November 23, 2015
Scott (Buried Alive!) provides an approachable guide to our planet’s sole (natural) satellite, invoking human and planetary history, cultural lore, and scientific discoveries from across the centuries. After efficiently charting the lunar theories and studies of Anaxagoras, Harriot, Galileo, and others, Scott moves on to more recent history (including the 1969 Apollo 11 mission), extremely ancient events (the “giant impact theory” behind the moon’s formation), and the possibilities introduced by current and future research (such as the 21st-century confirmation of the presence of water on the moon, as well as a “thin and fragile” atmosphere). Color and b&w photographs, sidebars on topics that include logical reasoning and helio- and geocentric views of the universe, an extensive glossary, and suggested external resources augment Scott’s presentation of how human understanding of the moon has changed, and continues to do so. Ages 10–12.
December 1, 2015
This examination of Earth's closest orbital companion presents historical information, scientific fact and theory, an overview of the Apollo missions, and recent discoveries. Scott first introduces readers to thinkers and scientists, from Anaxagoras to Galileo, who observed, mapped, and tested theories about the moon. The invention of the telescope and the ascendancy of scientific methodology propelled a centurieslong continuum of discovery. Today, the widely accepted "giant impact theory" posits that debris resulting from a colossal collision of a planetary object with Earth formed the basis for our moon. Notably, Scott casts a fresh new look at the successful Apollo missions, whose trove of 800 pounds of moon rocks continues to invite research. NASA's sophisticated unmanned 21st-century missions--which led to the thrilling discovery of the presence of water on the moon--garner respectful scrutiny. Scott shows that the global race to explore (and perhaps even colonize) the moon, which began with Russia's unmanned 1959 Luna 2 mission, is ongoing--with Japan, China, and India mounting missions. Scott excels at rendering complex ideas intelligible: radioactive dating, the science of craters, the role of a planet's atmosphere, and much more are clearly presented. Well-captioned illustrations and photographs, diagrams, and pithy text boxes round out this handsome package. (glossary, bibliography, websites, index) (Nonfiction. 9-12)
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January 1, 2016
Gr 4-7-It has been more than four decades since anyone stood on the Moon, but scientific interest in our rocky neighbor has continued to kick out research satellites and probes designed to study its composition and history. Here Scott leads into a look at recent-relatively recent: the cutoff seems to be about mid-2014-discoveries about the Moon's origins, the presence of water, and the composition of its gaseous "exosphere" with broad overviews of lunar legends, early maps, and what scientists from Anaxagoras on have seen, guessed, and theorized. Along the way, she explains how the Moon was formed and covers basic facts; mentions Galileo; gives a well-deserved shout-out to the telescope's actual inventor, Hans Lippershey; and describes some Apollo missions. In side comments, she discusses diverse topics ranging from early spacesuits to the structure of different sorts of craters. Highlighted by a full-page version of the famous "Earthrise" photo near the end, the generous array of illustrations include old maps and images, color photos of scientists at work and of astronauts and spacecraft on the lunar surface, and dramatic renderings of the solar system's violent beginnings. Though the pace of discovery ensures that this survey will be at least a little dated by the time of publication, the list of websites at the end will well serve readers in search of the latest selenological scoops. VERDICT A good option for those seeking solar system materials.-John Peters, Children's Literature Consultant, New York City
Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
December 15, 2015
Grades 5-7 This large-format book discusses aspects of the moon and how our understanding of it has changed over centuries of observation, exploration, and discovery. After an introduction that references ancient astronomical sites and moon legends, the first four chapters look at the history of moon study, the formation of Earth's sister, what the moon can tell us about our planet, and what scientists have learned from moon rocks. The discoveries alluded to in the subtitle are discussed in the final chapter and include the moon's thin, fragile atmosphere and the presence of water molecules in lunar soil. References to the Apollo missions appear throughout. Sidebars and single-page or double-page features carry content such as Quick Moon Facts, the phases of the moon, and Astronauts as Geologists. The illustrations include archival maps and portraits, as well as artists' conceptions of scenes in space, and many photos. Broader in focus, more detailed, and more up-to-date than most children's books on the subject, this well-designed volume will be a useful addition to astronomy collections.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)
January 1, 2016
This deep dive into the science of the moon includes explanations of its formation and composition, as well as details about the all-important Apollo missions (19631972) and the latest in lunar exploration. Scott begins with a history of human surmise on the moon's appearance, including the maps of early astronomers. Subsequent chapters provide the latest scientific consensus (known as the giant impact theory ) on the creation of the moon during the earliest days of the formation of our solar system, the formation of craters and maria, and on the geology of moon materials (the so-called moon rocks ) that were collected during the Apollo missions. Most exciting is the final chapter, in which lunar missions from 2007 to 2014and the scientists who worked on themare profiled. During this timeframe, scientists have confirmed the presence of water on the moon, examined its dust, atmosphere, and gravitational field, and are currently considering what it would take for humans to live on the moon. Color photos and additional text boxes found on nearly every page are as informative as the main narrative. Appended with an extensive glossary; a brief list of further resources, both online and in print; and an index. danielle j. ford
(Copyright 2016 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)