Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 5-8. This handsome paperback does more than introduce our neighbors in space; it traces the history of human exploration of the solar system, and, even better, conveys a sense of the enthusiasm that often drives astronomers, engineers, and others involved in the process. The first chapter encompasses "Prehistory-1900," the next 1900-1960, with successive sections offering the history decade-by-decade into the present, then forward to the 2010s. Carson highlights the achievements of historical figures as well as contemporary space scientists, and each chapter includes a few simple activities. Good quality paper and a relatively sturdy binding make the book a more attractive and practical choice than many paperbacks. Excellent color photos and clear drawings and diagrams appear throughout the book, which concludes with a "Field Guide to the Solar System," offering fast facts and a detailed time line of exploration. Packed with information, yet highly readable, this is an exceptionally inviting guide to the solar system. --Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2006 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 5 Up-This oversize book is an intriguing and engrossing mix of facts, history, and hands-on activities. Beginning with a two-page table of contents with chapters arranged as planets in our solar system and an introductory time line, the author takes readers on a historical journey of what was known and/or discovered in each of eight time periods. Each chapter has sidebars containing biographical sketches of noteworthy astronomers and other scientists, additional information on subjects such as telescopes, and activities relating to ideas of that time. The last chapter is a projection into the next decade with the launch of New Horizons, the first spacecraft to visit Pluto. A 20-page "Field Guide to the Solar System" gives concise, pertinent information about the planets, our sun and moon, asteroids, and comets. The facts for each celestial object include its symbol, color, size, rotation, temperature, and an exploration time line. Well organized and authoritative, this title has plenty of material for research projects and reports.-Linda Wadleigh, formerly at Haymon-Morris Middle School, Winder, GA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Combining specific but not heavily technical descriptions with plenty of bright, sharply reproduced color photos, this outstanding up-to-the-minute-and-beyond account of our ages-old study of the solar system will sweep readers up in the wonder and excitement of each new discovery. Writing with Joy Hakim-like vigor--"Copernicus decided that Ptolemy's system was too ridiculously complicated to be true"--Carson opens with ancient views of the heavens' five "wandering stars." She closes with a quick-facts "Field Guide to the Solar System" and in between follows the development of early modern astronomy, traces the international space effort decade by decade and finally looks to upcoming space missions planned for the next decade or so. She also introduces scientists of the past and present (asking many of the latter what first sparked their interest in space), and offers nearly two dozen inexpensive projects or activities. By far the most complete, current and evenhanded look at the space program's successes and failures for younger audiences, this meaty, compelling invitation to explore the high frontier will soar off shelves. (multimedia resource lists, index) (Nonfiction. 11-13) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
