Spacecraft    On January 31, 1958, the United States sent its first satellite, Explorer 1, into space. In the 1970s, NASA developed the space shuttle program. Earlier space capsules could not be used again after returning to Earth. Today, the United States and Russia are joined by 14 other countries and are building the International Space Station. Very advanced and complex satellites, such as GOES(Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites) help meteorologists in their everyday work of forecasting weather. Moreover, NASA's newly named Spitzer Space Telescope is capturing beautiful images of spiral galaxies, planet-forming discs, and buried starts that will help scientists in understanding the history of the universe. In January, two Mars Exploration Rovers are expected to land on the red planet. The following books offer readers a look at some of the amazing machines being built as part of NASAs space program such as satellites, rockets and shuttles. Visit our Themed Reviews section for more space books! Reviews At the Controls: The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Book of Cockpits Edited by Tom Alison and Dana Bell Photographs by Eric F. Long and Mark A. Avino    This is a book of gorgeous color photographs, accompanied by succinct, detailed descriptions of airplane and spacecraft cockpits. They range from the Wright Brothers' rudimentary airplane to NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia. The images, by two Smithsonian photographers, are of craft in the collection of the National Air and Space Museum. They are "designed to give the reader an up-close-and-personal sense of just what the pilot's "office" looks like in each of these craft." The book's audience includes everyone from pilot-wannabes to future astronauts to aircraft enthusiasts--from young teens to adults. The language is somewhat technical, the writing is for advanced readers, but the photos are accessible to all. 2001, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum/The Boston Mills Press, $39.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Ellen R. Butts ISBN: 1-55046-365-9 The Best Book of Spaceships Ian Graham    Space travel continues to be a fascinating, yet mysterious subject for many children. It is often difficult to find a resource that is current and detailed enough for the curious, yet simple enough for the youngest of readers. Graham's book seems to rise to the task of introducing readers to many aspects of space travel and exploration. The reader will learn about rockets, shuttles, and satellites, revisit the Apollo moon mission, and much more. Vivid illustrations and descriptive text bring the experience to life. 1998, Kingfisher, Ages 4 to 10, $10.95. Reviewer: Susan Fournier ISBN: 0-7534-5133-6 Book of Flight from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Judith E. Rinard    Humans had dreamed of flying for eons. The National Air and Space Museum celebrates every phase of mankind's ascent into the sky. This publication takes a look at that collection and highlights many of its exhibits. Balloons and gliders were the first devices that went airborne. There were numerous attempts at powered flights, but of course, the Wright brothers were the first. With their flight in Kitty Hawk in 1903, they uncovered the secret of controlled human flight. Millions view that plane, the Flyer, every year at the Air and Space Museum. Flight took off in the early 1900s and aircraft played an important role in WWI. After the war, planes grew in importance as they were used for travel, freight and even entertainment. This overview of aviation takes us up to the present day and space stations, shuttles and even missions to Mars. Well illustrated, primarily with photographs, this is good preparation for a visit to the museum or a good souvenir. 2001, Firefly Books, $24.95 and $14.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Kristin Harris ISBN: 1-55209-619-X ISBN: 1-55209-599-1 The Challenger    Tom Streissguth    This book, part of the "Disaster!" series, describes the tragedy of the 1986 explosion of the Challenger space shuttle. Because the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had already delayed the shuttle's takeoff three times, it was particularly anxious to see a successful takeoff on that cold January 28 morning. NASA received a cautionary call from one of the shuttle's engineers regarding the danger of cold weather on shuttle components, but chose to disregard it due to the extended delay. This was a fateful decision, as it was determined that the cold temperatures inhibited a proper sealant on the solid-rocket boosters, allowing hot gases to escape and cause an external fuel tank to explode. Seven crewmembers were on board, including a teacher with the mission to educate students via satellite; all perished. Readers will receive a mini-science lesson as the shuttle and its components are described in detail. Labeled drawings and photographs accompany this lesson, helping the reader understand. Chapters discuss the disaster, the history of the shuttle's design, the evaluation of errors, and the lessons learned. A timeline, glossary, reference section, and biography are provided for more complete information gathering. 