Gr 5-8-This book follows student trainees through a weeklong session at the U.S. Space Academy in Huntsville, AL, as they are exposed to what it takes to become an astronaut and to the inner workings of the entire space program. Trainees get to wear space suits, experience zero gravity, and learn how to work cooperatively in an atmosphere much like walking in space. They study the International Space Station's design and its significance. A culminating activity has teams of trainees work together in different roles as they experience an actual space mission. Varied-colored pages, replete with outstanding full-color, captioned photos, are artistically appealing as well as informative. Sidebars include quotes from the youngsters and an "Amazing Space Facts Countdown" (beginning with 10 and counting down to liftoff) that describes various aspects and historical occurrences within the program. This is an appealing offering for general readers and for browsing.
Betsy Barnett, Eads School District, CO
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.From Booklist
Gr. 3-5. Fifth in the Ultimate Field Trip series, this colorful volume records the experiences of 16 young people attending the U.S. Space Academy. Interspersed with information about the training are the kids' own comments on their activities and experiences. Clear, colorful photographs by Michael Doolittle appear on every page and include a breathtaking shot taken during free-fall on the Space Shot ride. "Amazing Space Facts" in occasional sidebars add bits of intriguing information. Readers with an interest in space flight or the Space Academy itself will be ready to sign up by the end of the book, when the space campers have completed their preparations and their vicarious mission to launch the Endeavor, fix the Hubble Space Telescope, and land the shuttle. A glossary and a brief bibliography are appended. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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