Class 5-209 P.S. 154 Behind the Book • New York

Kids In Space: Adventuring Into the Unknown We inspire New York City Special Thanks Program Coordinator: public school students to Jo Umans love reading by bringing Author: Brian Floca Teaching Artist: accomplished authors Teacher: Yvonne Laroche Sara Reynolds and their books into class- Principal: Elizabeth Jarrett rooms and creating rich, Librarian: Carla Burns Book Designer: innovative literacy programs. William van Roden Volunteers: Our programs take place Printing: Katy Baldwin in underserved Pre K-12 BR Printers; coordinated by Celeste Briones public schools, are part of Kathleen McCourt the class curricula and Tim Chezar meet the Common Core Shawna Claxton In the interest of Learning Standards. Doug Davidson Shana Druckerman honoring student voice, There are so Behind the Book presents Visit us at Khalid El Khatib students’ work as received www.BehindtheBook.org Jacqueline Farinella from the teacher. and our blog site Geovana Flores many people www.behindthebook.org/blog Ilene Guralnick Christy Hood This book was made possible by a generous grant from © 2016 Behind the Book Nancy Laurence The Korein Foundation. to thank Behind the Book Emmelene Lee 216 West 135th Street Linda Marchand New York, NY 10030 Yasmine Mahdave Ms. Jo for helping us find our way Jane Park Johanna Rigg Smith as writers and showing us what our Katie Shumaker futures can be. Abhijit Sur Ian Woolley Mike Massimino for sharing his experiences and inspiring us to dream of the unknown. Brian Floca for showing us that anything is possible. And Ms. Jarrett for letting us participate in the program for the past three years. About the Program

This year’s program This program’s workshops focused on both non- Next, it was off to the Intrepid Sea, Air and fiction and fantasy – using research, creative Space Museum for a tour of the with the fifth grade writing, and art to create this book. The students Pavilion and a meeting with NASA astronaut, Mike students of P.S. 154 paired up to study actual American space missions Massimino. Before the meeting, the students was out of this world! and then got their creative juices flowing with their performed hands-on experiments, learning what own stories about fictional missions they took to life is like in zero-gravity. They also took a walk Their study of Moon- other planets and galaxies. around the space shuttle Enterprise. Finally, each shot: The Flight of In their introductory visit with Brian, the student was able to ask Astronaut Mike their own Apollo 11 by author- students learned about his love of drawing and question about becoming an astronaut and his storytelling as a young boy. Through Brian’s infor- experience in space. illustrator Brian Floca mative, funny, and fascinating presentation, they Back in the classroom, the students worked took them to exciting also saw how his books are created from start to with Brian Floca again, this time on the magnifi- new places, both finish. At the end of his first visit, each student cent spaceships that you see in this book. Each team selected their historic space mission and, student drew and cut out shapes, used brushes near and far. together with Brian, came up with the Who, What, with white paint to create starry galaxies, and When, Where, How and Why questions they would selected textured paper to add a finishing touch. answer in their research. With the guidance of Behind the Book With the help of Behind the Book volunteers, volunteers, each student worked through the students worked in teams to research their multiple drafts of their creative writing piece, missions, using highlighters to find the relevant integrating facts they learned in their mission information in their mission packets, searching in research to bring their fantasy stories to life. books, and on the Internet. Congratulations to Ms. Laroche’s fifth grade class on their amazing work! CONTENTS 44 Aniya

10 Mohamed 12 Seham 46 Roberto

14 Karalyn 48 Quadae 50 Justin

16 Araceli 18 Kaly 52 Jesu 56 Mystique

20 Elijah 22 Irma 58 Chanze 62 Tyquaisha 64 Jayln

24 Ameira 66 Aminata 68 Kiara

28 Angel 30 Aniyah 72 Xavier 74 Alex

34 Shamyaa 76 Sanjay

38 Destiny 40 Darlene 80 About the Visiting Author 84 About Behind the Book 82 About the Student Authors 86 Common Core Learning Standards Addressed Trip to Planet Nightfield Mohamed

I’m sleeping all day waiting for the phone to So they said, “Ok after one day.” ring. “Ring ring” the phone rang I picked up The next day I said “bye” and went to the the phone and answered. spaceship. I went back to Earth and I was The general said, “Is this Mohamed a happy kid after all. While I was still there, Ahmed” Then he said, “Congratulations you I noticed that on the Planet Nightfield, the have become an astronaut. You will be going floor is made of foam. There is micro gravity. to a planet by yourself.” You float by jumping and landing on the floor Next I went to N.A.S.A. The general said, by relaxing. The planet is white but when you “you have to go to Nightfield your mission is get closer it’s white and black. If you go inside to find life.” it’s black, white and silver. The Nightfielders So I was dressed in a thin suit that was eat sour food like sour cheese, sour cereal and white with 5 buttons. A hard helmet, the sour soda. The food was nasty. color of gold. When I went inside the space- “I don’t like on unearthly food.” ship I heard buzzing sound and the color of As I was walking I saw a store said, “Sour the spaceship is white it has electricity on Market.” I fell on the floor. I will ask the peo- top. I heard count down 10,9,8,7,6… Ignition ple how did the planet all begin. What hap- sequence started 5,4,3,2,1,0 blast off. The pened that made this planet. I will bring food spaceship went to space. The food we bought and water not sour. I will show them how the wasn’t good. It looked like a 50 year old chick- food on earth taste like. For example cook- en. We finally landed in Nightfield. ies, chicken and soda. They gave me sour food After I went inside I saw people like us. and a letter says “enjoy sour food.” They speak all languages. I took off my hel- The trip to Planet Nightfield was a good met and took a deep breathe, then exhaled so trip. I missed my family and friends. I saw my answer is yes you can live in Nightfield. markets, I saw people and lots more. I like the The people in Nightfield are too friendly. micro gravity. They didn’t let me go back to Earth. So I begged, “Please can I go back?” 10 11 Seham

Endeavor STS 47 Endeavor STS 47 was the 50th space shuttle mission. This mission began on September 12, 1992. The mission lasted a week and 22 hours. The purpose of the mission was for microgravity research in materials and life sciences. One significant thing about this mission was that it had the first Female African American astronaut Mae Jemison. Elijah

Apollo 8 Frank F. Borman II, James A. Lovell Jr. and Willian A. Anderson went into space on Apollo 8. They wanted to improve space travel every time someone went into space for Future Reference. This mission took place on December 21, 1968 and ended December 27, 1968. Chanze and Mohamed

12 13 This is channel one news and the Pickle 5788 smell so good, but I couldn’t hold it, so I took is lifting off. People thought that were going pipes and hoses as well bags. After we used Pickle World to a mystery planet and the Pickle 5788 the bathroom we went to sleep. When we was going there. The mission was to find out woke up everything started flying to the right Karalyn if they are creatures like us, or if they’re and I knew we were going to land. I told different. There suits represents Planet Pickle everybody to put on there suits, gloves and World along with the space shuttle. The suits helmets. When we sat down we tried to slow were green and the helmets were yellow like the spaceship down. Then we saw a green the color of a Pickle. “OL astronaut, what planet that looked like Pickle World. will you bring with you,” asked the reporter. “We’re almost there” I said to the crew. “We will bring salt so that the Pickles When we were about to land the planet won’t die.” looked like it was getting bigger and bigger. “As we start to count down, everybody was When we landed the plane crashed. So there cheering. “Are you ready”?” was a lot of smoke and one destroyed ship. “Yeah,” said the people. Okay. 10, 9, 8, 7, Pickles all around submerged in Pickle juice. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 and the crowd goes wild. As Luckily we still had on our liquid space suits. Pickle 5788 went up, we saw the buildings, Then we walked farther and farther and saw people and animals get tinier and tinier. something move. It was green, had legs, arms, eyes, feet, hands, ears and three links of hair Seeing the moon sticking up. It didn’t speak our language. As we were flying through the stars and the Kiara and I walked to the small creature darkness, we saw the moon. We clicked off our and said, “Hi.” suits and helmets. As we were looking at earth It just looked at us like we were strange we started to float everywhere we went. creatures like them. The creature walked “It’s amazing,” Kiara said. somewhere so we followed her. So I took out the beef hash, peaches, When we walked with her we saw a whole cream of chicken soup and the water gun bunch of Pickle People. There were big one’s to drink and break down the peanut butter small ones and even tinier one’s. Tyquasia cubes. It was so good! made a hypothesis that these creatures were After we ate we had to use the bathroom. like humans. We stayed for two hours to see It takes some skill to use the bathroom. I what they do and what they ate. Then we said knew after a week this small home will not goodbye and went home.