2003, Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Andrea Sears Andrews (Children's Literature) The Challenger Tom Streissguth This informational book is divided into four chapters that explain the history and design of the space shuttle Challenger, the disaster, what went wrong, and what has been learned from the disaster. It includes colorful pictures, a time line, a glossary, and Web sites for more information. This book is an excellent source for a study or history of space travel. It is easy to read and understand and has excellent pictures and diagrams that add to the text. Nonfiction (363.12), Highly Recommended. Grades 2-5. 2002, Disaster! Capstone High-Interest Books, 32p, $15.95. Ages 7 to 11. Reviewer: Paula Cass (Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 15, No. 4)) ISBN:0736813225 Destination, Space    Seymour Simon    This collection of full-page color photographs taken by the Hubble Space Telescope is accompanied by clear, detailed descriptions of the images in each photograph, providing context and identifying specific features. Much of the text brings the images down to earth, so to speak, such as the comparison of stars in a star cluster to "the lights of New York City from an airplane." Although some of the images are highly pixellated or missing segments, the significance of the photographs, such as one of a black hole, is clearly emphasized through the text. Other photographs, such as those of stars being born in the Eagle Nebula or of two galaxies colliding, are amazingly clear and startlingly beautiful. Although this is not intended as an introduction to astronomy, the stunning photographs of planets, galaxies, and supernovas may inspire young readers to pick up a more comprehensive guide to the celestial features they've glimpsed here. 2002, HarperCollins, $15.95. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Norah Piehl (Children's Literature) Destination, Space Seymour Simon    Have you ever wondered what really is in outer space? Well, wonder no more! This book, with its beautiful pictures actually taken from the Hubble Space Telescope, will show you just exactly what is in outer space. The book has pictures taken of Black Holes, dust storms, ice clouds, and even Martian surface features. Planets, the sun, star clusters, and supernovas are described. This book goes into a great explanation of the birth, life, and death of a star. Without the images sent to us by the Hubble Space Telescope, earthlings could only imagine what outer space would be like. The book provides great factual information to accompany each photograph. This book is a must read for any "space lover" or can be used as a fantastic teaching resource. Nonfiction (520). n/a. 2002, HarperCollins, Unpaged, $15.89. n/a. Reviewer: Jamie Moerbe (Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 15, No. 1)) Best Books: Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States ISBN: 0688162894 Get Around In Air and Space Lee Sullivan Hill    Emphasizing the transportation modes that use air to move in, this book in the "Get Around" series features photographs of all sorts of planes, space vehicles, and an assortment of oddities such as balloons, and gliders. Texts of one or two sentences per page declare general categories (commuter planes, supersonic jets), rather than technical specifics but more information is included in a "photo index" at back. Transportation fans, usually boys, will enjoy looking at the pictures and won't mind the lack of people. This is a good choice for second graders to read on their own and a good addition to the shelf of easy nonfiction reading. 2000, Carolrhoda, $21.27. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 1-57505-310-1 Great Discoveries & Inventions that Helped Explore Earth and Space    In double-page spreads, this reference book from Barcelona, Spain explains some of the tools and inventions that help scientists explore earth and outer space. Some of the instruments discussed include heliographs (sundials), quadrants for navigation, the seismograph,, rockets, space probes, underwater bathyscaphes, cartography and the telescope. While the casual reader may learn about aspects of modern and historical exploration, he or she will have to go elsewhere for more than basic information and names of key people in the field. The organization of subject matter jumps from earth to space to deep sea to space, which makes it harder to follow and absorb. Four fresh and interesting projects include making a sundial, designing a model eclipse, making a bottle rocket and making a 3-D relief map from a flat contour map. There is a somewhat confusing fifth project--directions for viewing sunspots indirectly through a telescope and a projection box you can build (but with no directions). A glossary, a generous but workaday collection of "More Books to Read," suggested videos and web sites and an index are also included. Part of the "Great Discoveries & Inventions" series. 2000 (orig. 1999), Gareth Stevens, $21.27. