From School Library Journal
Gr 4-6-Vogt expands a narrow topic with a capsule history of our space program, from Mercury flights to the International Space Station. Beginning with Gemini 5's wry "8 Days or Bust" emblem, every space mission has had a unique patch (Mercury and earlier Gemini missions received theirs retrospectively) designed by the crews themselves within relatively broad parameters. Rather than provide a comprehensive tally, the author selected 20 "milestone" missions, recounting the course of each as well as illustrating and describing its insignia and NASA's own emblems. Available in several forms, from mass-produced decals to cloth patches worn by astronauts in space, these items are natural collectibles, selling anywhere from a few cents to thousands of dollars. Young space enthusiasts will welcome the bright color illustrations, the general advice about setting up a collection, and generous helpings of background facts that are well chosen to enhance the meaning and value of these historical mementos. Web addresses of commercial dealers and suggestions for readers who might wish to design their own personal patches bring up the rear. Both to fill a subject gap and as a supplementary history, this makes a desirable addition to most collections.-John Peters, New York Public Library
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