14 15 RAINBOW World Araceli

All my papers were on the floor because I was We landed in Rainbow World by sliding down working on a job. The head of NASA walked a giant rainbow. It never disappears and you in and said, “Hello Araceli. I am the leader of can touch it. I can give anyone all the colors the NASA Organization. I know that you have they need. applied for this mission and you have been After we arrived, we gave the snow to the accepted. You will be with people this mission. leader of the planet because it never snows Mike Massimino will join you.” there. I was going on a mission with Mike So then the leader said, “Come.” Massimino. We decided that we were going We told him that we brought some snow to Rainbow World. On the Rainbow World from earth because it is important. We there are lots of animalsand people. We put told him that on earth it is fun to play with. on our space suit that had the color fo the “In return we want you to give you rainbow. Our space craft looked like a long the rainbow that never goes away,” said strop of color that had many beautiful colors. the leader. Then we asked if they spoke Spanish. They Then we came back and told NASA that said yes. we finished the job. That is how we have Mike Massimino asked me, “Did you the colors on earth because the people of bring the snow?” Rainbow World gave it to us. Then Mike Massimino said, “We are ready to go.” Then the countdown started 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 blast off. Then the rocket ship turned to a long rocket with beautiful colors.

16 17 Purple Pokadot Planet where we are going to I asked one of them where they lived he have a rescue mission on. A fellow astronaut said, “Shee bloop.” Purple was stranded on a planet. Time to go we are I had no idea what he said. It was so blasting off in 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1!! The gas bizarre so abnormal. I was organizing the Polkadot and fire pushing us up slowly as we liftoff. papers to send back to my fellow scientists Two people plus me are going on this misson and I did it. In the corner of my eye I saw me Kaly, Jayln and Destiny. We are heading Destiny trying to figure out the language Planet towards the planet slowly then we land. they speak. It turned out it was Kabladein. An astronaut started banging on the That wasn’t a language we would speak window. I looked at his air tank it only had on Earth. Am I dreaming? I must be dream- Kaly 2 minutes left of air. So we had to get him on ing. Wait let me pinch myself so I can make the ship and fast. I looked at the door my only sure. “OWWW.” Nope definitely not dream- instinct was to go out there and save him. ing. Anyway we took an alien and a crystal I told Destiny and they got an “oh yeah” face. back to Earth to study them. The problem was we couldn’t find the key to We were taking off when an alien said the door of the spaceship. I remembered I “good by”. put the key in my locker. So I put in my key I was shocked for a moment but I smiled code and it opened then I opened the door. So waved goodbye and said oh we’ll bring him I floated to him grabbed him and went back back. Our space ship was so beautiful. It had to the ship. Luckily he was okay and we were colors like blue and silver. It was shimmering able to go refill his tank. silver. Our suits were silver too. We passed by We had time after our rescue mission the moon on our way back it was glowing. so we explored the planet together we took It will be a full moon tonight as we go on our notes like: There were really weird looking long trip home, heading home to go to our creatures on the planet they were a combi- families. nation of Jello, fuzz and bug. The planet had spikes and it was red as blood. The creatures buy artifacts with crystals. Instead of using money like us on Earth. They can eat anything you give them proof is they ate my flashlight.

18 19 I know what you may be thinking what am I “Eh Allah” I said. doing running through space like a miserable Frosty what are you doing with my space- Running person? Well what’s going to happen in this ship and how did you get the key? story is going to explain. “I was on my way to McDonalds when I saw Through Space I took my last sip of apple juice and kissed fall from the sky so I saved you” said Frosty. my wife and yelled goodbye to Frosty and “Eh Allah” I said. “Stop talking in Arabic. I was out the door. Today was a special day, You should be happy I saved you. Why! When Elijah but I was also nervous. My stomach was doing you are driving my $20,000,000,000 space- back flips. It was time for the meeting with ship to McDonalds?” the government on the new thing they asked “I should be happy you saved me. We have me to build. But there’s bad news and good to go to my home planet. Press the black news. The bad news is that I told Frosty about button it turns us invisible.” the offer and me accepting it and I’m the My home planet was different earth. Our government might find out. The good news planet had water that tasted like sprite, it is that I finished building the new government was always sunny, and on planet oasis we Tech-toy. Wait there’s more bad news. spoke Arabic. I let Frosty help me build it when I wasn’t “Hey Frosty I’m bringing you to my planet supposed to. In case you don’t know who as my present.” Frosty is he is my best friend and his real “Why,” said Frosty. name is Frosty the Snowman. He’s a movie “Because I haven’t seen my people in 10 character I brought him to life as a kid. We years and I need something to bring to them” grew up together. Now to get back to the conversation over. Six hours later. story. I’m at the government offices ready to All of sudden I hear a yell. talk about this new invention. “Miracle Maker” It’s my mom. “Lamar Wayde”. Gulp they had called Momma - I knew it was her because that my name. was her nick name for me. I introduced her to I was scared. I slowly walked to the podium Frosty and we ate but then boom. Three hours my hands were shaking. I started to sweat. later. I was flying in my space ship the gov- We were on this 100 ft. tall building. I ran and ernment blew up my planet but I managed accidently pushed the president. They started to escape. They killed everyone I loved. That’s shooting at me. Before I knew it I was falling why I never returned to earth and still running from the sky. Wham I fell right into the seat through space creating a diabolical plan. of my new matte painted purple, gold, and black spaceship.

20 21 Planet Snow Irma

“Grab your suit and get in the car,” said Des- we were getting ready to land she asked why tiny. “We have to pick up Jayln so hurry up.” do we have penguins and polar bears on the I see Jayln and yelled, “Hey get in. We have space ship? I’ll tell you later, Jayln replied. to go to NASA. Planet Snow might be the perfect place Destiny, Jayln and Peytan we need you to put them, being that it’s cold enough. Let three to go to Planet Snow. Everything is me just make sure as I check the temperature covered in snow. It’s white and extremely cold. with my thermometer. The people who live there are called Snow- As we got off the space ship, Planet Snow boarder. Also they speak like this…”I PFFFF was everything I expected it to be. The whole need you PFFFF to go PFFF on PFFF Planet planet was covered in snow and ice. It was Snow PFFFF. Obviously they have a hard time really cold. To make sure we stayed alive we speaking because it’s so cold. activated our suit with the build in heating Our mission is to find a planet cold enough system. for the animals. I take my thermometer and put it in the Now go put on your space suit. Our space snow to see if it is a perfect place for the suits were made to last in extremely cold animals to live and the thermometer reads weather. The suits have a built in heating sys- -34 °F. Perfect!! So, we dropped the animals tem so we won’t get cold. You need to bring a off on the planet. thermometer so you can see if the tempera- As we were leaving we met one of the ture is cold enough and see if it’s perfect for Snowboarders. He was wondering why the animals to live in. we were on Planet Snow and why we brought ….5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Blast OFF! Hey have you seen the animals. However, they accepted the our space ship? It looks like an ambulance animals and actually give us a present. Can with a red cross, said Jayln. Oh, look on your you guess? It was a snowboard. space suit it also have a red cross. Destiny as

