Celebrate the Millennium with Milestones in Space
If children ask their parents and grandparents, they will probably be able to recall where they were when President Kennedy was shot, where they were when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, and they also remember where they were on July 20, 1969-the day man first walked on the moon. Ever since American Astronaut Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon, leaving a footprint that will last for thousands of years, we have repeatedly cited the event as one of the greatest moments in the history of mankind. These books take that historic moon landing and bring to life for a new generation of space explorers.
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Reviews
Apollo 11: First Moon Landing
Michael D. Cole
From the first challenge by President Kennedy in the 1960s, Americans have been excited about space and all that we do not know. Images of spacemen and spaceships invade our minds as we try to separate fiction from reality. In this series, "Countdown to Space," treatment is given to six different events in our space adventure. The story of the first moon landing is told here using actual dialogue between the astronauts and Mission Control. The text makes interesting reading for the upper elementary student. The series offers excellent coverage of an important time in American History, and it is highly recommended for elementary media center collections and science classrooms. 1995, Enslow Publishers, Ages 8 to 12, $18.95. Reviewer: Joyce Rice
Encounter on the Moon
Robin Moore
The lurid classified stamp across the jacket will catch the reader's attention. Inside the covers of what looks like an inexpensive expose, readers will find a good account of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. The speculation regarding UFOs that may have accompanied or observed the mission is reported with material from a variety of sources. It is though provoking and gives the book a sort of cachet. A good selection for space and sci-fi fans. 1996, Kingfisher, Ages 8 up, $3.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
Man on the Moon
Anastasia Suen
Illustrated by Benrei Huang
Blast off to the moon in this historical picture book, which captures the excitement of the Apollo 11 moon landing. A wonderful blend of text and illustration captures the reader from the first page where the astronauts are donning their space suits and people are still saying that a moon landing, "couldn't be done." The drama continues as the rocket heads through outer space and the astronauts see the moon looming closer. Weightlessness is captured in the illustration of Aldrin and Armstrong climbing into the "Eagle." It attains a crescendo as Armstrong steps onto the surface of the moon and states his immortal words. A "you are there" feeling permeates the account and the illustrations. The text is simple enough to engage preschoolers, yet provides good introductory information for primary grades. 1997, Viking, Ages 3 to 8, $14.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
The Moon
Paulette Bourgeois
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
Tales about the origins of the moon, its appearance, and its effects on the earth are recounted in this many-faceted introduction. Then scientific and historical facts are presented, followed by suggestions for projects and experiments. Some legends, for example, offer variations on the "man in the moon" story, while scientific studies explain that the moon's dark and light spots are caused by light and shadows cast over a mountainous, flat-rock, and cratered surface. "Try It!" projects for "making" moon spots-with blocks and a flashlight in a dark room-and moon craters-with plaster of Paris, pebbles, and rocks-demonstrate the causes of the moon's appearance. Photos of various moon phenomena are interspersed with child-oriented, often humorous illustrations. Mr. Moon himself appears throughout the book telling us moon facts. For example, he tells us how Christopher Columbus persuaded the Jamaicans to trade food with him by predicting the moon would turn red if they refused. The book's layout is very pleasing, and the blue, gold, and white colors enhance the overall effect. There is a full glossary and index. The book is appropriate for both young scientists-to-be and moon dreamers of every sort. Part of the "Starting With Space" series. 1997 (orig. 1995), Kids Can Press Ltd., Ages 7 to 11, $6.95. Reviewer: Carol Collins
Moon Landing
Carole Stott
The history of space flight and the activities that led to the successful landing of a man on the moon are the focus of Stott's book. She describes the early success of the Russian program, their accomplishment in launching Sputnick as well as their achievement in launching the first man into space and bringing him back alive. It was a wake-up call to the American space program, which then went all out to be the first to put a man on the moon. A four-page spread showing the moon landing, astronauts at work, and their launch from the moon surface to return home is succinctly presented with a selection of photographs and illustrations. This feat took the combined resources of thousand of people and billions of dollars. The remainder of the book recaps the later missions, featuring the Lunar Rover and the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission and the incredible rescue of its astronauts. Space buffs and kids who want to be a part of the space program will find plenty here to keep them interested. 1999, DK, Ages 8 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
One Giant Leap
Mary Ann Fraser
One of the most exciting historic events of the twentieth century is re-created in this informative book. Written in simplified text, and illustrated with detailed color paintings, the launch of the Apollo 11 on July 16, 1969 is chronicled step-by-step with "ground elapsed time" recorded on each page. A detailed drawing of the Apollo 11/Saturn V rocket makes it easy to see the various stages as they occur during the mission. A brief history of the "space race" between the United States and the Soviet Union, the Challenger space shuttle tragedy, and the current status of space exploration makes this a valuable, up-to-date resource for any home or school library. 1999 (orig. 1993), Henry Holt, Ages 8 up, $6.95. Reviewer: Cheryl Peterson
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