Mars and Beyond    As the closest planet to us, Mars has long held our imagination. Was there life on Mars? What does the planet really look like? On September 2, 1976, the Viking 2 landed on Mars, testing for life and sending photographs back to earth. Just last month, Mars and the earth were the closest they had been in 60,000 years. You could see the planet clearly in the night sky. These books explore our neighboring planet - its geography, the possibility of life, and our missions to reach it. They are sure to satisfy the appetite for information on the Red Planet. Visit our Themed Reviews section for more space books! The Adventures of Sojourner: The Mission to Mars that Thrilled the World Susi Trautmann Wunsch   The planet Mars has long fascinated humans. References to the red planet can be found in the records of the Egyptians, Babylonians, and Romans-in fact, the planet gets its name from the Roman god of war. The U.S. has sponsored several successful missions to Mars, but the one that really captured people's attention was that of the Pathfinder, which landed a little remotely controlled car named Sojourner. The rover did more than its designers and mission control experts could ever have hoped for. For nearly three months Sojourner sent data about the rocks, soil, and weather on Mars, plus hundreds of pictures. Readers follow this mission from its conception and the construction of the rover to the final bits of data sent from Mars. Full color photographs and plenty of illustrations accompany a well written and very interesting text. Kids and adults will find much to enjoy and pore over in this nonfiction offering. 1998, Mikaya Press, Ages 8 to 12, $22.95 and $9.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot Discover Mars Gloria Skurzynski   Even with manned machines landing on and exploring Mars, the mystery of this "red planet" continues to intrigue us. Skurzynski takes this opportunity to offer kids a brief history of astronomy, in particular the work of Copernicus, Galileo and Lowell and the efforts of the Pathfinder team who were responsible for Sojourner's search for the truth among the sands and rocks of Mars. The intrigue continues since current explorations have not conclusively proved or disproved that life ever existed on Mars. In addition to details about the recent explorations, Skurzynski whets readers appetites for the future when more rovers and landers will be conducting experiments on Mars, including a proposed round trip to bring back Martian soil and rocks. The book comes with a pair of 3-D glasses, instructions for making replacements and even places where they can ordered. Several of the images must be viewed through the glasses. Also included are addresses for web sites about Mars, a glossary and an index. 1998, National Geographic, Ages 8 up, $17.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen Life on Mars David Getz Illustrated by Peter McCarty   You are going to Mars. What do you need to do to prepare? What will Mars be like? What will you find? What is your mission once you arrive? The object of Life on Mars is to engage and prepare the reader for his/her trip to Mars. This is accomplished by combining interesting facts and theories about Mars with guided imagery and, in a sense, imaginative role-playing. Getz is asking the reader to step into the shoes (or should I say boots) of one of the first astronauts to travel to Mars. Strap yourself in, prepare for take-off, and let Getz and his experts prepare you for the journey of a lifetime. 1997, Redfeather/Holt., Ages 9 to 12, $14.95. Reviewer: Trina Heidt Mars Steven L. Kipp   While brief, this book about Mars is packed full of information. Each spread includes a full-page color illustration complemented by the text on the opposing page. Topics include the canals, space probes, atmosphere, moons, etc. While understandable by a child in the lower elementary grades, some words will require explanation; the glossary provided is very brief. It also includes an experiment to make "Martian Sand" with steel wool, sand and water as well as a bibliography, NASA and Air & Space Museum addresses, Internet sites, and an index. 1998, Capstone Press, Ages 7 to 11, $14.00. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner 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.