22 23 “Wow, this place looks amazing,” I shouted. “Well we call it the Planet Full of Imagina- As I was walking around all I saw was tions,” Commander said. A Planet Full different colors, red, blue, orange, yellow, “Who lives on this planet?” Darlene asked. pink and white. Every color in the whole “People live on that planet and they speak of Imaginations world. Until something happened. Something many languages,” Commander answered. abnormal. This how it all started. “What are we going to do now?” Aniyah “Ding…” I looked at my phone and it was begged? Ameira Aniyah. “We’re going to the space station,” “Meet me at the park, Commander wants Commander replied. to speak to us,” she said. As soon as we got there, the people from So I ran down the stairs, put on my sneak- the space station taught us what we are ers and left. As soon as I got there, I saw going to eat, like peanut butter cubes. They Aniyah, Darlene and Commander. They were explained to us how the planet is going to like sitting on the bench waiting for me. and what’s going to be on there. But the best “You guys, we are going back to space part was putting on the suits. for a mission. The reason why we’re going on We are going to wear a black and white this mission is to see if it will affect a human jumpsuit with black and white sneakers. body,” said the commander. “Commander, before we leave I have a “So we’re going to go there to see if its question.” going to affect my body?” Aniyah said angry. “What will happen if I get an allergic “No we’re going to use Ameira’s body, reaction?” I mumbled. Commander replied. “I don’t know that’s what we are trying to “Anyway how’s the space ship going to figure out. look like?” Darlene said. “Ameira are you ready to take this risk?” “It’s going to look like a dog,” Commander “Yes Commander,” I agreed. said. “All right let’s get this started!” he yelled. “Why?” I asked. As we were walking down the hall, I was “Because that’s what we can buy,” looking at the picture of my family that I he replied. brought with me. “So what is this planet called?” “I’ll miss you guys,” I said in my head. Aniyah asked. I felt my cheeks were getting hot. My heart . . . >>

24 25 started beating faster. When we got in the I started to stand up and I looked at my space ship my heart started beating louder hands and saw bumps. I rushed over to the and louder. I put my seat belt on and sat space ship. As soon as we got there it started back. I waited to hear the count down. to get on my face. We had to rush back to After a few minutes…BLAST OFF…A couple earth to get to the hospital. It took us a of minutes later. couple of hours. When we got back to earth Apollo Soyuz Test Project “Wow the earth looks beautiful from they rushed me to the hospital. The Apollo from the United State and the Soyuz from here,” I cried. “What they going to do with me?” I asked. A couple of hours later… “They’re going to do surgery,” she replied. Russia both took place on July 15, 1975. The Apollo landed “We’re here!” Aniyah screeched. After a couple of hours I opened my eyes. on July 24, 1975. The Soyuz landed on July 21, 1975. This The planet has a very weird shape. To my “What happened?” I asked Darlene. delight the place looked amazing. The Planet “Long story,” Aniyah said. was the time when the Apollo and the Soyuz docked in Full of Imaginations was colorful. While we Suddenly Commander walked in. space together. One interesting fact is both countries were walking, we saw lots of amazing things. “Hey Commander,” I said. signed a proposal to cooperate on a space mission. As a matter of fact we saw some very nice “Good morning,” he said. people who introduce us around and gave us “Why are you here?” I asked. Shamyaa and Karalyn bracelets. “To get you out.” Naturally Aniyah was drawing how the So I got off the bed and walked out. place looked and Darlene was observing me As a result of this mission it’s unsafe while I was walking. She took lots of notes. for people to go to this planet. What I’ve STS 120/ After a while I started feeling a little dizzy and learned from this mission is that you don’t The and another space shuttle then boom, all I saw was blackness. judge something by its beauty because called the Discovery docked to the I.S.S. to deliver “Ameira wake up, wake up,” Aniyah yelled. danger might be lurking behind it. Life is “Guys she’s waking up.” better on earth. the Harmony Module. The Harmony Module was a giant As I was opening my eyes everything was battery that boosted the power of electronics on blury. After a couple of minutes my vision was clear again. the I.S.S. and were two first “Ameira we have to go back to earth and second females to be shuttle commanders. This before it gets worse,” Darlene demanded. mission started on October 23, 2007. Angel and Sanjay

26 27 “Can I join NASA?” I ask. That was me Angel Then U open the door and steam came Gomez. And I was going apply for NASA. I was out. I slowly leap as if there was no gravity Planet of in front of the Alaska NASA base. I’ll discover and…fall! Then something moved…and a new planet. I’ll be known by all… again…no, over there! I see…pigs? Green pigs. the Pigs As I walk to the Alaskan building (with my “Ahhh! What is this?” I ask. three smart pigs Andy, Albert, and Einstein “Sizzle, sizzle, crackle,” says one of the who can talk with hidden micro chips). green pigs. Angel I asked, “Can I join NASA?” “Huh?” I reply. The security replied with a simple, “No.” “It appears they speak pork, so their “Can we join NASA?” asked Andy. language is really just sizzle and crackle,” “Nope, I don’t care for talking pigs,” says Albert. he says. “Oh, let me get one of the translation “Hmph quite rude, Shall I say talking in devices,” I grab for one. The I grab the grass. that tone, and blah, blah, blah…” Andy keeps, “What is this?” talking. “Food,” the green pig replies. “This is our chance, c’mon,” I whisper. I munch it. Then my eyes got wide. It was The security fell asleep of boredom. We so good I couldn’t describe the flavor. scurry in and put our stuff outside. Then we “E…di…ble food, check!” I say. “OK how, found modern technology space suits. We who what are you and how do live here?” put them on and pretend we were real astro- “We are the slick-min pigs. I’m jimambo nauts. But we went to look at the spacecraft. we eat the every flavored grass and our I took a book to with me to read…just in case. planet is called porkchopus,” says jimambi. We poked our heads inot the pig-like king “What species are you?” he asks. headed ship. Next I tripped over Albert and “I’m a human, also a make from a galaxy hit a red button. far far away…and on our planet, well where “5…4…3…2…1…taking liftoff,” the I live called Earth, we use knowledge for life. computer says. See I have a book!” I exclaim. I show him this “Oh, no…uh this isn’t good,” I say. to show how we get our knowledge. Then the ship blasts light years away. “Ah you are good fortune human…” say Then I say, “Hey look at that!” jimambo. Then he gives me a stone. “Wish We see a orange beige planet. Then the where you want to go and you shal be there.” ship flew over the planet and landed. I thought I was at home, I closed my eyes “Good thing we got out spacesuits,” then opened them and I was in my bed. I saw says Einstein. a stone and realized I didn’t have a dream.

28 29 The UNKNOWN Aniyah

I walked in the room slowly looking around. Once the crew members consisting Plain white walls. Posters and pictures Mystique, Kiara and Ameira left the build- everywhere. I sat down in the chair with my ing. We saw clapping, cardboard posters, and name on it. waving. I could see my family in the distance “I need to talk to you guys” commander and my dad saying, “Good Luck, We’ll miss said. He rolled his chair over to his desk and you. Be safe.” I could feel a tear rolling down snatched a paper. my face. I raised my hand and wiped the tear “What’s that?” I asked pointing. He slowly. I could feel myself shaking and my lip started moving the paper back and forth like quivering. I waved back slowly. he was hypnotizing us. “We’re going to have so much fun,” “Honshu Tanaka,” he replied. everyone said walking with their helmets “Is that a new planet?” I asked. He started clutched in their arms. They were almost by to roll his eyes. the spaceship until I said, “Hey guys wait up.” “What’s with the attitude?” I say in my They looked back and started walking like head so he doesn’t kick me out like last time… we ruled the world. Once we got to the space- “You’re going to planet Honshu Tanaka ship we all stopped and “Wow” is all we said. because we trust you…” He stopped. “Not It was big, huge, but adorable. It looked because we want you to…” more like a panda than a spaceship. We “Stick. to. your. mission. That means you, turned back and bowed to the well wishes. Aniyah,” He said in his serious deep voice. “Good Luck out there.” the commander We went into our dressing rooms and said. changed into our black jumpsuits and put on We climed the ladder and got into our black sneakers. our space pod. Then I felt rumbling “This is actually a better spacesuit than 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2…I closed my eyes. Balling last time,” I said. It had weapons and you up my fist. 1! could connect with commander. . . . >>

