(2) 4-6 Chimpanzees were "America's first astronauts," but what did their missions entail, and how did their voyages help NASA send humans into space? Cusick's well-researched look at the primates' training and flights provides details for an area of the space race typically relegated to a footnote. The account covers the rigorous and extensive training that dozens of chimps underwent to prepare for the Mercury program, introducing individual animals along with their dedicated human trainers and veterinarians (and touching on the ethics of animal testing). Cusick zeroes in on the high-stress and difficult flights of two astrochimps: Ham, whose suborbital flight preceded Alan Shepard's historic one, and Enos, whose two orbits around Earth paved the way for John Glenn. The propulsively page-turning narrative accessibly explains scientific details while showcasing the vital importance of the chimp program to NASA's moonshot goal. We learn that the chimps were not merely passengers but instead highly skilled astronauts performing difficult mental challenges throughout their flights to give scientists evidence that brains could function normally in zero-gravity situations as well as during the intense pressures of ascent and descent. Back matter that includes extensive endnotes, a glossary, an index, and additional resources rounds out this compelling aspect of astronautic history.

Reviewer: Eric Carpenter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(1) K-3 This lyrical picture book is a paean to the vastness of space and the human drive to explore. The Voyager 2 spacecraft, launched in 1977 and still traveling through the stars, narrates its own journey: "I rise up. I am above the clouds. I cross through the daylight." The book starts on Earth--"Since the dawn of time, we have raised our heads and wondered"--and then focuses on the journey as Voyager 2 passes one planet after another. Most pages contain just a few words or phrases, with the emphasis on Decalf's stunning digital illustrations. Broad expanses of black punctuated by countless stars give a sense of the enormousness of space. Color is used sparingly, with most of the images in shades of black, gray, silver, and white. The final spread asks readers to look into the vast night sky and think of Voyager 2, still "out there." The endnote describes NASA's plans for Voyager 1 and Voyager 2.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2023

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham. Although the book offers a factual recounting of the Apollo 14 moon landing, its true focus is astronaut Alan Shepard Jr.'s personal experiment to find out how far a golf ball can travel on the low-gravity, atmosphere-less surface of the moon. The book starts with a wink as Shepard surreptitiously sneaks a sockful of golf balls into the pocket of his space suit, then goes on to describe the spaceship's aim and the experiments that were planned for the third crewed moon-mission. And then comes the moment when, on live television, Shepard unexpectedly twists a metal golf club head onto the end of his rock scoop, pulls out several golf balls, and takes a few swings. Kelly's well-researched retelling of this unusual story also does a little fact-checking on Shepard, who didn't hit the ball quite as far as he believed but nevertheless became the "first human to play a sport on the Moon." Fotheringham's (illustrator of Most Wanted, rev. 5/20) digital art uses a limited color palette that gives the story a vintage feel. Extensive back matter includes an overview of all the Apollo missions, additional information on Shepard and his golf experiment, and a bibliography.

Reviewer: Laura Koenig | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2023

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Michael J. Rosen. Sullivan, the first American woman to complete a spacewalk, and Rosen immerse readers in the experience of being a space shuttle astronaut, with particular focus on the intense preparation for those who exit the shuttle for an Extravehicular Activity (EVA). In an upbeat tone, Sullivan accompanies "you" through an entire multi-day shuttle flight, from liftoff through daily activities, including the EVA, and then the return to Earth. Sullivan relates her emotions as well as her training, sharing her excitement and awe at being in space while simultaneously capably executing her tasks. "Nothing could prepare you for that thrill of weightlessness--AM I RIGHT? It has to be the most GIDDY, UNBELIEVABLE EXPERIENCE EVER." Helpful diagrams and asides throughout detail equipment, including the complex spacesuits, used on shuttle flights, and the numerous photographs of NASA ground crew and astronauts, including Sullivan, show the people and technology that make EVA possible.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2023

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Stevie Lewis. Tapping into a source of fascination for many kids, Taylor explores the complicated, potentially messy, and sometimes gross process of eating and drinking as an astronaut on a space station--from what food choices are available and how they're prepared, to meal etiquette, to the practicalities of keeping one's food in the right place in a zero-gravity environment. Taylor's conversational tone means that asides about oddities like what happens to the trash or why it's bad to burp in space (more than just air comes back up your esophagus, oh no!) feel naturally incorporated. Lewis's digital art features crisp, energetic scenes of smiling astronauts and their meals floating through a carefully rendered space station, often focusing in on food-related details of the spacecraft such as the panel where astronauts attach food pouches for hydration. Extensive back matter includes sources, additional information on why space meals look the way they do today, further reading, and photos of real astronauts enjoying food on the International Space Station.

