(2) 4-6 Maurer shines a deserved spotlight on Margaret Hamilton, whose computer code for the Apollo program was integral to the success of the 1969 moonshot. Readers meet her as a child in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where she was brought up to be "curious, diligent, fearless, and a bit of a rebel"; her path eventually led to her joining the Instrumentation Lab at MIT. It was there that Hamilton helped write the code for the onboard ­computer, the Apollo ­Guidance Computer, that would ­control the astronauts' flight through space. ­Maurer draws on numerous ­personal interviews with Hamilton to reveal her character; she comes across as determined, brilliant, and confident yet self-effacing. Maurer mirrors her methodical ­competence, weaving into his account contextualizing information about early computer science and the technological innovations that made the Apollo program possible. He details the f­unctioning--and malfunctioning--of the AGC drive, the excitement of the test flights, and then Apollo 11 itself. Archival illustrations further enliven the narrative; a 1969 publicity photo of Hamilton steadying a tower of printed-out code is as effective now as it was then. A timeline, thorough source notes, an extensive bibliography, photo credits, and an index (unseen) round out this valuable addition to books about the space program.

Reviewer: Vicky Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2023

(3) 4-6 This comprehensive account of lunar science and exploration breaks down the Apollo 11 mission across eleven episodes, each with three "stages": a dramatic, second-person description of space flight, a historical profile of a lunar scientist or engineer, and a discussion of related science concepts. Black-and-white historical photographs and small illustrations of the mission timeline are the highlights of the gray-toned layouts. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 In this visually sublime, thoroughly researched picture book, Floca selects details to transform science into relatable experience. Throughout, Floca engages readers with his spare lyricism and with the artistry of his watercolor and ink illustrations. He uses the format to perfection, with large pictures to communicate size, power, and perspective; sequenced panels to show steps unfolding; and vignettes to catch particular moments. This edition has been expanded for the fiftieth anniversary of the first moon landing. Timeline.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2009