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0-8368-2584-5 The History of NASA Ray Spangenburg and Kit Moser    It has been a vision since man looked to the sky and wondered what was beyond this planet upon which we live. Many people know that Americans have landed on the moon. Shuttle launches have become more commonplace, and most recently; we have worked together with Russia to create an international space station. Yet, where did all this start? Starting with the first forays into space, including the Russian efforts, the authors explain why we got started and the smaller steps taken to lead to where we are now in space exploration. The tremendous amount of information in the text is reinforced with fact windows covering such things as "What Makes a Rocket Go" to "Shannon Lucid: Ambassador to Mir." Along with NASA mission timelines and numerous photographs, the space mission comes alive. The authors even extend their vision to describe what the future of space exploration might bring. In the age of space action movies and computer games it might be hard to find a book that will capture the imagination of children. This book, one of the "Out of This World" series, is able to accomplish just that. 2000, Grolier, $32.00 and $14.95. Ages 10 to Adult. Reviewer: John D. Orsborn Best Books: Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States ISBN: 0-531-11718-9 ISBN: 0-531-16511-6 The History of Rockets Ron Miller    About 800 years ago the Chinese developed the first practical rockets. These unpredictable devices were first put to use for celebratory occasions. The stunning flash, fiery arch, and colorful bursts all contributed to making Chinese rocketry a pre-cursor to modern Independence Day celebrations in the United States. However, it was not very long before early rocketeers found other uses for their creations. Military applications of rockets quickly followed and mankind was soon en route on a journey of discovery via rocketry that currently includes space travel to the outer reaches of our solar system. It is the story of the emergence, development, and refinement of rockets that makes up the meat of this informative book. The reader is provided a broad overview of the history of rocketry. The early human efforts to harness the power of rocket propulsion is detailed. Military applications of rocketry helped propel this branch of science to new heights. The British, and later the Germans, focused time and energy on perfecting ever more powerful and long-range rockets. Sadly, many of the practical tests of these devices involved warfare. The German scientist who developed the V-2 rocket created both a prototype for destruction and a launching point for modern space travel. In the post World War II era, competition between two great powers, The United States and the Soviet Union, spearheaded the evolution of rockets. Through the decades of the fifties and the sixties, both of these nations dedicated increasing amounts of resources to achieving breakthroughs in manned and unmanned space exploration. Ultimately, the American programs developed by NASA gained a lead and culminated with landings on the lunar surface. After that great event, efforts shifted to reusable spacecraft such as the Space Shuttles. At present, scientists attempt to create the new generation of spacecraft with an eye toward more prolonged and deeper space travel. All of these eye-opening areas are well handled in this clearly crafted history of mankind's efforts to perfect that amazing invention known as the rocket. 1999, Watts Library, $25.00 and $9.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck Best Books: Best Books for Junior High and High School Readers, 1999; Science Books & Films; United States Books for You: An Annotated Booklist for Senior High, Fourteenth Edition, 2001; National Council of Teachers of English; United States Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson; United States ISBN: 0-531-11430-9 ISBN: 0-531-15962-0 The Hubble Space Telescope    Ray Spangenburg and Kit Moser    The library-bound "Out of This World" series presents a look at the work of scientist and engineers who investigate the universe beyond the Earth's atmosphere. The fifteen books in the series cover such topics as various planets, the sun, the space shuttle, the history of NASA and various NASA projects. Telescopes have been around for about 400 years, Galileo being the first to use one to look at the sky in 1609. The earth's atmosphere, light pollution and blocked radiation were all factors in scientists' interest in putting a telescope into space. The Hubble Space Telescope is about the size of a train car and can travel from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco in about 8 minutes. The tragedy of the Challenger explosion delayed the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, which was later plagued with a mirror that was flawed by 2 millionths of a meter. An embarrassing but heroic mission corrected the error. In the ten years the Hubble Space Telescope has been aloft, it has taken 333,000 exposures of 14,000 targets. These are easy to read, informative books. 