Did you know that it is World Space Week, starting October 4, 2011?
Why October 4? That’s the day Sputnik was launched into space. Participants throughout the world attend related events and learn more about our exploration of space. I’ve put together a list of books that would be perfect to use to excite future astronauts about space.
Books to celebrate World Space Week (links go to earlier full reviews):
 |
Have you ever wanted to visit the laboratory of a ground-breaking research scientist? Now you can, because Planet Hunter: Geoff Marcy and the Search for Other Earths by Vicki Oransky Wittenstein will allow you to feel like you are standing right next to Dr. Geoff Marcy in his quest to find extrasolar planets (planets that revolve around stars other than our sun). |
 |
Look to the Stars by Buzz Aldrin and Wendell Minor (Illustrator) is remarkable because it is much more than merely an account by the second human being to touch the surface of the moon. Dr. Aldrin shows us how this incredible accomplishment is part of a long history of discoveries and advancements, and how it may lead to many more new things in the future. |
 |
Spacecraft (Machines Close-Up) by Daniel Gilpin and illustrated by Alex Pang
Full color cut-away illustrations show the ins and outs of space vehicles past, present and future. |
 |
Is There Life on Other Planets?: And Other Questions about Space by Gregory L. Vogt and illustrated by Colin W. Thompson
Another in the Is That a Fact? series, this one investigates some silly myths as well as serious, such as, “Is the moon made of green cheese? and “Do astronauts wear diapers?” |
 |
Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca is an extraordinary book. You can tell the minute you open it and see the front endpapers, which have exquisite, detailed illustrations of Apollo 11. |
 |
Space, Stars, and the Beginning of Time: What the Hubble Telescope Saw by Elaine Scott
A history of the Hubble Telescope and overview of how the images it has captured have added to the field of astronomy. |
 |
13 Planets: The Latest View of the Solar System by David A. Aguilar
Explains the most recent view (2011) of the planets in our solar system, with eight planets in the classical sense and five dwarf planets. |
Tomorrow I’m going to feature books about women that went into space (and a few more that wanted to go).
Three more books about galaxies
Do you have any suggestions for this list?
Growing with Science has more about World Space Week.
Is There Life on Other Planets?: And Other Questions about Space by Gregory L. Vogt and illustrated by Colin W. Thompson
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Library Binding: 40 pages
Publisher: Lerner Publications (March 2010)
ISBN-10: 0822590824
ISBN-13: 978-0822590828
Spacecraft (Machines Close-Up) by Daniel Gilpin and illustrated by Alex Pang
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Publisher: Benchmark Books; 1 edition (September 2010)
ISBN-10: 1608701123
ISBN-13: 978-1608701124
Nonfiction Monday is a blogging celebration of nonfiction books for kids. We invite you to join us. For more information and a schedule, stop by the new Nonfiction Monday blog to see who is hosting each week.
This week’s post is at 100 Scope Notes.