Benoit, Peter. The Space Race.

Benoit, Peter.    The Space Race.   Scholastic/ Childrens Press   64p  $30.00  978-0-535-23065-7            elm/ms      Series:  Cornerstones of Freedom (Scholastic/Childrens)     VG

           

From breaking the sound barrier in 1947 to putting people into space to having a space station, the achievements covered by this book will have students rocketing through the developmental years of the space program to contemporary times.  Both successes and failures are documented.  Every major project undertaken by the United States and Russia is explained, featuring the first attempts, such as leaving earth’s atmosphere, putting animals and people into space, and walking on the moon.  This brief overview will inspire students to continue research using the resources listed at the back of the book.  Also included at the end of the book is a list of influential individuals in the space program, a timeline of events from 1947 to 1975, and a listing of primary sources available on the internet.  A glossary of terms highlighted in the text and index complete the book.     

The series Cornerstones of Freedom provides a look at important moments in American history that have impacted our lives.  Primary source material, crisp photographs of people and events, and timelines provide the student researcher an overview of the topic. Gr 4-8.                  --Lois McNicol