What’s Out There?
What could be more intriguing or interesting that seeking to know “what’s out there” and by there I mean deep space. We are learning about our solar system through human exploration and the use of satellites and probes, but our knowledge is about to really explode with the launch in December of another telescope –the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer or WISE. One of the hopes of scientist is to search out brown dwarfs—stars that are so cold that they can only give off infrared light.
Check out NASA and other sites to see what the Interstellar Boundary Explorer or IBEX has learned about the boundaries between our solar system and space. Then later this year or early next year follow the launch of the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). It will help scientists understand more about sun storms. According to the NASA site “The Solar Dynamics Observatory is the first mission to be launched for NASA's Living With a Star (LWS) Program, a program designed to understand the causes of solar variability and its impacts on Earth. SDO is designed to help us understand the Sun's influence on Earth and Near-Earth space by studying the solar atmosphere on small scales of space and time and in many wavelengths simultaneously.”
http://wise.ssl.berkeley.edu/ (watch the countdown to launch)
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/ibex/index.html
http://ibex.swri.edu/
http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
Reviews
Deep Space Astronomy
Gregory L. Vogt
Deep space has fascinated humans for thousands of years. At the time of Galileo, the universe was believed to consist of the earth, the sun, a comet or two, a few planets and a few thousand stars. Now scientists tell us there are 100 billion galaxies with 100 billion stars each. Although these numbers may sem almost meaningless, this book does a good job of presenting these concepts and the tools astronomers use in perspective. Astronomers study the universe by evaluating the electromagnetic spectrum. Objects in space are sending out many forms of light waves, and astronomers use various kinds of telescopes on earth and in orbit around the earth to collect this data. They then interpret this information to learn about how the universe began, its ultimate fate, how life began on the Earth, and many other questions. Well organized, concise and illustrated with numerous photographs, this book helps build a foundation for more sophisticated understanding of the current nature of astronomical inquiry into deep space. 1999, Twenty-First Century Books, $25.90. Ages 8 to Adult. Reviewer: Kristin Harris (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0761313699
ISBN: 9780761313694
Exploring Outer Space
Isaac Asimov; with revisions and updating by Richard Hantula
Published beginning in 1988, “Isaac Asimov’s 21st Century Library of the Universe,” an introduction to space for primary and middle readers, has now been updated for today’s budding space enthusiasts. Information on topics is brief (each title comprises 30 pages of text), but well and clearly told, full of revelatory facts, and lavishly accompanied by photographs, drawings, and paintings. This title starts with a history of rockets and goes on to discuss the possibility of developing reusable spacecraft to save time and money. Satellites can help predict weather and map the earth, while space probes like the Soviet Luna 3 and NASA’s Messenger have traveled to the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and beyond, sending back much fascinating information. Naturally, not everything can be told in the limited space available, but young astronomers will find plenty to capture their attention and lead them to more research. The pictures are color photos or paintings--mostly vivid and appealing like the computer-generated image of Venus’s surface showing a huge volcano and ancient lava flows. Look to the sidebars for more facts; for example, evidence that Mars probably once had an abundant water supply. Each book contains a “Fact File” (this one is a chart of space station data for Salyut, Skylab, Mir, and the International Space Station), a bibliography including websites and places to visit, a glossary, and an index. The thirty available titles make a winning investment in a useful and attractive space library. 2006 (orig. 1988), Gareth Stevens, $24.67. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0836839811
ISBN: 9780836839814
Exploring Space
Pat York