30 31 “Oh. My. God.” Kiara said. It sounded like “Wait and Kiara.” he said looking at her As I walked with Usher I watched tightly. Once we reached the spaceship she was terrified but smiling. climb down the ladder slowly. We were kind of Mystique, Ameira, and Kiara walk away, I saw everyone just standing there. All the “Honshu Tanaka here we—” surprised they spoke english. He was tall and slowly disappearing. other guides had brown bags. “Woah…” I said. I could feel myself float- green with big eyes. “So, how is it here? I asked. “Surprise!” they all said at once we made ing. The ship went faster, shooting sparkles She jumped down. “Okay, I’m ready!” “It’s really amazing…Between the people it there. They gave us each a brown bag and rainbows. Other parts disconnecting. We all started laughing. I looked back at and the view. Some would die to live here,” and Ameira, Kiara, and Mystique received a One by one. Ameina’s face. She looked red like a tomato. said Usher. necklace that shoots out stars. Usher gave me I looked back at Mystique. She’s looking “You’re going to have an indivigual guide.” He took me to this tea café. I got the green a K-pop album with all my favorite K-pop out the window and drawing. he said loudly. I turned around and it was a tea. But, it didn’t look green it was pink and groups. It’s different though. When you turn “Like always…” I said under my breathe call from commander. I answered it though purple. I wasn’t listening to what he was say- it on the performers come to life right before then smiled. my suit. ing. I really have to have to admit what he your eyes. But, before we left we gave them “We’re almost there” “Is anyone here?!?” “Sorry Commander. We’re talking with the said earlier was…True. I saw kids playing, an stamps so they could send us letters. “Hello!” Commander shouted in Mystique’s guide’s boss. I’ll call you back.” anime figure shop and a new concert from a We got on the ship and waved slowly at jumpsuit. “What is this place?” Mystique asked. K-pop band. On Honshu Tanaka it was all I ever them. “Yes commander,” Mystique said in a “According to my research,” Ameira said. wanted on a planet. “See you soon.” “Come back when you get sluggish boring way. “This is the—” To break the silence I had to say something. the time and…blast off. Off we went. Since “Landing” the ships speaker announced. “Famous cave, the cave where we first “Is it safe here?” I asked. we were all extremely tired we fell asleep. As We all fell down and bumped our heads. discovered jewels that could capture shooting “No. duh,” he said. “Of course it’s safe” soon as I opened my eyes. We were home. “Oof, ow” we all said. The ladder popped starts” Said Usher my geeky alien guide. We had a casual conversation. Until we both Home sweet home. I could see my dad waving. out. Then I jumped out. “Well we’re now finished with the tour. turned our heads slightly and noticed it was We got out the ship and I ran to him as fast “What’s that” the people said. Since someone was LATE.” The Alien said. night time. as I could go, and gave him a big bear hug. “Eh, Hi?” I said waving. I now knew Aliens “Sorry” Usher replied. “Already?” I said in my whiny voice. “So glad to be back…” I said. were real! I thought. I waited until everyone “We should all go our separate ways, this “Yep.” “I’m glad your back too.” Then we both left the ship. place is so beautiful and we need to learn He gets up and tells me to stay in my seat. walked home. “You guys must be…Aniyah, Mystique and more about it.” I said proudly. I honestly He came back in a flash and we left. I didn’t Ameina.” one of the Aliens said. couldn’t wait. notice until now. But, he was holding it really

32 33 Fantasy Astronaut Team Shamyaa

A Year Later earth. I was going to fly with Skylar, Eliza, and (After I submitted my application) Eli. They are all good with technology. I took a shower. I was waiting for a call Our suits matched the spaceship too. It from Mr. Charlie Ortiz. can change into different colors and things “Ring, Ring” like animals or the Boov people. I heard the phone ring. I was calm as I an- “You guy and gals have four days to get swered the phone. ready.” said Mr. Ortiz. “Hello my name is Charlie, Charlie Ortiz.” The four days went by fast. Our mis- “Is today a good day for you. Because if it sion was to learn more about a new lan- isn’t…it will be now. You will be an astronaut guage in space. I got in the shuttle and they for F.A.T. (Fantasy. Astronaut. Team).” started the count down 10,9,8…don’t panic “Thank you so much I will see you 5 o’clock 7,6,5,4,3,2,1,0 LIFT OFF!!! Friday morning,” I said. “Ahh, Eli, Skylar, Eliza you guys are yellow!” “Great,” Charlie said. I said. It was Friday morning and I met the other “You are too” they all said. crew members. I had to learn about space I didn’t know you could turn yellow in and in two weeks I was going to Boov world. space and I wondered why. Two Weeks Later Boov world is three eyes. We went to I saw the spaceship in front of me. The Boov world and on Boov world the lifeforms spaceship was in the shape of two flowers. I are called mini. The planet was dark so that was also bringing flowers as a gift to repre- meant that the mini would turn light green, sent beauty and the different colors of the pink, or blue. . . . >>

34 35 We all got to a safe place after we We went to sleep. When we woke up it landed and met one mini that knew about was time to go back to planet earth. We us on earth. went all around to say our good bye but the “What is your name?” Eli asked. minis didn’t see us. We remembered we “Hi! Im Blanko, and this is my familio” he had the special space suit that allowed us to Challenger STS—7 said in Blubberish. turn into the Boov people so we blendened in was the first women to go to space and was I didn’t quite understand but I studied and found them. As we were leaving we gave just 32 when she experienced her first mission. During about them and I had a book on them to un- Blanko and his familio a rose. Blanko gave derstand bluberish. us a nero. A nero was a dimond rainbow. As that mission she became the first women to operate the I gave the rose to Blanko I started to miss my shuttles robotic arm. The STS-7 took place on June 18, “ ” said Blanko. family. I wished that I could call my mom “I think that means they are humans from because I seen how valuable she was for 1983. But, ended on June 24. When Sally Ride left NASA earth. Blanko was talking to his familio,” said me and we all headed back home with a in 1987. She wanted to influence girls to be Skylar. complete mission. just like her. “ ” Aniyah and Alex his nimo said (son).

“ ” said his gandip (wife). Challenger STS—8 “Ummm…do you think it would be good Guion S. Bluford was the first African American person to for us to stay here? Asked Eli. launch in space. Guion S. Bluford graduated from Penn “Blanko will find a place for us to stay hopefully,” Eliza said. State University as a member of the ROTC Air Force. He was trying to find out if electronic equipment would work in space and to see how space would affect a human body. This mission started at , , August 30th 6:32am 1983. This mission ended on September 5, 1983.7:40 Kiara and Ameira

36 37 Planet Mysterious Destiny

Today I have a very special to fix the rover on the color gold and pink and it has dark blue Planet Mysterious. This planet is special and lights on it to lead you there. We’ve started to different than any other natural planet. countdown. 5,4,3,2,1, blast off! We’re in space As I sat down to watch tv on the couch, about to land on Planet Mysterious. We’ve I heard the phone ring. also been practicing their language so we can I said, “Hello Guzman residence.” speak Mysteriouly. I also brought my phone to A women said “This is . You’re going show them how we communicated on earth. to be an astronaut.” “Are you really from earth?” asked the girl I jumped up and down and said, “Thank standing next to me. you for the call.” I said, “Yes I am do you want use my The women said “See you in a couple phone?” The girl nodded. months.” Next I told her family to go to Angel so The woman also called my crew Xavier they can practice English a little bit more. and Angel and she told me my spaceship was Then I told them to go to Xavier so they purple, red, gold, and silver with a circle on it could fix the rover and other broken things. to represent everybody as one big family. The After they learned English and fixed the rover reason why Angel was coming to teach the and other things, we lept to go home and android how to talk, Xavier is coming so he said, “Goodbye everyone.” can fix the rover on Planet Mysterious and to We also told them if anything breaks fix other broken machines. they can fix it. Lastly on Planet Mysterious For the mission we wore a purple and blue they gave me a beautiful flower. The planet suit which has pepper spray to defeat preda- represented that there was life in Planet tors. It also has useful supplies like ziplock mMysterious. The reason we left because bags, magnify glass and a hammer to see if I missed an episode of Jimmy Kimmel live there’s life on the planet. Planet Mysterious is and I didn’t record it.

