AGES 4-7
Space Shuttle Blasts Off!
- Written by Peter Bently and illustrated by Louise Conway
When a spaceship full of panda bears heads into space to collect a broken satellite, they are surprised by something else instead. Key space travel words are highlighted, and a basic space shuttle diagram is provided. Experience science and science fiction in this picture book mash-up. (QEB, 2015, hardcover, $14.95)
AGES 5-8
To the Stars: The First American Woman to Walk in Space
Charlesbridge Publishing
To the Stars: The First American Woman to Walk in Space
BookNook
- Written by Carmella Van Vleet and Dr. Kathy Sullivan and illustrated by N icole Wong
Make goals and follow your dreams. That is how Kathy Sullivan became one of the first six women to train with NASA. This inspiring picture book tells her story alongside realistic watercolor and ink illustrations, and offers additional information on female NASA trailblazers in the Author’s Note. (Charlesbridge, 2016, hardcover, $16.95)
AGES 10-14
Hidden Figures- Young Readers’ Edition
- By Margot Lee Shetterly
Despite facing discrimination because of their race and gender, four African American women provided key mathematical calculations that helped NASA send astronauts into space for the first time. The young readers’ edition of this bestselling non-fiction book tells the same story of these strong, brilliant women in abbreviated, accessible format. (Harper, 2016, hardcover, $16.99)
AGES 10-14
Lost In Outer Space: The Incredible Journey of Apollo 13
- By Tod Olson
On April 13, 1970, three astronauts prepared for the third mission ever to touch the moon’s surface. Then there was an explosion on their spaceship. Focusing on Mission Commander Jim Lovell, this non-fiction account of the Apollo 13 rescue reads like a sci-fi thriller. Readers interested in more information can listen online to the actual dialog between NASA’s Mission Control and the astronauts, which the author used in part to write this book. An emotional account enhanced with photographs of the key players. (Scholastic, 2017, hardcover, $12.99)
AGES 10-18
Astronomy Lab for Kids: 52 Family Friendly Activities
Quarry Publishing
Astronomy Lab for Kids
BookNook
- By Michelle Nichols
Six units including “Observing,” “Light, Motion, Gravity,” and “Seeing Stars” encompass the 52 projects star-seeking kids and teens can do. Each lab lists the time it will take to complete, the materials needed, safety tips, set-up hints, instructions, photographs, and scientific facts. Many labs can be done with materials found around the home for easy and educational fun with the whole family. (Quarry, 2016, paperback, $24.99)
AGES 12-18
Ask the Astronaut
- By Tom Jones
Told completely in Q&A format, this reference is a must read for those interested in the nitty-gritty of space travel. Answered conversationally by a NASA astronaut and space walker, the author answers burning questions like, “Why is duct tape important in space?” and “Is astronaut training fun?” Black-and-white photographs enhance the text and an index is included for those doing research. (Smithsonian Books, 2016, paperback, $12.95)
AGES 12-18
Bloomsbury Publishing
Learning To Swear in America
BookNook
Learning to Swear in America
- By Katie Kennedy
Yuri, a seventeen-year-old Russian physicist, travels to America to help NASA save the world when an asteroid is found heading directly for California. Armed with science and math brilliance, but not much in terms of social skills, Yuri meets Dovie, who helps him figure out the right reasons to save humanity. This humorous story with a unique hero makes this teen novel a survival story with laughs and heart. (Bloomsbury, 2016, hardcover, $17.99)
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