Book cover of Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil Degrasse Tyson

Book description

A Step into Reading easy-to-read biography on science superstar Neil deGrasse Tyson, the groundbreaking American astrophysicist whose work has inspired a generation of young scientists and astronomers to reach for the stars!

This Step 3 Biography Reader introduces children to a young Neil deGrasse Tyson who was starstruck when he…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

3 authors picked Starstruck as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson visited New York’s Hayden Planetarium for the first time when he was just nine years old and the stars grabbed him. In Starstruck, non-fiction master Kathleen Krull and co-author Paul Brewer use relatable incidents, like a family trip when young Neil sees the dazzling night sky and decides to give up his ambition to be a baseball player to become an astrophysicist. Concepts like the Big Bang Theory and the reclassification of Pluto are explained simply but intelligently. Neil deGrasse Tyson’s road from inspired boy to world acclaimed scientist wasn’t easy, but it’s hard to…

From Tami's list on inspiring your young scientist.

Did you know Neil deGrasse Tyson was one of the scientists who decided Pluto would not be called a planet anymore? (I bet he was the human who gave Pluto the call in the book above!)

Starstruck is an inspirational non-fiction picture book portraying Neil deGrasse Tyson from his early years as a nine-year-old boy from the Bronx, fascinated with the jeweled sky he observed at Hayden Planetarium in NY, to the famous astrophysicist he now is. Neil didn’t let anything (or anyone) come in the way of his dreams to learn about the cosmos. He even won the hearts…

From Nidhi's list on space exploration.

Starstruck tells the life story of astrophysicist and space enthusiast, Neil deGrasse Tyson. It tracks Neil’s passion for stars from his first visit to the Hayden Planetarium in New York City when he was nine years old to his appointment as director of that very planetarium. As you read, you can’t help being caught up in his excitement. Neil is known for using lots of exclamations, like “Whoa!” and his delight sparks throughout this book. Kids (and maybe adults too) will want to grab a telescope and run outside as soon as they’ve finished the last page.

From Sandra's list on children’s books about astronomy.

If you love Starstruck...

Book cover of What Does It Mean to Be American?

What Does It Mean to Be American? by Elad Yoran,

An engaging picture book for children that celebrates what it means to be American!

What does it mean to be American? Does it mean you like apple pie or fireworks? Not exactly. This patriotic picture book is perfect for Memorial Day, Independence Day, Election Day, or any day you want…

Want books like Starstruck?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Starstruck.

Browse books like Starstruck

Book cover of Pluto's Secret: An Icy World's Tale of Discovery
Book cover of The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the Best-Kept Secrets of Space
Book cover of Margaret and the Moon

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,366

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Starstruck, you might also like...

Marvelous Jackson by Laura Anne Bird,

Book cover of Marvelous Jackson

Since losing his mom, thirteen-year-old Jack Wilson has spent most of his time seeing just how much trouble he can get away with so that he feels like a winner at something. But he takes his mischief too far and is faced with the possibility of unbearable consequences. He…

Cinderelliot by Mark Ceilley,

Book cover of Cinderelliot: A Scrumptious Fairytale

A gay retelling of the classic fairy tale--a scrumptious love story featuring ungrateful stepsiblings, a bake-off, and a fairy godfather.

Cinderelliot is stuck at home taking care of his ungrateful stepsister and stepbrother. When Prince Samuel announces a kingdom-wide competition to join the royal staff as his baker, the stepsiblings…

5 book lists we think you will like!