38 39 Exploration of Planet Blue Darlene

“Wake up,” mom yelled. So two years of practice was over and we As I was stretching, I heard my computer were ready to go into space. Our suits were say, “You’ve got mail.” So I ran to my comput- red, white and black. Our spacecraft is black, er and I opened the email. It was from NASA blue and green. Planet Blue has holes that telling me I got the job. In the email it said have steam coming out of them and a ring I had three astronauts going on the mission around the planet. with me. Their names were Ameira, Chanze The purpose of this mission is to put a flag and Aniyah. on Planet Blue. On Friday it was time for the I started jumping up and down. Then I ran crew to go to Planet Blue. As soon as we put to my mom and told her the good news. our suits on and the oxygen takes we waited “Hey guess what mom?” I yelled. for the people to get the suits first. “What honey,” mom answered. “Who is the commander?” asked Ameira. “I just got an email from NASA and it said “I think Darlene should be the command- I got the job,” I said excitedly. er,” Chanze demanded. “That’s awesome honey,” mom said ”Then who should the pilot be?” asked brightly. Chanze. “When do you start?” mom asked. “I think Ameira should be the pilot,” “Tomorrow,” I answered. answered Aniyah. “Okay,” said mom. “Who should be the mission specialist?” The next day I got dressed for my new job asked Aniyah. and drove off to the space center. When I got “I think Chanze should be the mission there my group was waiting to practice so we specialist 1,” I pleaded. can learn what to do in space. . . . >>

40 41 “Who should be the mission specialist 2?” “Okay, thank you,” said Chanze. asked Chanze. Okay guys let’s go find a place to put the “I think I should be the mission specialist flag on Planet Blue to claim that Americans 2,” answered Aniyah. were here,” I demanded. Then we went to the rocket and put our “Okay,” everyone said. seat belts on. As soon as we got in the rocket, So we put the flag in the middle of Planet Atlantis STS—125 the countdown began. 10, 9, 8…7, 6, 5…4, 3, Blue. We put the flag in together. My crew This mission started May 11, 2009 and ended on May 3…1 BLAST OFF! and I were excited to put a flag on Planet The next two days we were on Planet Blue Blue. The crew said good bye to the aliens and 24, 2009. The important astronauts were , and there were goblins and aliens. goblins. Then we got in the rocket and I start- Gregory C. Johnson and Michael J. Massimino. The pur- “Hey guys, we’re here,” Ameira said. ed to miss my two shows, The Vampire “Woo hoo!” Aniyah yelled. Diaries and iZombie. After we flew off and pose of this mission was to upgrade the Hubble Tele- “I thought it would take a long time to get came back to earth. When we got to earth we scope so it can see deeper into the universe. Michael J. here,” Chanze confessed. said goodbye to each other and went home. Massimino was also the first person to tweet from space. The aliens and goblins spoke Blue. Finally I got home. My mom and dad gave me “What did you bring to go to space?” a welcome back party. As soon as the party Darlene and Jesu asked Ameira. was finished, they all gave me a welcome “I brought some water and potatoes,” back present and it was the thing I wanted I replied. since I was a little girl. It was a puppy! “Why is the planet blue?” questioned We said down and I told them about my Discovery STS—95 Aniyah. experiences. The rocket was gold, blue, red, This mission started on October 29, 1998 at exactly “The planet is blue because it is a dark green and orange. At the bottom of the rock- 2:19pm and it ended on November 7, 1998. The purpose color and beautiful color,” said the translater et there were blue little squares and triangles, of the goblin. a shape that looked like a boomerang. of this mission was to study the sun and solar wind. Something interesting about this mission was how they had to study the sun and solar wind and also test the new technologies. Mystique and Roberto

42 43 Planet Drool Aniya

I draw laying in my bed with blasting music Two weeks later I went on a interview on. I am so in a daze I don’t hear my mom and got the position. Then after two years of banging on the door telling me to turn it practice we are being sent on a mission to down. One day I will be an astronaut I say Planet Drool. Evidence of life was found on it. while turning down the music and focusing The colors were yellow, black, and navy blue. on my picture. As soon as I lay down my The creatures spoke pig latin. Our spaceship annoying little brother Elijae starts banging and spacesuit is the same color of the planet. on the door again. I opened the door scream- Earth looked so beautiful. When I saw Planet ing at him until I saw what he had in his Drool I had to look at it twice. The Drools said hand. It was a picture of him at the Intrepid that they were going back to Planet Jupiter hugging the one and only Mike Massimino. where they were born. They gave us a retainer I snatched it from him and ran to my mom I gave them a mirror. When I brought the with the picture and I was going to ask her retainer to Nasa I had to explain to them that who took him to the Intrepid but instead I told Planet Drool had objects growing out of it my mom I was 22 and I called Nasa. that you would use or see on Earth. Someone answered, “Yes hello” “This is Aniya Hunt I am 22 and would like to sign up to be an astronaut.”

44 45 Manhunter Roberto

My name is Peter I live on planet Earth. Two Naso told 10 people to look for me in weeks ago I was getting ready to go to a space. I was thinking then I realized I could planet called Rings. But Nasa said not to go. live on the planet ring because it have air to They said they saw a meteor heading to earth breath. It also has food to eat. Like cows and and it would destroy my ship. I was desnyned peas. I was trying to make a home for myself off an owl with boring wings. I got scared but here. They found me as I tried to run away left anyways. I went to Ring because it was from them they got in front me and took me my mission to find life form. back to Earth. Heading to Rings, my ship got hit with small meters. While repairing my ship I got hurt but still landed on planet Rings. I blacked out for two day. When I awoke, it was color- ful. Rings form some of the planet and there are floating house. The people that live here have green skin and 10 fingers also som wing on there backs.

46 47 The Mission To Lava World Quadae

Mayday Mayday were going down crash! They were trying to figure out who and Crank crank crank…As we got out of our what we were we told them we were on a three ships There were three of us Xavier, mission to find out if there was life on this Sanjay, and me Quadae. planet. Now we had prof there was life on the Then I looked at the ships I had a flash planet. We took photos of the monsters that back from when I first saw it. I remembered lived on lava world. Then we headed towards How Cool it looked it had lazer blasters owr Three Ships. But now as we got closer a rocket lancher turbo boost and a bubble to the ships we noticed one of them was on shield to me I amagined it as a ship from fire. So we tried to put it out with steping star wars. on it nothing happend it was too big. So we We got our weapond ready incase we were had to share two ships. But before we left we attacked by the monsters that lived there. placed a USA flag on lava world to claim it It was dark and spookey. We turned pm the for america. when we got into outer space we flash lights that were equipped wit the space contacted mission control and told them suit. We saw some scary looking monsters. mission accomplished. We heard Woo-hoo! One had a long sharp Neck, and another When got into earths atmosphere we did a had a tail, sharp claws, and feet. There were splash down. Then the Intrepid picked us up. other monsters too. The Planet had lava and when we landed in the water we took off out Fire known as lava world. To represent life space suits then two days later we wer in the on earth we brout them a plant. In retern president’s room being reworded with a cheak they gave us a monster egg. The monsters did that had 5,000,000,000 each. no speak English so we all had a translator. So we could under stand what the monsters where saying.

48 49 Planet Nomnioratotia Justin

NASA told me I’ve been selected to go on a The guy told him to look around. The special mission. They said I can bring a crew. planet looked like it was formed by many So I gathered my crew. The people I decided crystals and ruby shaped craters. The houses to bring were Ethan, Elliott and my dog Chris. were made out of metal made out of water Our spacesuits had the U.S.A flag and the but weren’t see through. Our objective was to Intrepid Ship. Our spaceship also had the collect information about the planet and we U.S.A flag facing down. It was painted the did. So we gave them the Intrepid replica and color blue. Now we are in the space shuttle in return they also gave us a magic rock that and boarding the spaceship. I heard the loud can turn into anything. We got back to the intercom 10,9,8 I feel a vibration. 7,6,5 the ship it still looked the same. So we went back flames start rising 4,3,2 we started going to Earth through the atmosphere. As we went higher 1,0. Lift off!! through it we made a loud BOOM!!! So we got I looked out the window I saw the rest of safely home. I wasn’t scared from the splash- the spaceship floating in space. We noticed down. the planet we were assigned to go to had So we told the head of NASA, “we found many humans. We landed safely. Suddenly, a out they speak pokemonia and the planet is human come out of nowhere. called Nomnioratotia they are half human We asked him, “What language do you and half pokemonian.” speak?” So the general slapped us on the backs He said, “All languages we also speak and gave us medals. pokemonia. Our Planet is called Nomniorato- tia we are half human half pokemonian.” So when Elliott heard the news he asked, “So what does your planet look like?”

