Association Book Awards and UNESCO's international award for Literature in Service of Tolerance.

Eric lives in Mississauga with his wife, Anita, and three children, Christina, Nicholas, and Julia. When not writing or touring across the country speaking to school groups, Eric spends time playing or watching soccer and basketball, or playing the saxophone.

To find out more about Eric and his novels, or to arrange for him to speak at your school, visit his website at www.ericwalters.net.

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Eric Walters' profile page

• Joint winner, YAdudebooks Reviewers’ Choice Awards
• Nominated, Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Awards - Snow Willow
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
• Commended, BC Books for BC Schools

“An energetic and enjoyable read…Dynamic scenes offer an excellent mixture of fact-based science and exciting adventure…An engaging story of perseverance and teamwork that is sure to be devoured by middle-grade readers while simultaneously inspiring many future astronauts.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Highlights exercise and importance of team leadership, teamwork, and team loyalty.”

Kirkus Reviews