To the Stars: The Story of NASA

Gr 5-10–This title traces NASA’s history from its early 20th-century origins to its impact on modern life. It begins with the founding of NASA’s predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in 1915, and follows NASA’s formation, the space race with the Soviet Union, and decades of innovation and exploration. Readers learn how NASA’s inventions, like satellites, have influenced daily life, while politics, budgets, and public interest have shaped its direction. Densely written and chronologically organized, the book emphasizes science, engineering, and historical detail. Occasional narrative sidebars—such as the story of Laika, the first dog in space—appear throughout, but the main text is technical and best suited for research or science-focused readers. Each chapter spans about 10 pages, with one photo or diagram and one sidebar. Rather than fast facts or flashy graphics, the book offers a continuous, in-depth narrative ideal for focused reading. The book includes a table of contents, glossary, bibliography, further reading, and an index.