50 51 OLT Jesu

Ring ring ring, I walked up to my desk I picked president. I need to be on my best behavior.” up the telephone and said, “Hello who am I I took a deep breath and walked in. speaking with?” “You three are going on the first Space trip The person replied “Hello Steve. This is inside a dimension. This mission Nasa wants the head of NASA speaking. We need you at to know if there’s any water or living crea- the station in less than an hour. We sent a tures. You will bring a raptor skull which you limo to pick you up because the president need to give it to whoever is the leader of that wants to have a meeting”. dimension as a gift and also to prove that you Before I could say anything he close the are truly from another dimension. If you see call. Beep Beep. I walked downstairs and saw anything odd quickly report back.” the limo I entered and saw two other people, As I went walking back to the limo I Arnold and Dwanye who were my life long asked my friends “What will happen if we friends. don’t make it back?” They didn’t reply back. I asked “Why are you here?” Four weeks later. I guess today is the They said, “we are having a meeting with big day. I heard the phone ring down stairs. It the president. How about you” was Dwanye he wanted to know if I was ready I replied “Same.” A few moments later we for today’s mission. saw the whole station looking at us and then I sighed and said “no.” He asked me the president came out of nowhere and said, why but I told I don’t want to talk right. I end- “You are the first people…. ed the call. It seems that they only thing that “To travel into a new dimension. Come into was on everybodys minds was family because the meeting room,” said the Head of NASA. they didn’t know if they would make it back As they were leading me to the meeting from the mission. “OMG I am going to have a meeting with the . . . >>

52 53 When we arrived we started putting on As we entered the portal I felt a tap on my our suits I noticed they were not just plain shoulder but no one was behind me… When old white, Them were blue and black I said we entered the portal we quickly teleported to myself, “That’s odd. I took a peek at our to another place we saw animals just like spaceship. It looked really confusing. It here on earth. We went to the president state appeared as if three boxes were connected. and we told him we are from a dimension. STS 135—The Final Voyage I took a look at the crowd then the count- He quickly told us to get out of his house but The purpose of the STS 135 mission was to get equip- down started 10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1. we told him it’s true. Then Arnold brought him “BLAST OFF!! WOOO!!” we all said. a raptor skull they were amazed when ment. Then astronauts started on July 8, 2011 at 3.29 “Dude my back hurts it feels like were he brought. Then we were rewarded with a and it took them 12 days 18 hours 28 minutes and going up. thousand dollar bill with his face on it. We “Actually you become taller you are in gathered our research on this planet and we 50 seconds. They landed on KJC (Kennedy). STS 135—the space,” said Steve. found out this planet has no past. This is the Final Voyage became the final mission of the American BANG!! future we told the president. space shuttle program. Two astronauts completed “What was that, Steve said. We had to leave because we need to bring We all went out and nothing. back our information, our ship that we came 31 minute space walks. “There it is,” Arnold said. in was destroyed but the president got us a Aminata and Aniya “There’s what?” Steve asked. new built. We were able to get back home “The portal.” Arnold said. safe and sound. “Move that panel and you steer the steering wheel”, Steve said. Expedition 43 This mission took place March 11, 2015 and ended May 13, 2015. On this mission the astronauts studied meteors entering the atmosphere and how microgravity effected health. One interesting fact is that on this expedition 43 the crew dressed like Jedi Knights. Tyquaisha and Jayln

54 55 Mission Bremuda Mystique

Background Information “Have you read it yet”? My crew is me Mystique and Roberto. This “No” says Roberto, “look I’ll read it out crew was chosen to be the best of the best. loud. Today your mission is to fly to Planet The name of the planet that we are going to Bremuda. We have to find out why there are is Planet Bremudo. The color of the planet is a so many missing people from this planet.” brown type of gold. The planet is not broken 30 weeks later. 5.4.3.2.1. BLAST OFF. 2 days apart. It’s one large land. later. Alright we got here safely. Why do all People called Bremudans live on this of the people here only wear white, blue, and planet but their skin color is black. The only gold? Lets lost the plants to see if the monster colors they wear are white, blue, and gold. takes it. They only wear these colors because they are He took it now let’s go in. When we went gods and goddesses. Our mission is to save in we heard a lot of moans so we followed the the Bremudans from on evil monster. The sound and found all of the people. So after we language they speak is Mintesses. got them out we put up a sign that said Something they will give us as a gift would DANGER No Trespassing so they will be safe. be a rock that changes colors and the colors represent your mood. “Roberto we have a new mission to Planet Bremuda.”

56 57 Dance Battle on Planet Pandora Chanze

Boom. As I suddenly woke up from my sleep “OMG an alien” Nicki said. “Nicki what was that sound?” “AWWWW its so cute” I said as I walked up “I don’t know?” Nicki said in a sleepy to the alien. voice. “My name is Bob” he said. “Come on wake up I think aliens have “I will be your alien assistant and dancer. came to get for a dance battle to dance for Also your mission leader.” justice” I said. “UHHHH??” Me and Nicki said. “You’re just making that up” Nicki said. “A mission??” Nicki and I said in surprise. As we walked out the back door there “Yep a mission. A mission to have a dance was a spaceship. “Wooooah” is all we said but battle to fight Major Creg,” Bob said. then the space ship started going up and “Why did you chose us?” Nicki said. taking us along with it. “You have been chosen because you two “Omg Nicki I told you this was gonna are great at dancing.” happen” I said. After weeks and weeks of practicing we “I believe you now” Nicki said. finally mastered the dance. Now we are ready “AHHHHH” as we both screamed as our to go to planet Pandora. bodies evaported into mist and floated into “What does the planet look like?” I said. the space ship….. “It’s called planet Pandora. It’s crusted in As our bodies turned back into form and diamond and divided into 3 separate parts got steady on our feet with different temperatures. A cold part . . . >>

58 59 where it snows, a warm part and a hot Major Creg and his monkeys will go first selection” Bob said. they announced as the music started. . . . “Just to let you know everyone on Planet 5,6,7,8 he counted. Then the music started for Pandora is called Bob” Bob said. us but someone announced that there will be As we landed in the mid warm air in a 2 rounds. space ship parking lot. “This is the first one” the bob announced. “There’s a space parking lot” Nicki said. 5,6,7,8 Bob counted. “You can never underestimate the power They brought out a clap-o-meter. The aliens” I said. audience was going to clap for who was the As we unbuckled our mint green best. Obviously they clapped for us until there space suit. Clink clink as we all hung up hands hurt. Discovery STS 114 our space suits. Creg got mad so he cheated. “Did you get the radio?” Bob asked. “Last round” someone said. The purpose of the mission was to test and evaluate “Yup we did” we said. “Your turn” said Bob. new space shuttle flight safety techniques. The date they Oh wait I have to give you something, As we do flips and tricks. The clap-o-meter Gravitation watches. These will help you if you exploded because we got the most claps launch was July 26, 2005 the time was 10:39 800 a.m. want more oomph in your dance” Bob said. wof all. The time they stayed there was 13 day 21 hours 32 min “There here” Bob yelled. It was time for us to leave as we left, we and forty eight seconds. The most important person As soon as Major Creg arrived he got out gave the radio to the bob’s. By the way, since his space ship he went straight into dance we won the competition Major Creg left Pan- on this mission is Eileen Collins because she was the first position. dora and the Bob’s were treated with fairness. women to become a commander on a spaceship. She “Are you ready?” both teams yelled at each other” graduated from Stanford University and she was the “Yeah” we said. second women to graduate as a from NASA. As everyone come from different parts Destiny and Irma of the planet Everyone started cheering. They flipped a Zalien coin to see who would go first.