Humans have always been explorers. Today some of the most exciting discoveries are being made in outer space. Astronomers explore using telescopes to learn about the objects in space. Most of these telescopes are on Earth with one major exception, the Hubble Space Telescope. The Hubble circles the Earth. It was launched into orbit in 1990. We have learned a lot about space from the photographs taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. The instrument was named after an important astronomer, Edwin Hubble, who spent years studying the sky. The first human traveled into space in 1961. The first voyage to the Moon was in 1969. The next destination for human explorers going into outer space is Mars. NASA has already sent robots, or rovers to explore the surface of Mars. This book is one of the "Science Matters" series for young elementary school students. A standardized format features a fact sheet for the volume topic, biographies of scientists, a map of the solar system and a quiz to review information presented in the book. There are also web links and a glossary. These books are nicely illustrated, primarily with photographs, and the information is well organized for this age group. 2003, Weigl Publishers, $23.93. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Kristin Harris (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1590360850
ISBN: 9781590360859
Flight Into Orbit
David Jefferis and Mat Irvine
Humans in Space Series is a beautifully illustrated four volume set investigating all facets of space beyond the earth’s atmosphere. The easy to read text is extended by detailed photos and illustrations that will turn the space novice into an informed student of the universe. Space terminology, folklore and historical facts are presented in sidebars. The bolded text allows fosters ease of navigation for the reader. Flight into Orbit: Life beyond the earth’s atmosphere is a fascinating topic. Many young, and perhaps a few older, dream of becoming an astronaut and exploring the outer boundaries of our universe. This book brings those dreams alive. The history behind space stations and life aboard the current International Space Station occupied since the year 2000 are presented in great detail. Other topics dealt with are robot rockets, the space shuttle, the Russian space taxi - Soyuz, the responsibilities of a space scientist and the international effort that is required by many countries to man and supply the International Space Station. Also, presented are the tragic stories of failed missions like the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia. It was destroyed as it re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere killing all seven crew members. The sacrifices and challenges to astronauts as they help educate us to the world beyond our borders are detailed as well. Category: Non-Fiction Grades K-6. Thematic Links: Science and Technology; History of Space Travel. Resource Links Rating: E (Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!), Gr. 5 up. 2007, Crabtree Publishing, 32p. Illus., Hdbk. $$18.90 ea. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Anne Hatcher (Resource Links, December 2007 (Vol. 13, No. 2)).
ISBN: 9780778731016
ISBN: 0778731014
ISBN: 9780778731153
ISBN: 0778731154
The Hazards of Space Travel: A Tourist's Guide
Neil F. Comins.
As I write this review, the computers onboard the International Space Station have finally been revived. Computer failure is just one of The Hazards of Space Travel, the title of a fascinating book by astrophysicist Neil Comins. The book’s subtitle is A Tourist’s Guide, and in 28 short chapters the author discusses everything that could—and probably will—go wrong during trips within the inner solar system (extending out to Jupiter). To illustrate the effects of the many hazards facing a space tourist, almost every chapter includes an excerpt from the fictitious diary of Mack, a future explorer who must be one of the luckiest people on (or off) the Earth to have survived so many dangerous situations. The hazards are collected into seven groups according to their origin: dangers from the environment, from radiation, from impacts, from mechanical malfunctions, from space-induced illness, from stress and mental illness, and from readapting to Earth. There is a stream of surprising facts to keep the reader engaged. Here are two examples: (1) Before donning a low-pressure space suit, astronauts must breathe pure oxygen for several hours to avoid getting the bends. (2) Medicine may lose its potency in space due to radiation damage. The science behind these findings is accurately described at a popular level, and the book’s generous bibliography tells the curious reader where to find more in-depth information. Space enthusiasts who dream of a planetary tour will be better prepared after reading this book, and the rest of us can better admire their bravery. Index. Highly Recommended, General Audience. 2007, Random House, xvi+253pp., $19.95. Ages Adult. Reviewer: Bradley W. Carroll (Science Books and Films (Vol. 43, No. 6)).
