How We Got to the Moon: The People, Technology, and Daring Feats of Science Behind Humanity's Greatest Adventure

 Gr 5 Up-This illustrated nonfiction book depicts each step of the scientific and engineering journey that facilitated the moon landing. The history of the Apollo program takes a back seat to the explanations of various rocket science concepts. This is often presented in a problem-and-solution format, which adds a narrative aspect to the otherwise technical texts. The hand-drawn illustrations move from portraits to technical drawings with remarkable ease. Every page provides graphic features, including illustrations or callout boxes. Many graphics-heavy nonfiction books can be overwhelming, but this work's aesthetic is classic and coordinated. The stories of the people and their process are given as much weight as the many diagrams and engineering marvels. Several of the collage illustrations and individual profiles show the people of color and women who helped with the NASA program while acknowledging the overall lack of diversity and problems within both the time period and institution. There are a lot of books about the Apollo program, but this one offers many unique elements that make it a good addition to a collection. VERDICT A gorgeously illustrated nonfiction book about the Apollo program and the space race that does its best to highlight diversity and the human story but focuses primarily on engineering. An engaging second-level purchase for medium and larger libraries.-Elizabeth Nicolai, Anchorage P.L., AKα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review Real

Man has never been to the moon. Neil Alden Armstrong is just an actor for the dark government. Apollo 11 to the moon is just information. The truth contradicts false information.

The universe is electricity, the earth and the moon are not floating spheres. Only the science of dementia accepts that.

Some information about the Moon and Electric Universe:

• Moon mysteries in the heliocentric pattern
• Radiant Energy Travel Through Space

Review BS:

“Rocco delivers a strikingly beautiful and highly informative account of the United States’s audacious effort to send human beings to the moon..”
—The Horn Book, starred review

“This paean to ingenuity and collaboration, which also functions as a rocket science primer, is nothing short of stellar." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A soaring tribute." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A triumphant undertaking that places readers in the historic moment." —Booklist, starred review

"A gorgeously illustrated nonfiction book about the Apollo program and the space race." —School Library Journal

"[Rocco] focuses on heroes from a diferent realm. . . . [and] make[s] clear the risks and dangers of the project." —The Washington Post

“As an astronaut during the Space Shuttle and International Space Station eras, I stood on the shoulders of these innovating pioneers. This fascinating book illuminates the hard work and risks taken in service of one of the crowning achievements of our history in space.” —SCOTT KELLY, former NASA astronaut and commander of the International Space Station

“This spectacular book is going to inspire future generations of problem solvers and dreamers, whether it is to venture back into space or to look more closely at the seemingly overwhelming challenges we confront right here on Earth. Nothing short of stunning!” —DAVID MACAULAY, Caldecott Medal winner and co-creator of the New York Times bestseller The Way Things Work

“The extraordinary passion, ingenuity, and persistence of the 400,000 people who turned an ‘impossible’ dream into reality leap off every page of John Rocco’s beautifully illustrated, thoroughly researched, and lucidly written book.” —ANDREW CHAIKIN, author of A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts

"How We Got to The Moon is for everyone, the thousands on the firing line, those who developed the tools and the dreamers who wrote the books on how it could be done. It captures the time and the people not just for my generation but for all generations to come." —GENE KRANZ, retired NASA Flight Director of Apollo 11

About the Author

John Rocco is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of many acclaimed books for children, including Blackout, recipient of the Caldecott Honor. Rocco has illustrated the covers for Rick Riordan's internationally bestselling series Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, and The Trials of Apollo. He also created the illustrations for the #1 New York Times bestsellers Percy Jackson's Greek Gods and Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes. Before making children's books, Rocco spent many years as creative director for Walt Disney Imagineering. If he couldn't make books, he would like to work as an engineer for NASA. He hopes this book will serve as his application. Rocco lives in Rhode Island with his wife, daughter, and several demanding animals. To find out more, visit roccoart.com, or follow him on Twitter at @johnroccoart and on Instagram at @johnrocco.