60 61 Case #51 Top Secret: Planet Glorbe Tyquaisha

I got an email from nasa saying I got the job. When we finally on Planet Glorbe we They told me to come in right away so I could suddenly jumped up and down. The planet meet my crewmates. I went in and saw that was actually made out of trampolines. A man my best friends were there. As soon as my came up to me and started talking I did not friend was about to talk, a tall man came and even know what he was talking about be- said, “Welcome.” cause he spoke Glorbeish. Our spacesuit has He told us to come in his office and he said a special feature that can translate what the that he picked us for this mission. The man people on Planet Glorbe are saying. When we said it would take us about two years before speak the spacesuit translates what we are we would be ready to go up into space. saying to them also. Our spacesuit is silver to They told us that our mission is to find a shine in the dark. We asked if they could take planet that we could live on because major us to their leader to ask him if there is water earthquakes have destroyed much of earth. on this planet. He said yes there is water on I brought a flower with me on this mission the planet. We gave them the flower and they because it means peace on earth. When we gave us a rock. When we got on the spaceship was getting on the spacecraft it looked re- I’m glad that we was going home so I can ally cool because on the top it has a shark fin catch up on watching Dance Moms and it is shaped like a big submarine. We get on the spacecraft and the countdown begins 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 Blastoff! We went so fast I couldn’t even open my eyes. It took about two months to reach Planet Glorbe as we were going through space we saw some amazing sights like other planets.

62 63 The Exploration on Planet Cool Jayln

I got my suit and headed for N.A.S.A. When play. But I said “no” because we had to find I got there my team members were waiting an alien and try to talk it, maybe. As we by the entrance to where we were going to walked and walked we actually saw a group enter the space ship. My crew members were of 4 aliens watching another alien play a Savannah, Irma and Kate. We went to go see game. We tried to let them be but as soon where we were going exploring. We gathered as we went by them they turned around and many tools so we could get samples from looked at us. They were small little green Planet Cool. They told us that this planet had aliens with 4 legs and one eye. Me, Savannah aliens, it’s safe and has TVs for the game con- and Irma walked slowly but the aliens started soles all around. As we gathered our things, following us. Then when we stopped one of we started to board the ship. Inside the ship them came up and pulled his hand out and was very colorful but on the outside it looked said, “hello.” I took my hand and shook the normal. We strapped ourselves in and waiting aliens hand and that’s when I realized the for the count down. 5,4,3,2,1 LIFT OFF! aliens spoke English. The aliens showed us As we headed to the planet I thought around and let us play one of their games. about what it looked like. I also wondered is it In the meantime we had to leave, so Irma safe even though they said it was? When we gave the aliens a notebook and a pencil so got there we look out the window. The planet they could be able to write down things about was purple and full with games. We found life or their journeys. Another alien ran away a great spot to land. We got off the ship but came back with a box. The alien opened it and looked around. It was full of noise and and gave us a gem. They said it was the most seemed safe. valuable gem they found on this planet. I told Kate to stay and take samples. As We said our goodbyes and we headed me, Savannah and Irma saw games like back to Earth. pacman and Frogger, Irma asked if we could

64 65 The Journey Aminata

After years of training, my crew and I went “Excuse me ma’am what do you like about on a real mission into space. My crew mem- this planet?” asked Chelsea. bers were Aniyah, Chelsea and Isaiah. I’m “And what do you like to do here?” taking them because Isaiah can observe what asked Isaiah? they do, Aniyah can know what they speak. “My name is Ariana and I like the drinks Chelsea can ask them questions to know here and I like to sop scotch,” she replied. more about them. The purpose of this mission Sop scotch is like hop scotch but with an S. is to explore Planet X. They don’t call it Saran just for no reason. Ready for liftoff 10, 9, 8, …7, 6, 5, 4, …3, Later on… 2, ---1. BOOM. Our space shuttle was huge. “Hello sir what is the most interesting It was blue and silver, well mostly. The space thing you learned about this planet,” shuttle also had doors like regular houses. asked Aniyah. My crew and I brought things with us like “Well this planet is 250 years old,” tablets and books. Our spacesuit matched replied the man. our space shuttle but it had planet earth on I said thank you. We found the others, one side and the American flag on the other. then a man popped up with four medals and My crew and I saw Planet X in space but we he put them on us because we were asking realized planet X was Planet Scran. The people about the beautiful planet to get to planet was shiny and had rubies around it. know them. We all went to planet earth and It sparkled. It even caught Aniya’s eyes. were awarded by the president. My crew went to go ask questions Chelsea and Isaiah went to the left and me and Aniyah wen t to the right. When we saw the people, we were amazed because their lips were moving and they spoke English.

66 67 The Shining Light Kiara

“Where are we”? As I turned around looking “Not right now Astronaut Kiara I’m in a at the white walls. meeting,” said Mr. Jack. “I think we’re in a lab” replied chanze. “But I’m sorry to say but you can’t have “But it can’t be a lab,” replied Mystique. that mission”, Mr. Jack replied. “So where are we and why are we float- “That really not fair. We asked for that ing?” Aniyah asked. mission” said Mystique as we walked to our As I walked over to look out the window favorite spot (which was the spaceship). Our I saw that we were in space. spaceship was blue, purple, gray and red with “Guy’s we are in the middle of no where in gold ladder going arcoss. space”, I said. This is how it all happened. “Guys we should do something about “Astronauts Mya, Ciara, James and Andy that,” said Aniyah. please report to my office” Mr. Jack said. “But what?” asked Mystique. As we walked “Yes sir, you called for us?” asked Mya. into the space ship and closed the door. “I sure did. Now please have a seat” Mr. 10,9,8,7, “What going on…” I said. 5,4,3, Jack replied. wait Guy’s who pressed the…..” 2,1 Lift off. “I wanted to know if you guys would like “Who pressed the button?” I asked. to go to planet Crystal to see if you can plant “Oops,….Sorry,” said Ameira. food there and to see if anybody lives there,” “Really now were in space,” said Aniyah. Mr. Jack said. “Put on your space suit,” it said over the “But Mr. Jack, my crew member and I loud speaker. So it showed us over black boats asked for that mission,” I said as we walked and we put it on. Then it showed us our sliver into the room. stone spacesuit. . . . >>

68 69 We were on planet crystal. As soon as we “But Mr. Jack you didn’t let me tell you stepped out we saw something move past us how they actually look like us but able to so fast. move faster. That meant they could even “What was that?” I asked. plant food faster than us”. I said. “I don’t know but I think we should call “You see all the things I learned I want to Endeavor / STS—61 Mr. Jack and tell him,” said Mystique. stay and learn more” I said. The astronauts went to fix the . But we decided to walk around and seen But I knew Aniyah missed her family. They started in December 2, 1993 and ended the mission that there were bulding made out of crystal So it was decided we where going home. and soil on the ground and crystal tree. We went to go and say Good bye to December 13, 1993. The space ship blasted off in Kennedy Then some one walked up to us. everybody. HC-3913. Musgrave and Hoffman’s spacewalk became “She look just like us” Ameira said. Then they came up to us with 5 crystal And she said, “Hi my name is Emma and necklac3es and we put them on. the second longest spacewalk. The 12 meter solar arrays I am the Mayor daughter and I will like to give They said to us “If you guys ever need built by the European Space Agency were scheduled to you a tour of planet crystal.” Said said. help just put all 5 crystal together and will be be a replaced during the second spacewalk because they All of a sudden my watch beeped. It said, there” They said. “go back and get the food.” As we ran back to the spaceship. We came wobbled 16 times a day, disturbing Hubble’s ability to So we went and got the food and we back with a Globe and gave it to them. maintain precise pointing. pick up the plant that were vegetables and We said “If you guys need anything just Araceli and Kaly ran out. look on the globe and we’ll see Earth and you “Look over there” said chanze. can come over and we’ll help you with any- “We can plant them there” said Mystique. thing you guys need. As I ran over there I seen that they was a We boarded our ship. As we went into Apollo 13 big lot full of soil so we went and planted it. space we heard something go boom and we We wanted to call Mr. Jack and tell him all were knocked out. The date of the launch was April 11, 1970. The end of the about the people we’ve we saw. I walked over and looked out the window, mission was April 17, 1970. The purpose of this mission All of a sudden, near our spaceship we I saw that we were in space. hear Mr. Jack voice. was to land on the Fra Mauro area. An interesting part of “I want you and the rest of the guys to the mission was when was going to go on come back home.” the mission but there was a late replacement. So Swigert had to go because Ken Mattingly had German measles. Quadae and Justin