ISBN: 9781400065974
ISBN: 1400065976
Hubble Space Telescope: Exploring the Universe
Michael D. Cole
These two volumes of "juvenile literature" in the Countdown to Space series offer students a rather in-depth look at their respective subject matter. Certainly, either would be a good starting point for the student serious who wishes to learn more than the basics regarding either the space telescope or training to be an astronaut. The books are well illustrated and include footnotes, a glossary, a list of suggested readings, and index. Astronauts: Training for Space begins with an engaging description of Sally Ride's training to become an astronaut. The opening words to chapter 1 are "Sally Ride was training very hard to be an astronaut in August 1978" (p. 5). Unfortunately, the full-page photograph opposite this recalling of her quest is of Dr. Ellen Ochoa (correctly captioned) undergoing training. Perhaps there were no photographs of Sally Ride's training. Despite the books being listed as juvenile literature, it is unclear who is the intended audience. The physical size of the volumes, approximately 6" ( 8", would seem to suggest that the books are for a younger audience, perhaps grades five and six. However, the language and the concepts behind the words would probably be difficult for most fifth and sixth graders. This is especially the case for the Hubble Space Telescope, which tells us that "The Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph would look at objects in space focusing on a special kind of radiation called ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light is invisible to human eyes" (p.8). Even with the glossary that is provided, "resolution" (which is not defined at all), "spectrograph," and "ultraviolet" would be difficult concepts for children to understand without a more detailed explanation. Seventh and eighth graders who can get by the "kiddy book" size would find the language and the science concepts more appropriate. Both of these books--but especially Training for Space--are to be commended for presenting female as well as male role models for the budding astronaut. With the help of parents or teachers, the two volumes would make good reading material for readers in the fifth or sixth grade and would afford the especially interested student a more detailed presentation of their subjects. From the Countdown to Space Series. Recommended, Grades 5-6. 1999, Enslow, 48pp., $18.95. Ages 10 to 12. Reviewer: Thomas A. Lesser (Science Books and Films (Vol. 35, No. 4)).
ISBN: 0766011208
ISBN: 9780766011205
In Space
Ian Graham
In 1957, the first satellite was launched into space by the USSR. Since then, many types of spacecrafts, manned and unmanned, have been sent into space. At first, such crafts were used only for exploration, but now satellites provide a variety of services to the average citizen. Global Positioning Units, television, and communications are all aided by satellites. Space shuttles and space stations are still used in space exploration and research. Robots called rovers are used on the moon and Mars to explore where humans cannot go. Most spaceships used to be entirely funded by the government, but a private agency was able to launch a manned spacecraft recently. While it is too soon to tell where private space travel will take us, it is a very exciting development! This very informative book is accompanied by excellent photographs of various types of space exploration equipment. Part of the “Machines at Work” series. 2008, QEB Publishing, $27.10. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781595663184
ISBN: 1595663185
Living in Space
David Baker and Heather Kissock
Space is a harsh environment, offering nothing that humans need for survival. Temperatures are extreme, there's no air, and everything just keeps floating away. So it will probably surprise most young readers to find out that life aboard a space shuttle can be very much like life at home. Living in Space examines the quotidian details of life outside the Earth's atmosphere. Eating, sleeping, exercising, relaxing and housekeeping chores are all part of every space traveller's day, but each task comes with its own microgravity complications. Astronauts need to fasten themselves into bed with seatbelts so they don't float away while they sleep. Food needs to be sticky and solid so it will stay on the fork, and bread crumbs are dangerous as they can float into electronic equipment and eyes. And though everyone must work together to prepare food and keep things neat and tidy, it is surely more fun to do chores while floating! The book concludes with an examination of the qualifications required to become an astronaut and the possible future of life in outer space. Living in Space is an engaging book for young students. Sentences are more complex than in an easy reader, but each topic is still covered in a few short paragraphs on a double-page spread. Excellent colour photos are generously used on every page to illustrate life on the shuttle. Many full-colour books like this can be difficult for children to read because, in the publisher's effort to make it interesting, the text is presented in too many different ways. But Living in Space avoids this situation by keeping the main information on an easy-to-read white background and using small text boxes for other fun facts. Each page also has either an opportunity for further study with a weblink or further thought with an intriguing question to ponder. The table of contents, glossary and index are all clear and concise making the book an easily-accessible overview of what it is like to live on the space shuttle. Living in Space is is a book that would be at home in a classroom or library where it could be used for research projects or by aspiring young astronauts. Recommended. Rating: *** /4. Grades 3-5. (Exploring Space) 2009, Weigl (Distributed by Saunders Book Company), 32 pp, pbk. & hc., $9.95 (pbk.) and $22.95 (hc.). Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Clancy Pryde (CM Magazine, February 6, 2009 (Vol. XV, No. 12)).
