The Mighty Mars Rovers: The Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Opportunity (Scientists in the Field Series) [Hardcover]

Elizabeth Rusch (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 19, 2012 | Age Range: 10 and up | Series: Scientists in the Field Series | Lexile Measure: 950L (What's this?)

On June 10, 2003, a little rover named Spirit blasted off on a rocket headed for Mars. On July 7, 2003, a twin rover named Opportunity soared through the solar system with the same mission: to find out if Mars ever had water that could have supported life.A thrilling addition to the acclaimed Scientists in the Field series, The Mighty Mars Rovers tells the greatest space robot adventure of all time through the eyes—and heart—of Steven Squyres, professor of astronomy at Cornell University and lead scientist on the mission.

This suspenseful page-turner captures the hair-raising human emotions felt during the adventures with two tough rovers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

-NYPL 100 Titles for Reading & Sharing, 2012

 

(star) "Enthralling . . . How extraordinary to visit Mars in Spirit; readers will be very glad of the Opportunity."--Kirkus, starred review

 

(star) "Well documented and fully illustrated with many colorful photos and digital images, this is a book that space technology fans won't want to miss."--Booklist, starred review

 

(star) "This detailed look at planning, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting a highly complex scientific mission puts a human face on an incredible accomplishment."--School Library Journal, starred review

 

(star) "Rusch's account skillfully captures the exciting quest for knowledge that drives Squyres and his team through the leaps and setbacks of scientific exploration."--Horn Book, starred review

About the Author

The award-winning freelance writer Elizabeth Rusch has published more than one hundred articles in magazines such as Muse, Smithsonian, and Mother Jones. She is the author of a number award-winning nonfiction titles for children, including: Generation Fix, Will it Blow?, The Planet Hunter, and For the Love of Music: The Remarkable Story of Maria Anna Mozart. This is her first book for Houghton Mifflin.

Elizabeth lives in Portland, Oregon, with her family. Liz has a four-inch-high scale model rover, which she kept next to her computer for inspiration while writing this book. The model rover toppled over and broke so many times that she can’t believe Spirit and Opportunity have survived roaming Mars for more than six years. You can visit Liz online at www.elizabethrusch.com. 

Product Details

• Age Range: 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (June 19, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 054747881X
• ISBN-13: 978-0547478814
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 0.6 x 11 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,466 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #9 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Rocks & Minerals
  • #10 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > How Things Work
  • #20 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Astronomy & Space > Aeronautics & Space

More About the Author

Elizabeth Rusch is an award-winning magazine writer and children's book author. She writes both fiction and nonfiction for children and adults in the areas of science, art, humor, child development, health, the environment, sports, outdoors, travel, and social issues -- anything that catches her fancy.

Elizabeth Rusch's first children' book, Generation Fix, was a Smithsonian magazine Notable Children's Book and a finalist for the International Reading Association's Children's Book Award and the Oregon Book Award. Will It Blow?: Become a Volcano Detective at Mount St. Helens was named a Natural History magazine best book for young readers, a Washington Reads pick, and a finalist for the Oregon Book Award. The Planet Hunter: The story behind what happened to Pluto was also finalist for the Oregon Book Award and her book A Day with No Crayons won the OBA's Eloise Jarvis McGraw Award in Children's Literature.

As an award-winning freelance writer and former managing editor of Teacher magazine, editor-in-chief of PointsBeyond.com, and contributing editor to Child and Fit Pregnancy, Rusch has published more than 100 articles in numerous national magazines for children and adults. Her publishing credits include Muse, Read, American Girl, Harper's, Mother Jones, Smithsonian, Parenting, Smithsonian, Backpacker, and Portland Monthly, among many others.

Her literary awards include the Kay Snow Literary Award, a Maggie Award, and an Oregon Literary Fellowship, among others.

She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and two children.

www.elizabethrusch.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "Five...four...three...two...one...Blastoff into an Exciting Adventure" August 17, 2012

By Ms. Dees

Format:Hardcover

Five...four...three...two...one...blastoff into an exciting adventure in Elizabeth Rusch's The Mighty Mars Rovers. Rusch explores one of the greatest scientific missions of our time through the eyes of its captain, Steve Squyres of the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL). Page after page of crisp, full page color photos transport the reader onto the surface of Mars and into the world of the JPL scientists. Rusch recreates the experience of roving Mars so precisely that your heart will drop every time a rover hits a bump in the road. Her passion for Steve and the rovers transfers to the reader - expect to get lost on this beautiful, harsh, and unknown planet.

Captions, sidebars, and photos help to bring this information-rich book to life. Not only is it well-written, but it is visually appealing and well laid-out - exceptionally accessible to a wide range of readers. We need more non-fiction like this for young adults. I can't wait to add The Mighty Mars Rovers to my home and classroom libraries!

Erin Dees, 5th grade teacher

5.0 out of 5 stars very educational January 7, 2013

By Melissa Sack VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

Steve Squyres and his team have worked in the lab for years to make what they hope will give the world it's first look at Mars. With this books full color photographs and interesting text young people will feel like they have come along for the journey as well. This covers both Spirit and Opportunity.

This would be helpful in report writing or just a great read for kids that are interested in space.

5.0 out of 5 stars Mighty, Mighty Story about a Mighty Expedition January 3, 2013

By lgepson

Format:Hardcover

What an expedition! What a story! Appealing to adults, big kids, and even little tykes, the photographs tell a story all by themselves. However, when coupled with the outstanding text, the story of Steve Squyres and his incredible invention just clarifies that space exploration isn't over. It will be an inspiration to wanna-be astronomers and scientists who explore the edges of discovery on earth and in outer space. Highly recommended.