2002, Franklin Watts, $14.95. Ages 8 to adult. Reviewer: Kristin Harris (Children's Literature) Best Books: Senior High School Library Catalog, Sixteenth Edition, 2003 Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States ISBN: 0531118940 In Space Michael Johnstone Consultant, Douglas Millard    Like other books in the series, this story of astronomy and space flight is presented in tabloid form. It opens with the ancient Greeks, who spent lots of time stargazing and who developed theories about the heavenly bodies that went unchallenged for centuries. Short reports introduce great names in space studies such as Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and Sir Isaac Newton. Their discoveries built a basis of scientific knowledge that led to physicists such as Goddard who dreamed of space flight and successfully built a rocket launcher. Early space flights and the manned space program are detailed as well as the major unmanned explorations of Mars and the outer planets. Interspersed with the accounts are a few ads featuring telescopes, membership in the Rocket Society, and recruitment of astronauts. A time line puts space exploration in perspective and there also is an index to help those undertaking research. 1999, Candlewick, $16.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot Best Books: Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson; United States ISBN: 0-7636-0490-9 Launch Day Peter A. Campbell    Take a journey on the space shuttle Atlantis with NASA artist Peter Campbell, and it may be a trip you won't soon forget! This fact-filled book describes the many careful preparations that go into a successful launch at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Children will be amazed with interesting facts about the Vehicle Assembly Building and the Tractor Transport Vehicle nicknamed the "crawler." Colorful, detailed illustrations bring the launch, mission, and landing to life. 1995, Millbrook Press, Ages 7 up, $15.40 and $7.95. Reviewer: Wendy Ricci ISBN: 1-5629-4611-0 ISBN: 1-5629-4190-9 Mission Control Deborah A. Shearer    This title in the "Explore Space!" series gives a simple overview of the ground support astronauts receive while on space missions. The Mission Control Center at the Johnson Space Center in Texas is described, and readers will be able to see the flight control room and learn about flight control jobs. Readers will also learn about launching a space shuttle at the Kennedy Space Center. The text is large with three to four sentences per page. Full-page color photographs accompany the text, and captions are included that add more detailed information. A hands-on activity to simulate a mission control center is included to reinforce concepts learned. A glossary of "Words to Know" and a bibliography with Internet sites makes this series a handy addition for a classroom theme unit about space. 2002, Capstone Press, $18.60. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Cheryl Peterson ISBN: 0-7368-1143-5 Onboard the Space Shuttle Ray Spangenburg and Kit Moser    The library-bound "Out of This World" series presents a look at the work of scientist and engineers who investigate the universe beyond the Earth's atmosphere. The fifteen books in the series cover such topics as various planets, the sun, the Hubble Space Telescope, the history of NASA and various NASA projects. The US entered the "space race" in 1961 with the earth orbit of Alan Shepherd. The first two decades of the US space program relied on expensive rockets that could not be reused. Consequently, there was great interest in rockets that could be returned to earth and used more than once. In 1977, a space shuttle was being tested, but it was not until 1981 that Columbia, the first Space Transportation System (STS, official name of the space shuttle) was launched. The explosion of the Challenger on take off was a set back and reminder that unrealistic deadlines put lives at risk. The STS has become the workhorse it was intended to be. The Hubble Space Telescope and two planetary spacecraft were released from space shuttle flights. These are easy to read, informative books. 2002, Franklin Watts, $14.95. Ages 8 to adult. Reviewer: Kristin Harris ISBN: 0-531-11896-7 Our Space Program Carmen Bledsoe    In this short history of our nation's efforts to conquer the new frontier of outer space, readers are provided a quick look back at past accomplishments and are given a foretaste of the future. Beginning with the study of rocketry after World War II, the American space program got a tremendous jump start when the Soviet Union's launched Sputnik in 1957. This delivery of an orbital satellite by our Cold War rival shocked Americans. It also acted as a catalyst to dedicate effort and resources toward our own space initiatives. What followed was the Mercury Program with a goal of manned flights around Earth. The Apollo astronauts then took the torch of exploration to the moon where, in 1969, man finally set his foot in the soil. The space shuttle initiative then established a returnable vehicular approach to space flight. In the contemporary age efforts are being made to make unmanned flights to the more distant reaches of our solar system. Cooperative efforts with other nations have resulted in the establishment of a network of satellites. Goals such as the construction of a multi-national space station also augur well for the future spirit of cooperation in space exploration. Not everything has gone well. Both the American and Soviet programs have suffered tragic failures. However, the curiosity of mankind has pushed exploration into space, and this is the story related in this volume of the "I Know America" series. A book that has a place in any science classroom. 