(3) K-3 In 1969, a young boy (who we later learn is the author) excitedly recounts each thrilling moment of the Apollo 11 mission. The main illustrations feature detailed schematics of the mission spacecraft, its astronauts, and their moon walk, while smaller insets show us the boy as he sends off his model rocket, plays in his capsule-themed tent, and watches the mission on television. Websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Scott Brundage. A cumulative tale modeled after "The House That Jack Built" depicts the journey of the first three astronauts who traveled to the moon on Apollo 11. Additional bulleted facts accompany the author's lyrical, descriptive verses up to the welcome afforded the heroic travelers upon returning home. Brundage's cool palette enhances a mainly night-set story well-suited to bedtime reading. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) K-3 Simon's well-organized and informative account of Apollo 11 is situated in the politics, science, and technology of the mid-twentieth-century space race. He shows how technological advancements in the Mercury, Gemini, and early Apollo missions set the stage for the moon landing, and then, accompanied by a series of excellent photographs and astronaut quotes, recounts the landing itself. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez. This unique nonfiction picture book tells the story of the Apollo missions in poignant verse, accompanied by pastel, colored-pencil, and airbrush illustrations. Beginning with President Kennedy's 1961 challenge to land on the moon and ending with the success of Apollo 11 in 1969, the result is immersive and both factually and emotionally powerful. Inserts with photographs and facts about the missions appear throughout; additional contextual information is appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) 4-6 Explorers series. Illustrated by Mark Bergin. Appealing color illustrations and informative diagrams complement this historical overview of the U.S. space program. There's an emphasis on the seventeen Apollo missions, in particular the Apollo 11 moon landing. The book also clearly explains the technology of spacecraft, describes the astronauts' daily routine in space, and summarizes "what happened next" in U.S. space flight. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Ben Bishop. Michael Collins, the oft forgotten third man of the Apollo 11 mission, didn't walk on the moon. But Irvine's graphic-novel account honors Collins's critical role in the mission, making sure he, Armstrong, and Aldrin got there and back safely. The sketchy, monochromatic art fits the setting, and Bishop seamlessly includes several explanatory diagrams within his paneled illustrations. Reading list, timeline, websites.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lucy Knisley. This accessible picture-book biography presents early NASA computer programmer Margaret Hamilton as an inquisitive child, an ambitious young woman, and ultimately a successful software engineer who is so adept at computer coding that she saved the Apollo 11 mission from disaster. Comics-style illustrations should engage young readers (science-loving or not); photographs on the back endpapers add a fascinating intimate touch. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(4) 4-6 You Choose: Space series. Travel in space with NASA in these latest Choose Your Own Adventure–narratives based on real events. Readers select different plot options to follow, all accompanied by black-and-white and color photographs. Unfortunately, transitions between sections are inadequate and the stories are a bit wooden. Still, young readers will learn a lot about the evolution of the space program since the 1960s. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers the following You Choose: Space titles: Apollo 11 Moon Landing and Mars Exploration Rovers.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Terry Fan & Eric Fan. This accessible autobiographical narrative inspired by Canadian astronaut Hadfield's childhood focuses primarily on the summer of 1969, the year "real, live astronauts" walked on the moon. Seeing the televised moon landing alleviates young aspiring astronaut Chris's fear of the dark. Evocative, detailed pencil illustrations colored digitally convey the compelling nighttime setting. Biographical information, a note from Hadfield, and NASA photographs are appended.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) 4-6 Wonders of Space series. Accounts of major events in space exploration--including the historic Apollo 11 moon landing, Voyager probes, Mars rovers, and Hubble telescope, as well as recent missions to Saturn and Pluto--are presented in short narrative formats, with numerous quotes from those involved in the projects. Color photographs of planets, astronauts and scientists, and space technology effectively supplement the texts. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Wonders of Space titles: Exploring Beyond Our Solar System, The First Moon Landing, The Mars Rovers, The International Space Station, Space Missions of the 21st Century, and The [cf4]Voyager[cf3] Space Probes.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Zoom In on Pioneering Explorers series. These biographies highlight the groundbreaking accomplishments of three twentieth-century adventurers: astronauts Armstrong and Jemison and oceanographer Cousteau. Aligning to Common Core Standards, the volumes contain scant information in brief, mundane statements. The accompanying archival photos highlight the subjects' bravery. Lists of quick stats and key dates are appended. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Zoom In on Pioneering Explorers titles: Jacques Cousteau, Mae Jemison, and Neil Armstrong.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) YA Odysseys in History series. This competent installment examines the 1969 moon landing with a focus on context and aftermath. Bodden deftly zooms in and out on the relevant historical and cultural details surrounding the space race and Apollo 11 mission, creating a clear and accessible account of complex topics. Well-chosen photographs, sidebars, and pull quotes complement the even-handed prose. Glossy, attractive page design adds further appeal. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) 4-6 24-Hour History series. A combination of clearly drawn comics and informative text boxes introduces readers to the United States' first lunar landing. A brief preamble and extensive back matter provide context. Although attempts to inject humor are flat and uninspired, the exposition provides an excellent overview, and overall the graphic-narrative experience is exciting. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(3) 4-6 American Space Missions--Astronauts, Exploration, and Discovery series. From Gemini 4's twenty-three-minute spacewalk in 1965 to the International Space Station's future potential, these revised, redesigned, and re-titled books each focus on a specific mission, its crew, and its accomplishments and costs. Archival photographs and diagrams support the accessible texts, providing a basic overview of the triumphs and tragedies of U.S. space exploration to date. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these American Space Missions--Astronauts, Exploration, and Discovery titles: Eye on the Universe, Spacewalk, Walking on the Moon, The Coolest Job in the Universe, Danger in Space, and Space Shuttle Disaster.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ryan O'Rourke. "Nation watching, / bated breath. / Eagle landing-- / life or death." Brief rhyming couplets tell the historic story of Apollo 11's 1969 moon landing mission. Blocky stylized illustrations, simplified down to the bare basics, capture atmosphere, import, and emotion. An author's note provides context. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(4) 4-6 Designed as a preteen's scrapbook filled with mementos from his NASA-employed relatives, this volume focuses on the Apollo 11 moon landing. Information includes rocket schematics, details about astronaut training, and descriptions of each phase of the mission. Crowded with text, historical photos, lift-the-flaps, pull-tabs, newspaper clippings, and postcards, the book is fun to explore but hard to keep intact.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Wimmer. This picture book collaboration successfully captures the tension, excitement, and national pride as Armstrong and Aldrin descend the ladder of the Eagle onto the surface of the moon. Wimmer's rich oils and broad palette provide spot-on drama for Burleigh's poetic text. An author's note underscores the achievement and its history while speculating about future space exploration.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale