One Small Step...

“I’m at the foot of the ladder. The LM footpads are only depressed in the surface about one or two inches, although the surface appears to be very, very fine grained, as you get close to it. It’s almost like a powder. (The) ground mass is very fine. (Pause) I’m going to step off the LM now.” Contrary to popular belief, the solemn “That’s one small step…” were far from Neil Armstrong’s first words as he clambered out of the Lunar Excursion Module on that historic day in 1969. Still, they are the ones that have echoed down through the 40 years since and have lost none of their power to inspire a feeling of awe at the magnitude of our space program’s accomplishments. It’s important not to rest on these laurels, however. From treatises that will challenge college-bound middle schoolers to titles that simply introduce the life-changing idea that the Moon is actually a place to which you can go, the books below feed a fresh wave of interest in our exploration of the High Frontier. Published (with a few notable exceptions) within the past 10 years, they highlight the achievements of the men and women who made the first Moon landing possible so long ago—but also remind young readers that beyond that first giant leap there is another, still waiting to be taken. And another beyond that.

ASTON, Dianna Hutts. The Moon Over Star. illus. by Jerry Pinkney. Dial. 2008. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3107-3.

Gr 1-3-In a moving fictional evocation of the wonder that the first Moon landing caused among earthbound spectators, young Mae watches the event on TV and then confides to her skeptical grandfather her own dream of going there one day. Aston seamlessly adds factual information to her poetic text, while Pinkney’s sensitive illustrations shine.

BURLEIGH, Robert. One Giant Leap. illus. by Mike Wimmer. Philomel. 2009. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-23883-3.

Gr 1-3-Easily the most suspenseful account of the landing of the Eagle and its later return to Earth, this pairing of accurately detailed scenes of the three Apollo 11 astronauts and a pithy free-verse narrative will leave readers and listeners breathless.

CARLE, Eric. Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me. illus. by author. S & S. 1991. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-0-88708-026-5.

PreS-Gr 2-An honorable addition to any Moon-themed book list, this classic foldout episode makes a durable expression of parental love and points out a natural cycle in the sky that even very young children can observe. The magnificent art promotes a feeling of wonder that, with proper nurture, will mature into a lasting interest in the Moon and beyond.

KORTENKAMP, Steve. The First Moon Landing. Capstone. 2007. PLB $21.26. ISBN 978-1-4296-0060-6.

Gr 1-3-This very basic account of the mission will give fledgling readers a good sense of the scale of the effort and the significance of the accomplishment, along with plenty of memorable photos and, likely, a yen to find out more.

MCCANN,Dan. Balloon on the Moon. illus. by Nathan Hale. Walker. 2008. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8027-8092-8; PLB $17.85. ISBN 978-0-8027-8093-5.

K-Gr 2–Jake wangles his way aboard a lunar mission in pursuit of his little brother’s lost balloon. He floats about the cabin, leaps out onto the lunar surface to snag the balloon, and then returns to Earth in triumph. Realistic painted illustrations and whiffs of fact add enough plausibility to leave children believing the Moon isn’t impossibly far away after all.

MCNULTY, Faith. If You Decide to Go to the Moon. illus. by Steven Kellogg. Scholastic. 2005. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-590-48359-9.

Gr 1-3-Addressing both the “how” and “why” in a hard-to-resist mix of fancy and scientific fact, dramatic illustrations and an engaging text invite readers to gather the necessary supplies for a trip into space, to think about what it would be like to travel to the Moon, and, finally, to appreciate more fully the wonders of our own planet.

RAU, Dana Meachen. Neil Armstrong. (Rookie Biographies Series). Children’s Press. 2003. PLB $20.50. ISBN 978-0-516-22592-0; pap. $4.95. ISBN 978-0-516-26963-4.

Gr 1-2-Illustrated with photos, this brief biography will lead readers not only to an understanding of who Armstrong is and why he is worth knowing, but also how he reached the (literal) pinnacle of his profession through hard work and dedication.

RUSTAD, Martha E. H. The Moon. rev. ed. (Out in Space Series). Capstone. 2008. pap. $24. ISBN 978-1-4296-2811-2.

Gr 1-2-A well-put-together and simply written introduction to the Moon’s phases and main physical features, this title will satisfy beginning readers who prefer their facts undiluted by fictional elements.

SANTORO, Lucio & Meera Santoro. Journey to the Moon: A Roaring, Soaring Ride. illus. by authors. S & S/Little Simon. 2007. Tr $26.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-4721-9.

Gr 1-3-A good candidate for shared reading or for displays, this pop-up excursion invites children to board a train, plane, boat, car, spacecraft, and, finally, the Moon lander on its way to our nearest celestial neighbor. The special effects are particularly memorable both for sheer height off the page and for parts that move or swing.

WILKINSON, Philip. Spacebusters: The Race to the Moon. DK. 1998. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7894-4250-5; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-7894-2961-2.

Gr 1-2-Newly fledged readers will flock to this exciting version of Apollo 11’s mission. Matched to a narrative printed in easily digestible blocks, vivid photos and paintings capture the flight’s drama and danger while providing plenty of specific visual information about astronauts, Apollo spacecraft, space suits, and more.