9781590367698
1590367693
Look to the Stars
Buzz Aldrin
Paintings by Wendell Minor
Buzz Aldrin was part of the first Moon landing and the second man to set foot on the Moon His story is one of single-minded achievement from a family that had a history of interest in aviation. His father was a pilot, and he owned signed pictures of the Wright brothers and Amelia Earhart. With the 40th anniversary of the Moon landing mission coming up, Buzz takes readers back into the past, to his own momentous mission, and then speculates on what the future holds. He starts his story with Copernicus and moves quickly through other great scientists like Galileo, Kepler, and Newton. Readers learn about the Wright brothers, Charles Lindberg, and most startling of all, the fact that only sixty-six years elapsed from the Wright brothers first successful flight to the landing on the Moon. Did you know that the astronauts took a piece of fabric from that first plane with them? Other scientists who worked on rocketry also made space flight possible. Sputnik was the gauntlet thrown down by the Soviet Union, and the United States raced to keep up and surpass what the Russians had done. The commitment was extensive and involved hundreds of thousands of people and the dedication of enormous resources as well as the establishment of NASA. Manned flight is traced from the Mercury missions to Gemini and the Apollo program--with the missions laid out on a spread that also includes a picture of the lunar module. Aldrin notes that the current focus is on living in space for longer periods of time, now that the space race has finally come to an end with the agreement to cooperate on building the International Space Station (ISS). The primary objective for the immediate future will be unmanned probes which will provide information for the eventual landing on the Moon and the establishing of a base there. Could a trip to Mars be next? Those seeking adventure can dream about being participants in these programs. Along the bottom of each of the pages are quotes from individuals who have had a powerful influence on the space program. Do not miss the Afterword or the timeline that recaps the history of man’s interest in space from Copernicus forward. The closing page contains selected resources and a host of websites for curious minds. 2009, Putnam Penguin, $17.99. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780399247217
ISBN: 0399247211
Mapping the Skies
Walter Oleksy
Mankind has always been interested in objects in the sky. Ancients mapped the skies to aid in navigation of the seas and travel on land. Calendars were developed to determine when to plant crops. What we know about our Solar System and Universe has changed a great deal. Greek philosopher Aristotle believed that the Earth was the center of the Universe and that the objects in space were arranged in celestial spheres. As early as 260 B.C., the sun was identified as the center of our solar system, but this was not generally accepted until the 1600s. A Dutch optician invented the telescope in 1608, and Galileo was the first to use this new invention to study the sky. By 1781 the size of the known universe had doubled and today's telescopes have revealed even more. Many of the major telescopes are located at astronomical observatories at universities. However, the Hubble Telescope is located in space and is the world's largest and most sophisticated satellite telescope. The text is filled with numerous photographs of both telescopes and objects in outer space to add to kids understanding of what is a complex topic. 2002, Franklin Watts, $24.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Kristin Harris (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0531120317
ISBN: 9780531120316
Mission: Space...A Full-Throttle Tour of the Universe
Carole Stott
This book advertises itself as “a full-throttle tour of the universe,” and it lives up to this claim. It is filled with hundreds of color photos and drawings that lead the reader systematically from the solar system out to the edge of intergalactic space. I believe it is meant more as a reference than as a document to be read from cover to cover. Opening this book at any page is sure to result in something of interest. There are numerous two-page spreads covering a topic in detail (e.g., the planet Mars and star clusters). The book is very up to date with the latest scientific discoveries, and even the reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet. Numerous space missions are discussed, including missions currently underway like the Phoenix Mars lander and the Messenger Mercury orbiter. The book itself is circular and is enclosed in a circular case. I found this shape annoying at first, since much of the writing is on a curve as well. Once I got used to it, however, I found the book to be quite readable. It is designed for young readers, but includes much information that would be interesting to readers of all ages. Space is an incredible place, and this book captures the excitement of exploring all aspects of our incredible universe. Recommended, Grades 5-12, General Audience. 2008, DK Publishing, 128pp., $21.99. Ages 10 to 18. Reviewer: Robert N. McCullough (Science Books and Films (Vol. 44, No. 5)).
