Out of This World Books

The sky doesn’t have to be the limit with these excellent books on space exploration!

The Kingfisher Space Encyclopedia
With dramatic full-bleed artwork, a visual design that organizes the information into clear, digestible sections, the latest photography, and special features such as digital cutaways, step-bystep sequences, and callouts featuring key scientific ideas, this amazing 160-page volume is the perfect guide to space.  Arranged thematically into five key areas—Observing Space, The Solar System, Stars and galaxies, Space Exploration, and Space in the Future—this encyclopedia features concise text by an astrophysics expert that is coherent, accurate and perfectly pitched for middle-grade audiences.

The Mighty Mars Rovers by Elizabeth Rusch
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.

Space Exploration by Giles Sparrow
Space Travel Guides offer a unique look at our Solar System and beyond for older children. Adopting a ‘travel guide’ format, this original series takes the reader on a fascinating fact-packed voyage, offering insights and points of interest along they way. Stunning full-colour photographs and quirky cartoons ensure that no detail is omitted as the trip progresses – from planetary features to star magnitudes and from space toilets to driving on the Moon.

This is Rocket Science by Gloria Skurzynski
The compelling text—vetted by NASA scientists—is a combination of history, science, human drama, and future challenges. Readers learn how fireworks in ancient China developed into the fire arrows used by Genghis Khan; we meet Sir Isaac Newton, Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, and learn how their imaginations shaped rocketry. We revisit the era of Sputnik, the satellite that launched a superpower space race, ending with moonwalks and a rendezvous in space. Finally we look forward to the future challenges of Mars and beyond. We also get a sneak peek at new technologies like space elevators, solar sails, ion propulsion, and more.