Reviewer: Laura Koenig | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2023

(2) YA Starting with an intriguing preface, ­Cherrix informs her audience that the space race was in fact run "in the shadows by a former Nazi and a Russian who was jailed for crimes against his country." The former Nazi, Wernher von Braun, had created the deadliest weapon in Hitler's arsenal (the V-2 missile), and through a classified U.S. government program known as Operation Paperclip was able to bypass the U.S. immigration system in exchange for scientific intelligence. In the Soviet Union, Sergei Korolev was a Russian engineer and victim of Stalin's secret police force who had spent roughly five years falsely imprisoned in various gulags until his release and acceptance of a mission to develop a Soviet missile program. Von Braun's and Korolev's subsequent parallel careers are the focus of Cherrix's suspenseful, engaging narrative. Political and social context are ever present, and connections are frequently drawn between the scientists' work and historical events such as World War II, the Korean War, the civil rights movement, and the Vietnam War. Frequent quotes are effectively woven throughout the text, while occasional historical photographs (many unseen) and sidebars feature key subjects. Significantly, the scientific accomplishments of these two men are shadowed by the reality that their work (sustained by government propaganda/secrecy campaigns) led to needless deaths and the ­existential threat of intercontinental ballistic missiles. This eye-opening look into a typically venerated aspect of ­American history is a stark reminder, as stated by ­Cherrix, that "scientific advancement comes at a price." Extensive back matter includes an author's note, a bibliography, endnotes, and an index.

Reviewer: Patrick Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2021

(2) YA Illustrated by Maris Wicks. At the attention-grabbing start of ­Ottaviani and Wicks's second graphic ­collaboration (Primates, rev. 5/13), a series of panels shows a "famous astronaut" (gender intentionally obscured) shedding gear one item at a time until only stark white long johns remain. With a page-turn, readers meet (female) ex-astronaut Mary Cleave, who drolly admits that she's "maybe not so famous." But she gets the spotlight here--and the narrative reins, too--in a dense and riveting biography that not only tracks Cleave's path to NASA's Group 9 (the second astronaut class to include women) but also weaves in the voices of many trailblazers: Valentina Tereshkova, a Soviet cosmonaut and the first woman in space; the Mercury 13, thirteen American women who passed the same rigorous physical tests given to male astronaut candidates; and Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. A well-researched and lively text and tidily composed yet expressive illustrations capture the women's passion, ambition, and know-how--and their indignation and fury at the sexism they faced. Inspirational and funny ("That was Sally's ride") and full of nitty-gritty scientific details about astronaut training and life and work aboard a space shuttle, the book illuminates the women's tough journey to prove that "space is for everyone." Back matter includes an author's note (addressing composite characters and invented dialogue), a bibliography, a how-this-book-was-made spread, and character sketches.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2020

(1) 4-6 In seven parts arranged chronologically, Rocco delivers a strikingly beautiful and highly informative account of the United States's audacious effort to send human beings to the moon. Tackling both historical and scientific concepts, the book examines everything from the space race to the mechanics of an F-1 rocket engine, with equal clarity. A plethora of full-color pencil, watercolor, and digital illustrations supports the conversational (and mostly present-tense) text. Frequent side panels feature biographical information about historical figures (often emphasizing the contributions of women, people of color, and production workers) as well as instructions for straightforward experiments for readers to try. Through skillful scaffolding, scientific concepts build in complexity throughout the book (e.g., Newton's Laws of Motion lead to Draper's Inertial Guidance System). Many formidable engineering challenges are presented through a clearly defined problem/solution format. From delicate portraits to intricate schematics to fiery liftoffs, Rocco creates a strong visual continuity throughout. The final chapter is a thrilling minute-by-minute account of the Apollo 11 mission, greatly enhanced by the previous information. A thoughtful epilogue praises the collaborative spirit of the Apollo missions and challenges readers with the following: "What new grand idea will bring together hundreds of thousands of individuals to achieve a common goal?" Extensive back matter includes a fact sheet on piloted Apollo missions, research/art notes, sources, further reading, commonly used acronyms, a map of Apollo lunar landings, and an index.