70 71 Nature Galaxy Xavier

Tin, tin,tin, somebody is knocking at the door. different like tlc is rain, mela is food, haro is I went to the door and opened it. welcome and sussu is thank you. “Hey” said a man named Angel. “What is It was time to go. It 2:10pm and we got going on?” dressed in our rat spacesuits. 20 minutes we “We came to tell you that you are going to will get out and see the space shuttle. When I Nature Galaxy.” saw the space shuttle it was big. It had green “With a crew?” and blue stripes. It had a lot of blue color and “Yes. We want you to find out how the it looked scary. I felt ready. Okay guys we are people of Nature Galaxy are able to survive. starting the count down. We are to find out how much everything cost “10,9,8, what is happening” I said. and how they breathe.” 7, 6, 5….. I told mom I needed to go and she told me “We are leaving,” said Destiny. to be safe. Three hours later I was at N.A.S.A. 4, 3, 2, 1 Blastoff. Angel was there talking to the other astro- When we got to Nature Galaxy, we found nauts about something. lots of astronauts and different animals. We People want to live on Nature Galaxy be- are able to breathe because of a machine cause it is one of the best planets. Only astro- that the people that live there made. Only nauts can live there and there is also a station people with special equipment can live there. that only astronauts can visit. The planet is We gave them tacos and they gave us a white. The sky in this planet is dark pink and special pen that uses an invisible ink but only there are animals like centours, dinosaurs, became visible to the right people. and intelligent dogs. There are a lot of things We finished our mission, besides I missed on this planet. They speak the language my phone……. of Nature. Different things that are called

72 73 I woke up and I put my astronaut suit that “I live on earth too.” I said. had a red dragon symbol and a feature Steve wanted me to take him to earth, but The Adventure of is where it tells me my cordinets. I was I wasn’t sure if I could. getting ready for my mission to the moon. “Justin, Hello you there?” I asked. Planet Xcraft I put my tether on so I could land on the “Yes,” said Justin breaking up. moon. As I jumped I realized I started drifting “PICK ME UP!!” I yelled. out in space. “O…K.” said Justin still breaking up. POOF! Alex “Uh Oh” I said. My tether broke and I As Justin’s ship landed. His door opened. landed on Planet XCraft. It looked like “Uh oh, it’s night.” He said. “Look at all everything was made of blocks. It had its the monsters.” own sun. Also when you hit a block it broke. I see the worst monster, the creeper, he is I contacted Sgt. Adam who was on board green and he blows up” said Steve. “He could the ship to help me out. destroy the world.” “I can’t connect with your coordinates.” “RUN!!” I said as I ran to the blue, red and Said Sgt. Adam. green ship and shaped as two houses merged “Does that mean I’m stuck here forever?” together. We saw that was about to blow up. I asked. Xavier’s ship pulled up. “I’m not sure” said Sgt. Adam Sadly. “Guys get in.” Said Xavier. We all got in “Alright over” I said. I hot hungry so I took except Steve. out some solified ice cream. “NO!” I said, as I scream out the window. “Do you want me to run some test?” We landed on shore 30 min later. I asked. “Hi Mom.” As I hugged her. “Well OK” Said Sgt. Adam. Everyone “Hi Alex,” they said. “Tell me everything that I found on Planet XCraft was made out you know.” of blocks. “Well at night, there are monsters and it’s “Hello” I said to the blocky men. full of blocks like this block Steve gave me”, “Hi my name is Steve,” he said. I explained. “Where do you live?” I asked. “That sounds fun.” Said Mom. “I live on a village,” he answered. “Also on Yup, it was. It was an Adventure on Planet earth. Hahaha.” He giggled. XCraft. “Uh this is not earth.” I said. “Wait what?” He said this doesn’t make any sense. Then where did you come from?”

74 75 The Cubic Mine Planet Sanjay

Today, I got a letter from NASA. They said This is the best world I have ever lived in. I have been randomly selected to be an I started daydreaming how the planet astronaut. There will be two other people looked in space. It had a cubic shape and it which names are Xavier and Quadae. We showed the inside of the world in space like each have skills that we can use while we’re the rivers, villages, forests, oceans, beaches in space. I would be a good pilot. Xavier is a and jungles. good commander, and Quadae is good at “Wake up!” yelled Quadae. combat. When we arrived at NASA we saw a “Ah,” I said. “We have five more days until clip of monsters that will be on the planet. we leave guys.” Xavier remarked. “Relax.” It took two hours for us to get there. We were working and working for the When we arrived there we were ready for day. It was finally over for training day, and it those monsters to come at us. We were in was time I get a job. I chose to do carpentry the woods with three swords. We were run- for the village. It has been five days and our ning through the woods swinging our swords working day are over, until we get back to at any monsters that we see or attacks us or Earth. There will be no more work for us. that trys to attack us. We will be in space just doing what we like We were prepared for anything. Finally to do. When we arrived on Earth. I had a flash reached a village. “That was close.” I said. back. I remembered that the villagers trade “Way close.” Quadae said. gifts with us. We got 3 baby wolves and we “Yeah, close.” Xavier said. We went into gave them touch screen phones. the house to get some rest. I dreamed about Then we all went home and went to sleep how we were back in space. Our spaceship with our pet wolves. I called NASA to see what looked awesome. It had lasers, cannons, name they came up with for the Planet. hooks and a Portal Maker. They said they want me to name it. So I said When we woke up we started to train so “Mine Planet.” I missed my home when I we can do jobs around village. Jobs like was on that Planet. Five day away from my farming, black smith, carpenting and doctor. house made me homesick. 76 77 78 79 About the Visiting Author Brian Floca is an award-winning picture book author and illustrator whose work includes Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11, Lightship, The Racecar Alphabet, and Five Trucks. Brian’s book Locomo- tive received the 2014 Caldecott Medal. Brian also illustrated Avi’s Poppy Stories series and Old Wolf, Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan’s Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring, Kate Messner’s Marty McGuire novels, and Lynne Cox’s Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas. In addition to the Caldecott Medal, Brian is also the recipient of four Robert F. Sibert Honor awards, a silver medal from the Society of Illustrators, and his books have twice been selected for The New York Times’ annual 10 Best Illustrated Books list.

80 81 About the Student Authors We, the class of 5-209, have had the privilege of work- ing with Behind the Book for three years. In the last three years, we have met and learned from writers like Kam Mak, Duncan Tonatiuh, and Brian Floca. We have grown as writers and are appreciative of all our experiences. We look forward to our next adventure into the unknown, Middle School!

82 83 About Behind the Book In the midst of shrinking education budgets, Behind the Book offers NYC students a refreshingly creative and empowering experience. Working with classes from Pre-K through 12th grade, Behind the Book brings authors and their books into individual classrooms to build literacy skills and create a community of lifelong readers and writers. Authors teach a series of workshops that engage and inspire students and culminate in the publication of a writing project, such as an illustrated book, a school newspaper, or a short story anthology. Behind the Book programs are part of the class curricula and meet the Common Core Learning Standards. Behind the Book believes that every student deserves the freedom that comes from the ability to read and think independently.

84 85 Common Core Learning Standards Addressed

RI.5.1 Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. RI.5.4 Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 5 topic or subject area. RI.5.7 Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently. W.5.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences. W.5.3.A Orient the reader by establishing a situation and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally. W.5.3.B Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, description, and pacing, to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situations. SL.5.1.C Pose and respond to specific questions by making comments that contribute to the discussion and elaborate on the remarks of others.

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