Starman Jones by Robert A. Heinlein

The story follows a young protagonist, Max Jones, who dreams of becoming an astrogator and escaping his mundane life on Earth. After running away from home, he uses his late uncle's astrogation manuals to secure a position aboard a starship. As he navigates the challenges of space travel, Max's intelligence and determination help him rise through the ranks. When the ship encounters a crisis, Max's skills become crucial in ensuring the crew's survival and safe return, ultimately fulfilling his aspirations and proving his worth in the vast expanse of space.