1950 –
Space exploration has expanded humanity’s understanding of the universe and pushed the limits of technology and science. Starting with the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, milestones like the first human in space, the Moon landing, and the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope inspired generations. Space exploration continues today with the International Space Station, Mars rovers, and new missions to distant planets and moons. Advances in technology have also opened up possibilities for private space travel and future missions to explore even farther into the cosmos.
Picture books
One Giant Leap
Great introduction to the moon landing for young readers
Buy
Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11
Gorgeous introduction to the moon landing, with technical details
Buy
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
True story of four female mathematicians working as part of the space race
Buy
Chapter books
Non-fiction books
What Is NASA?
Introduction to NASA, its mission, and its history
Buy
The Blue Marble: How a Photograph Revealed Earth’s Fragile Beauty
Story of the famous photograph of the earth from space and its impact
Buy
How We Got to the Moon: The People, Technology, and Daring Feats of Science Behind Humanity’s Greatest Adventure
Excellent guide to the people and events that led to the first moon landing
Buy
Man on the Moon: How a Photograph Made Anything Seem Possible
Story of the famous photograph of Buzz Aldrin on the moon, and the impact it had
Buy
The Space Race (Blast Back!)
Engaging overview of the space race and its context
Buy
You Wouldn’t Want to Be on Apollo 13!: A Mission You’d Rather Not Go On
Cheeky guide to a famous space mission
Buy