WILSON, Zachary. A Circle in the Sky. illus. by JoAnn Adinolfi. (Rookie Reader Series). Children’s Press. 2006. PLB $ 19.50. ISBN 978-0-531-12570-0; pap. $4.95. ISBN 978-0-531-12589-2.

K-Gr 1-In this simply told tale, a child wearing a worker’s apron gathers up a variety of shapes and confidently assembles them into a rocket that takes her through brightly speckled starscapes to the Moon. Perfect fare for brand-new readers who are, or may well become, budding engineers and space travelers.

ALDRIN, Buzz. Look to the Stars. illus. by Wendell Minor. Putnam. 2009. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24721-7.

Gr 2-4-This broad survey of space exploration from the former Apollo astronaut begins with Galileo, closes by inviting readers to think of themselves as future space travelers, and, in between, provides an account of events highlighted by personal anecdotes and observations. Minor’s clean-lined art re-creates significant scenes and machines with careful attention to detail.

ALDRIN, Buzz. Reaching for the Moon. illus by Wendell Minor. HarperCollins. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-055445-3; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-055446-0; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-06-055447-7.

Gr 2-4-In this fluently written memoir, the second man on the Moon describes the shaping of his life and character, his early career, astronaut training, and dramatic flight with Armstrong and Collins. Finely detailed art puts viewers alongside for the entire journey.

CASIL, Amy Sterling. Buzz Aldrin: The Pilot of the First Moon Landing. (The Library of Astronaut Biographies Series). Rosen. 2004. PLB $31.95. ISBN 978-0-8239-4456-9.

Gr 3-5-The most detailed biography of the Eagle’s pilot for young readers so far traces Aldrin’s development from average student to brilliant scientist. Enhanced by plenty of photos (including even baby pictures) and concluding with good lists of further sources of information, this title offers a solid idea of the astronaut’s character, qualifications, and accomplishments in space.

DYER, Alan. Mission to the Moon. S & S. 2009. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-7935-7.

Gr 5-7-Packaged with a DVD containing a dramatic account of the Apollo 11 flight, this scrapbook-style presentation features an outstanding array of archival color photos plus detailed views of an Apollo Command Module and other technological marvels. Accompanying captions and floating text blocks fill serious readers in on Space Race highlights.

FLOCA, Brian. Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11. illus. by author. S & S/Atheneum/A Richard Jackson Bk. 2009. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-5046-2.

Gr 2-5-In this top-drawer account of the Apollo 11 mission from liftoff to splashdown, Floca retraces the flight in compelling language and accurate, atmospheric art. Along with detailed views of each component of the spacecraft, readers will come away with a real understanding of the mission’s purposes and significance.

LANDAU, Elaine. The Moon. (A True Bk.). Children’s Press. 2007. PLB $26. ISBN 978-0-531-12562-5; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-0-531-14792-4.

Gr 2-4-A strong entry in an above-average series, this title provides a coherent, systematic introduction to our closest celestial neighbor and is well supplied with small color photos and resources in several media for further study.

PRINJA, Raman K. The Moon. rev. ed. (The Universe Series). Heinemann Library. 2007. PLB $28.21. ISBN 978-1-4329-0167-7; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-1-4329-0179-0.

Gr 3-5-A good bridge between primary-level introductions and more detailed titles for upper grades, this series entry features plenty of color photos and diagrams matched to brief topical discussions. Equally useful for quick access to facts and for general study.

RAUM, Elizabeth. Neil Armstrong. (American Lives Series). Heinemann. 2005. PLB $26.79. ISBN 978-1-4034-6938-0; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-1-4034-6945-8.

Gr 3-5-Drab on the outside but otherwise handsomely designed, this introduction to the first man on the Moon fills readers in on his training, public life, and character with a mix of well-chosen, easily digested facts and plenty of side boxes and photos.

SCHYFFERT, Bea Uusma. The Man Who Went to the Far Side of the Moon: The Story of Apollo 11 Astronaut Michael Collins. Chronicle. 2003. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-0-8118-4007-1.

Gr 4-7-Designed to resemble a scrapbook, this decidedly unconventional account of Apollo 11’s flight focuses on the experiences of Michael Collins, the astronaut who stayed in the Lunar Orbiter. A grand array of pictures, tables, diagrams, checklists, and sometimes quirky facts will give young readers a unique experience of early space flights’ sights, sounds, smells, dangers, and pleasures.

SIY, Alexandra. Footprints on the Moon. Charlesbridge. 2001. PLB $16.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-408-9; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-409-6.

Gr 3-6-Prefaced by a history of rocketry and a look at the early days of the Space Race, this history of the Apollo program combines a broad array of color photos and artists’ conceptions with a lively narrative to recapture both the scope and the drama of the first Moon landing.

ADAMSON, Thomas K. The First Moon Landing. illus. by Gordon Purcell & Terry Beatty. (Graphic History Series). Capstone/Graphic Library. 2006. PLB $26.60. ISBN 978-0-7368-6492-3; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-0-7368-9654-2.

