Written and Illustrated By: Brian Floca Publisher: Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books April 2019
Synopsis (From Publisher):
It is the summer of 1869, and trains, crews, and family are traveling together, riding Americaβs Simply told, grandly shown, and now with eight additional pages of brand-new art and more in-depth information about the historic moon landing, here is the flight of Apollo 11. Here for a new generation of readers and explorers are the steady astronauts clicking themselves into gloves and helmets, strapping themselves into sideways seats. Here are their great machines in all their detail and monumentality, the ROAR of rockets, and the silence of the Moon. Here is a story of adventure and discoveryβa story of leaving and returning during the summer of 1969, and a story of home, seen whole, from far away…
CWR Review:
This is the story of Apollo 11 and the 3 brave astronauts, who in 1969 launched into outer space, and became the first ever to walk on the moon. Floca beautifully retells the story of their historic moon landing using playful yet realistic illustrations, combined with a simple readable text that the whole family can enjoy. From preparation to blast off, to the moon landing, and on back through the atmosphere, Floca delightfully walks you through their journey. Throughout he gives you a sneak peek into the astronauts’ lives, and even their hearts, as they take it all in.
Space history was not something I was interested in when I was young. Because of my lack of interest, I did not know much about space history until I was an adult. American space history is especially captivating, and as you learn more about the great contributions our fellow Americans have made to space science and research, your appreciation will grow for their bravery, courage, and hard work. This was a Robert Sibert Honor book and rightfully so, Floca gives honor and praise where its due. These men took our flag and placed it into the moons ashy surface, so the world would know Americans were there…first. I appreciate Brian Flocaβs ability to pack so much information into bite sized text, and the illustrations that bring his packed text to life. You’ll leave more curious than you were when you started.
And may I add, I appreciate his inclusion of illustrations that show the African American female mathematicians who served NASA during that time. So much is said with that simple addition.
Loved it, amazing, extraordinary, get yours here or here.
Themes- American Space Science, NASA, Apollo 13
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