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Five Faves: Space Travel

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With Artemis II venturing into space, I have a renewed excitement and interest in space travel!  If  you are also itching to play astronaut, check out the fascinating informational books below!

The Astrochimps: America's First Astronauts
By Dawn Cusick
Chicago, Illinois: Chicago Review Press, 2024. Informational. 210 pgs.

Although nearly 800 people have now traveled to space, chimpanzees beat us there.  In The Astrochimps, author Dawn Cusick details the legacy of the chimpanzees who endured strenuous physical training, often outshining their human counterparts, all in the name of space exploration and ensuring the humans to follow would do so safely.  The space program owes so much to these chimps, whose treatment would, today, be considered questionable at best, and Cusick encourages and advocates for the humane treatment of chimpanzees now.

Written by Terry Virts
Illustrated by  Andrés Lozano
New York, NY: Workman Publishing Company, 2023. Informational. 

Former astronaut Terry Virst explains the ins and outs of becoming and being an astronaut in this informative book geared towards ages 10 and up.  Virst's love and awe of space is clear, while also acknowledging the challenges of space travel.  Sure to inspire future would be astronauts!

By Ben Hubbard
Oakland, CA: Lonely Planet Global Limited, 2020.

The Complete Guide to Space Exploration is a journey through space travel, from the beinning of astronomy, to musings on future space travel. Even those well read on the subject will find intriguing new facts to mull over.

By Ailynn Collins
North Makato, Minnesota: Capstone Press, 2020. Informational. 32 pgs.

NASA's Orion spacecraft is the next phase of space travel, with the ultimate goal being Mars!  Mars or Bust details the obstacles that scientists, engineers and astronauts must solve to make travel to Mars a reality. A thrilling look at the next stage in space exploration!

Written by Libby Jackson
Illustrated by Léonard Dupond
New York: Aladdin; Hillsboro, OR: Beyond Words, 2021. Informational. 192 pgs.

Focusing on the inspiring pioneers of space exploration, readers will recognize some familiar names, such as Neil Armstrong, but other less known trailblazers are introduced.  Astronauts are awesome and their contributions are discussed and praised, but readers also get insight into other interesting, vital people making space travel a reality.  









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