ISBN: 0756638429
ISBN: 9780756638429
Mysteries of the Universe: How Astronomers Explore Space
Andrew Einspruch
What is space? How can you study it? What kinds of people and machines go into it? These are the types of questions answered in this addition to the new “National Geographic Science Chapters” series. The series is an exciting group of nonfiction titles for early readers, some of which are revised from other National Geographic titles. In this case the chapters address telescopes, astronauts, astronomy, space probes, and life in space. While none of these chapters cover any new ground, most of the intended audience will not have read too many other books about the subject yet and are likely to be drawn in by the exciting topic. The writing is clear, occasionally veering toward a teaching tone but usually engaging. The photos are fantastic. At the end of this book and others in the series National Geographic spends two pages explaining the basics of report writing. Readers are instructed to go through seven steps, from choosing a topic “neither too big nor too small,” to handing in the finished report. While a bit simplified, this is surely useful information. Other back matter includes a glossary, a list of further sources, and an index. 2006, National Geographic, $17.90. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Amy S. Hansen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780792259565
ISBN: 0792259564
Satellites
David Baker and Heather Kissock
In this title in the “Exploring Space” series, readers will learn about satellites and the roles that satellites play in everyday life. Satellites are used for a variety of reasons: communication satellites allow phone calls to be made around the world, weather satellites track weather patterns so that people can prepare for the weather in local areas, GPS units use satellites to help people find locations or destinations, Earth observation satellites help scientists study the Earth’s surface, and so forth. Satellites come in many different shapes and sizes. The largest satellite, the International Space Station, allows astronauts to live while in space. With the cost of building and getting satellites to space, many scientists are working on creating smaller, more cost-effective satellites. This book is yet another good starting point for younger researchers who want to learn more about space and the role that satellites play while orbiting the Earth. Also included are a glossary, an index, a list of websites, a “daily schedule” of someone in space, a comprehension test for readers, and a list of “further resources,” which is simply a list of “key” words for the reader to research at his or her local library. 2009, Weigl Publishers Inc, $26.00 and $9.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Joella Peterson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781590367780
ISBN: 1590367782
Satellites
Ron Miller
In this time of satellite television, cell phones, and global positioning systems, one must remember that satellites are a relatively new invention. The concept, however, is much, much older. Issac Newton was the first to discover exactly how the moon remained in constant orbit around the earth. Edward Hale’s book The Brick Moon was the first time, however, that someone proposed placing an artificial satellite in the sky. At the time, this was science fiction and considered impossible. The main issue was getting a satellite into orbit; once it was there, it would remain there indefinitely. Rockets became key in propelling satellites into orbit. After describing the development and science of rockets, Miller then delves into the development of the modern satellite and its contributions to society (including agrarian, ecological, and military). In addition to mentioning the physicists and scientists, Miller also includes the writers of fiction who first speculated about satellites and the things they do. This is an excellent reference work on satellites from the “Space Innovations” series. 2008, Twenty-First Century Books, $31.93. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck (Children's Literature).