Gr 4-6-Presented graphic-novel style, this account of the Apollo 11 mission combines dramatically composed sequential panels with generous doses of authentic-sounding dialogue, all of which infuses the journey with cinematic pacing and a strong feeling of immediacy.

CHAIKIN, Andrew & Victoria Kohl. Mission Control, This Is Apollo: The Story of the First Voyages to the Moon. illus. by Alan Bean. Viking. 2009. Tr $23.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01156-8.

Gr 5-8-Dramatic paintings of astronauts and spacecraft both in flight and on the Moon–all created by a former Apollo astronaut–highlight this authoritative account of the Apollo program. A chapter of historical background and further comments from the artist and authors bookend mission-by-mission accounts from Apollo 1 to Apollo 17.

COLLINS, Michael. Flying to the Moon: An Astronaut’s Story. Farrar. 1994. pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-0-374-42356-8.

Gr 5-8-In this thoroughly enjoyable memoir, the Apollo 11 astronaut laces an account of his experiences and thoughts with humor (“If your spacecraft comes down in a desert, about all you can do is find a shady place and wait to be rescued”), insight, and clear explanations of the science and the technology of space flight.

DIXON-ENGEL, Tara & Mike Jackson. Neil Armstrong: One Giant Leap for Mankind. (Sterling Biographies Series). Sterling. 2008. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-6061-7; pap. $5.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-4496-9.

Gr 5-7–Ably capturing one exciting moment after another, the authors trace Armstrong’s career from first flights as a teenager through experiences piloting military and experimental aircraft, astronaut training, and, at last, that “one small step.” This solid biography will leave readers impressed with the astronaut’s uncommon abilities and strength of character.

DYSON, Marianne J. Home on the Moon: Living on a Space Frontier. National Geographic. 2003. RTE $18.95. ISBN 978-0-7922-7193-2.

Gr 4-6-Along with general background on the Moon’s history and structure, a former NASA official offers an authoritative, enticing picture of how we might adapt to our neighbor’s harsh conditions and use its natural resources to form permanent settlements. Includes plenty of big, clear color photos and artists’ renderings.

KUHN, Betsy. The Race for Space: The United States and the Soviet Union Compete for the New Frontier. (People’s History Series). 21st Century Bks. 2006. PLB $29.27. ISBN 978-0-8225-5984-9.

Gr 5-8-Despite black-and-white photos, this absorbing account provides a coherent, well-researched, and clear-eyed view of the Space Race as experienced on both sides of the Iron Curtain. There may be some revelations here for students familiar with only the conventional histories of the era; both space programs endured plenty of blunders and failures along with better-publicized triumphs.

LIGHT, Michael. Full Moon. Knopf. 2002. Tr $24.95. ISBN 978-0-375-41494-7.

Gr 5 Up-Though intended for older audiences, these magnificent photos, most of which were taken by Apollo astronauts, sweep younger viewers along too on a journey to the Moon. Climaxed by an uncommonly dramatic set of gatefold depictions of the lunar surface, the pictures form a continuous narrative, from liftoff to splashdown. Closing notes fill in the background.

PLATT, Richard. Moon Landing: A Pop-up Celebration of Apollo 11. paper engineering by David Hawcock. Candlewick. 2008. Tr $29.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4046-0.

Gr 4-6-Five eye-widening pop-ups, including a big Moon lander and a (more or less) globe-shaped Moon, make Platt’s account of the Space Race, the Mercury and Gemini programs, and the ensuing Apollo program a real showstopper. It’s most suitable for display, but it also offers a healthy load of information about early space gear, crews, and craft.

STONE, Jerry. One Small Step: Celebrating the First Men on the Moon. Roaring Brook. 2009. Tr $24.95. ISBN 978-1-59643-491-2.

Gr 4-7-Silvered covers with an embedded lenticular illustration of a space-suited Apollo astronaut on the front wrap a “scrapbook” crammed with captioned photos, diagrams, time lines, documents, and memorabilia, as well as dozens of flaps to lift. Along with commemorating the Moon landings, this album provides background on the Space Race and carries the story up to the present.

TAMES, Richard. The Moon Landing: The Race into Space. rev. ed. (Point of Impact Series). Heinemann. 2006. PLB $29.29. ISBN 978-1-4034-9145-9.

Gr 5-7-This account of the Space Race’s early days provides solid background for further study, along with an analysis of the space program’s immediate and enduring effects on world history. Short extracts from primary sources, plenty of contemporary photos, and examinations of relevant controversies add further value.

THIMMESH, Catherine. Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon. Houghton. 2006. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-0-618-50757-3.

Gr 5-7- Heavily illustrated with period photos and animated by high-energy writing, this mesmerizing account views Apollo 11 from an inside angle, paying tribute to the thousands of smart, dedicated behind-the-scenes workers at NASA and elsewhere who brought off what was very likely the greatest technological accomplishment of the century. A first purchase for every collection.