1999, The Millbrook Press, $8.95. Ages 10 to 12. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck ISBN: 0-7613-1349-4 Roaring Rockets Tony Mitton and Ant Parker    Informational books don't have to be boring, and this book is a good example of one that is well done. Delightful rhyme and vivid artwork combine in this book to provide information about rockets-how they work, where they travel and what they do. Children will delight in the word play as they join a trio of wacky animals as they blast off into space. A picture dictionary at the end of the book provides information about the different parts of the rocket in a manner that is easy to understand. 1997, Larousse Kingfisher Chambers, Ages 3 to 5, $8.95. Reviewer: Shalini Murthy ISBN: 0-7534-5106-9 Rocket! How a Toy Launched the Space Age Richard Maurer    Here is a history of rockets: their invention and increasing sophistication over time, as well as their military and peacetime applications. Photographs, diagrams, sidebars, and instructions for experiments to try at home appear alongside the historical narrative. The reader will end up feeling well informed, entertained, and smart as a rocket scientist. 1995, Crown, Ages 10 up, $17.00 and $17.99. Reviewer: Judy Katsh ISBN: 0-517-59628-8 ISBN: 0-517-59629-6 Rockets and Other Spacecraft John Farndon.    Visually confusing, with a blueprint background for two typefaces, plus boxed material, this book informs readers about all kinds of rockets and spacecraft. In addition, it also discusses living in space, Newton's laws of motion, and the mechanics of flight, orbit, and reentry. To interest the committed reader, the book also includes a quiz to review science facts, a diagram of rocket parts, key words in a box, and a five-part set of directions on how to build a rocket that really flies. (In addition to household items, you need balsa wood, a drill, epoxy, bicycle pump and valve which makes this a cut above the usual project). With good information but busy page design, this volume will nonetheless appeal to rocket and space fans. 2000, Copper Beech, $21.90 and $6.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0-7613-1164-5 ISBN: 0-7613-0840-7 Satellites    Kathleen W. Deady   Satellite technology has become an essential support of Earth-bound civilization and this well organized summary provides a good first introduction including a brief history of space launches and an overview of major types of satellites. The book is organized as one image per page and one concept per image The text is simple, the ideas are well organized, and the information is accurate. Images are well chosen. Many come from NASA which also provided technical advice. A good choice for classroom space studies. Includes a glossary, a bibliography, references to web resources, and a potentially instructive hands-on activity. Part of the "Explore Space" series. 2003, Bridgestone Books, $18.60. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Michael Chabin (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0736814000 Satellites    Darlene R. Stille   Satellites is a book about the satellites that make using cell phones possible and the weather satellites that help meteorologists with their forecasts. Students can learn about GPS (global positioning system) as well as technology on boats, planes and many new automobiles that keeps people from getting lost. Answers to questions like what happens when satellites fall are given in clear concise language. This is one of four books for primary readers in a series entitled "Let's See." The books explain kinds of electronic communication devices with which young readers are familiar. The format and design features of each book are the same. The text organization, access features (table of contents, glossary, index, sources) and the font size make the information readily accessible to elementary science students. Each topic listed in the table of contents is described with one page of text. A captioned color photograph adds its own information and faces the text page. Special vocabulary is set in bold face type, and the definitions of these words are found in the glossary. The author has included a section at the end of each book called Want To Know More? This includes books available at the library, websites, mailing addresses and places where readers can find information from other sources. The quality of writing and appropriateness of the topics for the intended audience is consistent in all of the books. 2002, Compass Point Books, $18.60. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Carol J. Wolfenbarger, Ph.D. (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0756501377 Satellites and Space Probes Niki Walker Illustrations by Barbara Bedell    Budding astronomers will find this book fully illustrated and packed with information about artificial satellites and space probes. The illustrations are terrific! NASA and Science Library Photo Library photographs complement the clear well-organized text. Children will be intrigued to learn that satellites are used for navigation, sending radio waves, and to help predict the weather. Librarians and teachers will appreciate the table of contents, glossary and index. This book which is one of the "Eye on the Universe" series will be a strong addition to an astronomy or space exploration curriculum unit. 1998, Crabtree, Ages 5 to 12, $5.95. Reviewer: Wendy Pollock-Gilson ISBN: 0-86505-681-1 ISBN: 0-86505-691-9 Space Shuttle Mark Bergin    Another in the "Fast Forward" science series, this split-page book explains aerospace technology in kid-friendly terms. The book begins with shuttle blueprints reproduced on the endpapers, and continues on through descriptions of design, rocketry, living conditions and other space-travel topics. The book also answers the question every kid (and more than one grownup) really wants to know--how do the astronauts go to the bathroom up there? Although younger readers with an interest in science or space will enjoy this book, they'll probably need an adult to help them wade through some of the terminology. But don't let terms like "geostationary orbit" stop you--there's a glossary in the book, and a list of interesting shuttle facts. (For instance, it takes 15,000 people to help prepare each space-shuttle mission). 1999 (orig. 1998), Franklin Watts/Grolier Publishing, $26.00 and $9.95. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Donna Freedman ISBN: 0-531-14573-5 The Space Shuttle Jacqueline Langille and Bobbie Kalman    The space shuttle is a vehicle used to transport people into space and then bring them back to Earth. Space shuttles are built to fly up to 100 missions, or space flights. The United States' space agency currently has four space shuttles in use: Columbia, Atlantis, Discovery, and Endeavor. Readers will see diagrams of the inside of a shuttle. A description of the different classes of crewmembers is explained. Students will learn what it is like to spend a day on a shuttle. This is a part of the "Eye on the Universe" series. The other titles in this series are Satellites and Space Probes, The Moon and Cosmic Light Shows. This is a good beginning science book and will be useful in the elementary science classroom. 1998, Crabtree Publishing, Ages 8 to 12, $5.95. Reviewer: Joyce Rice ISBN: 0-86505-678-1 ISBN: 0-86505-688-9 The Space Shuttle Allison Lassieur    To the intended readers of this book the space shuttle has always been a means of transportation into space. Lassieur begins with the history of the space shuttle--even providing a drawing of a shuttle train conceived in Jules Verne's 1865 From the Earth to the Moon. It is not too far from reality. Readers are given a rare in-depth look inside a space shuttle, a close up of the heat resistant tiles that cover the shuttle and an explanation of why they are so important. As with many of the titles in the "True Book" series, colorful illustrations are numerous. Notice how the earth appears from the shuttle in the chapter about being inside a space shuttle. Mistakes and accidents are a part of everyone's background, and the mention of the Challenger disaster in 1986 is tactful. Its memory continues as a deserving memorial to the seven astronauts aboard and what the accident taught us to make future shuttle launches safer. The last chapter gives attention to something young readers may one day have a part in--The International Space Station, as yet incomplete. When complete, it will hold six research laboratories for scientists and astronauts. How will they get there? The space shuttle, of course. Following the text is a bibliography and web references offering additional resources about the space shuttle. 2000, Children's Press/Grolier, $22.00 and $6.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young ISBN: 0-516-22003-9 ISBN: 0-516-27187-3 The Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster in American History Suzanne Lieurance    The United States space program, although only fifty years old, has had a number of notable triumphs and failures. Perhaps the greatest disaster was the 1986 explosion of the space shuttle, Challenger. The seven-member crew, including the first "Teacher in Space," Christa McAuliffe, were all killed, horrifying the millions of viewers gathered in eager anticipation of the launch. The author captures the drama of the shuttle's launch, including the final conversation between Mission Control and the pilot, Mike Smith. The crew included the first Japanese and the second Afro-American in space. Judith Resnick was on board and as part of a previous launch, was the second American woman in space. "Countdown to Disaster" briefly describes the crew's activities the day of the launch, the launch itself and its tragic aftermath. The history of the space program is told in fascinating detail, from its inception in 1950 when the U.S. army learned about the Soviet rocket program and decided to establish its own research center. There is a step-by-step description of the moon race between the Soviets and the United States. The last chapters of the book deal with the investigation of the Challenger tragedy and to the astronauts' legacy, along with an update of NASA's shuttle program. Adults as well as children will find Ms. Lieurance's work thrilling, informative and enjoyable. Details and anecdotes add to a story that many remember. The text is footnoted and contains a bibliography. It is part of the "In American History" series. 