Our technological society would be greatly hampered without our numerous communication satellites circling high overhead. In the last 50 years they have become indispensible parts of daily life. We make use of them in many ways, from transmitting news to guiding commercial fisheries and tracking our children. It's hard to imagine living without them. This book is part of the Space Innovations series, with information about satellites "from their primitive beginnings to the complex, indispensable machines that orbit the Earth today." It includes nine chapters, a glossary, sources for further information on satellites, and an index. The book is filled with photographs and illustrations of satellites and those who developed them. There is an extensive discussion of the Hubble Space Telescope and the amazing pictures it has produced, and there is information on a "space elevator," which is a potential way to reach space by riding a car tethered to a cable up to a space station. This is handsome book. The cover shows the International Space Station in orbit around the Earth. The material presented would add significantly to a discussion of technology, engineering, or space. Grades 6-8. 2008, Lerner Publications, 112p, $31.93. Ages 11 to 14. Reviewer: Donald Logsdon Jr. (National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)).
ISBN: 9780822571544
Space: Exploring the Moon, the Planets, and Beyond
Olivier de Goursac
Illustrations by Pascal Laye
Would you like to go into space? If you have ever wondered what it would really be like, you have to read this book. This book explores the particulars of space exploration from early space investigation to current times. Living, walking, and eating in space can be a difficult process. Getting to the moon was also a difficult process. The author investigates how they first landed on the moon in 1969, what they found when they were there, and how they moved and walked around on the moon. Did you know that an astronaut even got lost? The author also talks briefly about each planet, giving basic information about the size, make-up, and other special characteristics. You also learn what it would take to explore each planet. Finally, you learn what it would take to complete an interstellar travel--voyaging to other stars. Imagine the future of space travel. Will you be on board? The illustrations are realistic and captivating. They are intricately detailed and give the reader an actual picture of life in space. 2006, Abrams Books for Young Readers, $18.95. Ages 12 to 18. Reviewer: Kelly Grebinoski (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780810957190
ISBN: 0810957191
Space Disasters
Michael Woods and Mary B. Woods
As this book reveals, the history of space travel is unfortunately filled with disasters, as getting into space has proven to be both costly and incredibly complex. The authors use an outstanding array of photos to illustrate the shuttles and their crews, including brilliant photos of several launches. Poignant photos of astronauts in training also bring home the dangers these professionals face. As the book describes, there are three main types of errors--equipment failure, human failure, and those caused by space debris. The authors include disasters that have occurred around the world, not just in the U.S., further reminding readers that as other nations develop space travel, more disasters are likely. Even here in the U.S. as recently as 2003, the shuttle Columbia broke apart during re-entry. Even after such disasters, safety improvements are regrettably sometimes discarded due to cost, as well as the complexity of making changes to existing craft. However, as the authors report, NASA’s goal is to finish the International Space Station using the existing shuttles, and then begin building new craft using improved materials and practices. Hopefully, the future of space travel will ultimately be safer, leading to a continued expansion of human knowledge. 2008, Lerner Publications Company/Lerner Publishing Group, $27.93. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Laura Ruttig (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780822567752
ISBN: 082256775X
Space Exploration
Connie Jankowski
Part of the “Mission: Science” series, this book addresses some of the biggest questions of our time. What is out there? Why do we want to go? How did we start exploring? Jankowski answers: “Astronomers once thought Earth was the center of the universe. Now we know that Earth is just a tiny part of a vast cosmos. ... And our solar system is a tiny part of something much bigger...” But it isn’t the abstract cosmos that will appeal most, it is the concrete descriptions of what goes on in the International Space Station, the explanation of dangers in space, and the details about of how we are gaining in our powers of observation in space. Each section is illustrated with stunning photos and well-developed drawings. Sidebars and captions in the text describe the history of discovery. A fairly easy read for mid-graders, the book should fit in well with the new science standards that ask the students to explore more science on their own. Backmatter includes a science activity, glossary, timeline, additional resources and index. 2009, Compass Point Books, $26.10. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Amy S. Hansen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780756539580
ISBN: 0756539587
Space Junk
Steve Kortenkamp
In this book from “The Solar System” series, readers learn that space junk is trash that orbits Earth and includes broken spacecrafts like rockets and satellites, cameras or nuts and bolts lost by astronauts and even an astronaut glove lost by Ed White, the first American to walk in space. Because this junk travels 30 times the speed of a bullet it is very dangerous for spacecraft carrying astronauts and for astronauts who walk in space. The book’s format is easy to read with bold headings, large print and many photos related to the text. Few sentences appear on each page and the information is concise and easy to understand. Students will find this book useful for making reports or just learning something interesting. Especially interesting is the page called “Think Big” that explains how scientists are finding ways to use lasers to clean up the space junk. The last sentence on the page challenges children to think of ways to clean up space junk, too. The book is well researched and carries appeal for young readers. A glossary, resource page and index are included. 2008, Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781429612586
ISBN: 1429612584
Space Probes
Steve Kortenkamp
Part of the “First Facts” series for young readers, this Solar System set has been updated for 2008. Each slim, square book presents the basics in six to eight chapters with bright color photos and drawings, adding extra interest with “Fun Facts” and “Amazing but True!” pages. While the text is brief and written in short sentences, the vocabulary and some concepts may be difficult for early readers unless they are already fans of outer space. This title introduces robot space probes like satellites, landers, and rovers, which take pictures and gather information. Progressing from early, simple probes to more complicated ones, the author describes space probes that have landed on the Moon and some that have traveled deep into the solar system, like Voyagers 1 and 2, exploring Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Other space probes are yielding new information about asteroids (they can have moons) and comets (they are fluffy but frozen). A later page discusses future probes such as New Horizons, now on its way to Pluto and not expected to arrive until 2015. “Amazing but True!” informs young astronomers that the complex probe Cassini has “dropped a mini-probe on Saturn’s giant moon Titan,” showing rivers and lakes. Of the two web sites selected by FactHound (listed as a source for Internet sites), the one from the Children’s Museum is much the better. Each book has the usual glossary, bibliography, and index. 2008, Capstone, $21.26. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781429600637
ISBN: 1429600632
Space Stations
Steve Kortenkamp
Need high interest science books for low-level reluctant readers? This book is one of six in a series that fills that niche. The topic of space fascinates early elementary students. Each book in the series is designed with a controlled vocabulary and short sentence structure. The reading level is for students in grades 1 to 2, but the interest level would be suitable for K to 4. Each two-page chapter has either a photo or diagram explaining the accompanying text. The photos support comprehension, and there is a short glossary at the back of each book. Also included is a great section called "Thinking Big," which asks questions to send the children on a quest for more information. The "Facthound" internet site is featured as well as "read more resources." Space Stations highlights the variety of Russian and American stations that have been in space at one time or another. Actual pictures of the space stations with the thin atmosphere encapsulating Earth are amazing. "Amazing But True" facts will catch the reader's interest. For instance, Mir, a Russian space station, was visited by more than 100 people. When complete, the International Space Station will be bigger than two soccer fields side by side. The Russians put a total of six Salyut stations into space. The giant robot arm on the International Space Station can flip end over end or move on rails like a roller coaster. This will be a high interest book for even the most reluctant reader and is highly recommended. Grades 1-3. 2008, Capstone Press, 24p, $21.26. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Jacqueline Pfeiffer (National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)).
