  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 02/15/2019 *Starred Review* It's easy to forget the days of men on the moon were few and over swiftly. This look at the daring dozen tells their stories in brief, but with the fascination factor on full display. Beginning with the first moon landing in 1969, Slade introduces the Apollo astronauts, who fulfilled their tasks, be it finding a special kind of rock or exploring the moon's topography. Nor are the vehicles involved in the moon landings ignored: they are tucked in the text and on full display in the back matter, where there's information and photos on both the spacecraft that brought the astronauts to the moon and back and the lunar rovers and modules that so ably assisted in the astronauts' tasks. While the back matter is highlighted by photographs, the text's paintings are sweeping, capturing some of the wonder the 12 experienced as they found themselves in an environment untested by any but themselves. The pages depict the way several astronauts personalized their journeys, with a flag, golf club, or photo of their family, adding another layer to both the astronauts' and readers' experiences. An outstanding choice for children who are just beginning to know about moon landings, and appended with enough information about each flight so that young students may use it, too. - Copyright 2019 Booklist. School Library Journal - 03/01/2019 K-Gr 4—Concise text and stunning watercolor illustrations present information about the Apollo missions that carried twelve American men to the surface of the moon. From Apollo 11 in 1969 to the Apollo 17 mission ending in 1972, each journey is briefly described focusing on its particular astronauts and goals. The artwork effectively reflects the history of space travel laid out in the text, but also adds grace and wonder to the stories of these men who had a rare and significant experience. Thirteen pages of back matter include a note from Alan Bean, the fourth man to walk on the moon, plus a timeline and detailed information about each of the space vehicles. Every mission has its own extra page of additional information with personnel, photos, specific dates, total time on the moon, and surface EVA time (extravehicular activity). VERDICT The information about U.S. space travel, coupled with vivid illustrations, will appeal to readers interested in astronauts and the moon. The ample facts and data following the illustrated story make the book effective for a wide range of ages.—Elaine Fultz, Madison Jr. Sr. High School, Middletown, OH - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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