2001, Enslow, $20.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Ellen R. Butts ISBN: 0-7660-1419-3 Space Stations Roy A. Gallant    Young scientists will enjoy this fascinating volume which takes a close-up look at space stations. The author briefly explains what space stations are and discusses the evolution of space stations, from Salyut 1 and Skylab to Mir and the International Space Station (ISS). Gallant describes the logistics of funding the ISS and assembling it in space, the role of scientific experiments (especially the investigations involving microgravity), and the various living conditions in space involving eating, exercising and sleeping. The book contains full-color photographs with captions, well-written text, a glossary, a list of recommended books and web sites, an author's biography and an index. Youngsters will enjoy flipping through this intriguing publication and learning more about the exciting developments in space station technology. 2001, Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, $22.79. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Debra Briatico Best Books: Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States ISBN: 0-7614-1035-X Spacebusters Philip Wilkinson    Part of a new series "Eyewitness Readers" this offering provides an exciting and readable account of the American space program's crowning achievement-landing men on the moon and bringing them back. The story is enhanced by the insets that call out interesting facts, expand on the subject, and introduce new and related information. The nonfiction story will be of interest to both boys and girls and the excellent mix and quality of the illustrations make this book stand out. It also has great potential for ESOL and adult literacy programs because the subject matter will appeal to a very broad age range. This particular title is pegged at level 3 (grades 2 and 3) and it includes a glossary. 1998, DK Publishing, Ages 7 to 9, $3.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-7894-2961-6 The Story of Flight: The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Judith E. Rinard    The history of flight is covered in its many aspects. Accounts of early air flight include the first balloon flight in Paris in 1783, the first glider flight in 1891, the first airplane flight in 1903 by the Wright brothers, and the first practical helicopter flight in 1939. There is a review of the daring of Charles Lindbergh in making the first flight across the Atlantic in 1927 and of Amelia Earhart doing the same just five years later. The many uses of airplanes described are racing, fighting, bombing, spying, aerial acrobatics, flying the mail, and carrying passengers. The history of space flight includes Soviet Yuri Gagarin as the first human to go up in a rocket in 1961, the first landing on the moon in 1969 by the U.S. Apollo 11 astronauts, and the first space shuttle launch in 1981 at Kennedy Space Center. Early fantasies about space are contrasted to the actual experience. Space suits, flight controls, living and working in space, the space station, Hubbell's pictures, and future possibilities give a close-up view of this distant experience. An extensive photo collection provides interesting and educational documentation into this amazing world of flight, launched only a century ago. 2002, Firefly Books, Ages 13 up, $16.95 and $8.95. Reviewer: Carol Raker Collins ISBN: 1-55297-694-7 ISBN: 1-55297-642-4 You Wouldn't Want to Be On Apollo 13! : A Mission You'd Rather Not Go On    Ian Graham illustrated by David Antram created and designed by David Salariya   This fascinating book recounts the details from the fateful 1970 Apollo 13 mission. Its mission, to land on the Fra Mauro hills of the moon, seemed fraught with misfortune almost from the beginning due to an outbreak of measles and a problem with one of the rocket engines during launch. The author actually puts you right in the middle of all this action as he has you pretend you are one of the astronauts on Apollo 13. The author does a marvelous job of allowing you to enter this world by presenting highly sophisticated scientific information in a readable manner and in concise, colorful chapters. "Launch Day," for example, provides details about the sequence of events that take the astronauts from their wake-up call to their seats inside the spacecraft. In "Houston, We've Had a Problem" the author sequences the specifics of the disaster that struck the spacecraft in 6 easy-to-follow steps. The accompanying cartoon-like illustrations--full of expressive characters, speech bubbles, and informative labels--help bring the concepts to life. Additionally, the delightful "Handy Hints" in each chapter offer advice to budding astronauts, such as sneeze before you put your space helmet on and try not to fall over on the moon (you wouldn't be able to rise). A glossary and index appear at the end. 2003, Franklin Watts/Scholastic, $26.00. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Michele Coulombe (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0531123111 To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here. Updated 12/21/03