ISBN: 9781429600644
ISBN: 1429600640
Space Travelers
Steve Kortenkamp
This fascinating book is part of a great six book series called “Incredible Space.” Each text has been cleverly written with beginning, reluctant, and struggling readers in mind. Children will be interested in the work that astronauts are doing now as well as their plans for future space exploration to the moon and Mars. The full color photographs and illustrations on each page are wonderfully exciting and detailed. In the center of this book, there is a full page, carefully labeled diagram of the International Space Station. This well done diagram will help readers understand the design of the Space Station and how it works. After reading this informative book, children will be inspired to learn more about space and the amazing work of astronauts. Written in simple, short sentences that contain controlled vocabulary, young readers will enjoy the books in this series in or out of the elementary classroom. Readers of this exciting, easy-to-read nonfiction will learn about space travelers and space exploration while developing their skills as capable and enthusiastic independent readers. 2009, Capstone Press, $22.65. Ages 4 to 9. Reviewer: Susan Borges (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781429623209
ISBN: 1429623209
Stargazer's Alphabet: Night-Sky Wonders From A To Z
John Farrell
Photographic images help to create a sense of wonder about objects in space. Among these are Earth as seen from Apollo 8 as the spacecraft orbited the moon and X-rays indicating a black hole in the center of the Andromeda Galaxy taken by a NASA telescope. Larger photos often serve as background for smaller inset pictures, including simple diagrams of how tides form and the greenhouse effect. Each page has a particular focus with a paragraph of information headed by rhyming text. For example, “Q is for Queen Cassiopeia, upon her throne of stars” and “R is for the red planet, the one that we call Mars.” Much of the information presented relates to constellations and how their positions in the night sky change throughout the year. Mythological references as well as scientific facts are included and a glossary is provided. Stargazer’s Alphabet is far from comprehensive however. For instance, Jupiter and its moon Io are featured, but there is no mention of the planets Saturn and Neptune. Although this title serves as a good general introduction to astronomy, Seymour Simon’s series of books on the topic remains a superior choice. Category: Nonfiction/Picture. 2007, Boyds Mills Press, $16.95. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Cindy Burwell Koch (Kutztown Book Review, Fall 2008).
ISBN: 9781590784662
ISBN: 1590784669
Starry Skies: Questions, Facts, and Riddles about the Universe
Mike Artell
Mike Artell’s Starry Skies is an introduction to the wonders of the universe for elementary school students. The book is lavishly illustrated with actual photos from space and numerous drawings, many of which are humorous, trying to capture the imagination of young people. This is the kind of book that someone could pick up, look on any page, and find something of interest. In addition to containing information on the cosmos, it has activities, jokes, riddles, and games, all intended to educate and entertain the reader. The first edition of the book came out in 1997. This new revised edition appears not to have been done in as thorough a manner as the other one. Although it is mentioned that Pluto was recently demoted to a “dwarf planet” (pp. 38 and 58), other pages still refer to Pluto as a planet (pp. 60 and 65). The book makes no mention of the International Space Station, but mentions Mir, the Russian space station (p. 30) that was deorbited years ago. Similarly, reference is made to the Sojourner rover (p. 49), but the more recent advanced rovers Spirit and Opportunity are not mentioned. Despite these shortcomings, I believe that this book would be both enjoyable and useful in teaching young people about the heavens. With current surveys indicating that today’s youngsters are less interested in space exploration than were previous generations, the book may help inspire some of them to pursue careers in science, and that is a good thing. Recommended, Grades 1-6. 2007, Good Year Books, 96pp., $14.95. Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Robert N. McCullough (Science Books and Films (Vol. 43, No. 5)).
ISBN: 9781596470224
Working in Space
Steve Kortenkamp
Students who are interested in becoming astronauts will discover what kind of work is done in space when they read this book. Beginning with the cover, excellent bright photos capture the attention of the readers. Fun facts scattered through the book include extra information. One such fact lets readers know that the space station’s robotic arm works like an unfolding inchworm and another tells that astronauts wear white suits because white is cooler. The book contains eight short chapters made up of bold headings, large print and only a few sentences per page. The book tells about the astronauts who are building the space station, astronauts carrying out experiments, and even how astronauts play in space. This book is one from “The Solar System” series. As with the others, it contains an “Amazing but True!” page, a “Think Big!” page, a glossary, resources and index. It will work well to supplement science and career lessons. 2008, Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781429612616
ISBN: 1429612614
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Updated 10/27/2009
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