Reviewer: Patrick Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2020

(3) 4-6 Brinkley weaves together the history of the space race, mid-twentieth-century geopolitics, and the career of John F. Kennedy as he ascended to the presidency, focusing on Kennedy's championing of space technologies for American political might. He illustrates the tight connections between scientific advancement and the Cold War. Historical photographs illustrate the book. Bib.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(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) YA Introduction by Scott Kelly. Collins was the NASA astronaut who piloted the capsule while Armstrong and Aldrin walked on the moon. This book is a wonderfully detailed, first-person account of his time in the space program, including scientific and historical details about space exploration. This updated edition features two inserts of photographs and includes Collins's thoughts about exploring Mars.

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

(4) 4-6 Space Race series. This series offers coverage of the major early periods in the American space program and related Soviet missions and astronauts. The formulaic presentation is accessible if not inspired. Missiles explains rocket technology and the early satellites that started the space race; Astronauts profiles historical and contemporary figures mainly, but not exclusively, from the U.S. Photos prominently feature spacecraft, scientists, and astronauts. All but Astronauts include a timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Space Race titles: Astronauts and Cosmonauts, Missiles and Spy Satellites, Project Apollo, Project Gemini, Project Mercury, and Space Stations and Beyond.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Space Race series. This series offers coverage of the major early periods in the American space program and related Soviet missions and astronauts. The formulaic presentation is accessible if not inspired. Missiles explains rocket technology and the early satellites that started the space race; Astronauts profiles historical and contemporary figures mainly, but not exclusively, from the U.S. Photos prominently feature spacecraft, scientists, and astronauts. All but Astronauts include a timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Space Race titles: Astronauts and Cosmonauts, Missiles and Spy Satellites, Project Apollo, Project Gemini, Project Mercury, and Space Stations and Beyond.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Space Race series. This series offers coverage of the major early periods in the American space program and related Soviet missions and astronauts. The formulaic presentation is accessible if not inspired. Missiles explains rocket technology and the early satellites that started the space race; Astronauts profiles historical and contemporary figures mainly, but not exclusively, from the U.S. Photos prominently feature spacecraft, scientists, and astronauts. All but Astronauts include a timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Space Race titles: Astronauts and Cosmonauts, Missiles and Spy Satellites, Project Apollo, Project Gemini, Project Mercury, and Space Stations and Beyond.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Space Race series. This series offers coverage of the major early periods in the American space program and related Soviet missions and astronauts. The formulaic presentation is accessible if not inspired. Missiles explains rocket technology and the early satellites that started the space race; Astronauts profiles historical and contemporary figures mainly, but not exclusively, from the U.S. Photos prominently feature spacecraft, scientists, and astronauts. All but Astronauts include a timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Space Race titles: Astronauts and Cosmonauts, Missiles and Spy Satellites, Project Apollo, Project Gemini, Project Mercury, and Space Stations and Beyond.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Space Race series. This series offers coverage of the major early periods in the American space program and related Soviet missions and astronauts. The formulaic presentation is accessible if not inspired. Missiles explains rocket technology and the early satellites that started the space race; Astronauts profiles historical and contemporary figures mainly, but not exclusively, from the U.S. Photos prominently feature spacecraft, scientists, and astronauts. All but Astronauts include a timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Space Race titles: Astronauts and Cosmonauts, Missiles and Spy Satellites, Project Apollo, Project Gemini, Project Mercury, and Space Stations and Beyond.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Space Race series. This series offers coverage of the major early periods in the American space program and related Soviet missions and astronauts. The formulaic presentation is accessible if not inspired. Missiles explains rocket technology and the early satellites that started the space race; Astronauts profiles historical and contemporary figures mainly, but not exclusively, from the U.S. Photos prominently feature spacecraft, scientists, and astronauts. All but Astronauts include a timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Space Race titles: Astronauts and Cosmonauts, Missiles and Spy Satellites, Project Apollo, Project Gemini, Project Mercury, and Space Stations and Beyond.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford