Carson, Mary Kay. Mission To Pluto.

Carson, Mary Kay.  Mission To Pluto.  Houghton Mifflin/Harcourt Brace  2016   73p  $18.99  ISBN 978-0-544-41671-0  (Series: Scientists in the Field) Hardback   elem/ms  Nonfiction  E-BNS

This book tells the story of the development of the New Horizons robotic spacecraft that traveled to the dwarf planet Pluto.  The text is written in a conversational manner and is enjoyable to read, and the facts are presented chronologically and fully. The book discusses how the project was repeatedly put on hold. Many items on the spacecraft had to be specially made to be both light and extremely durable. New Horizons travels so far away that help from earth is impossible, so the spacecraft has to be able to fix itself.
  

The book includes charts and tables and excellent photographs. In addition, a two-page listing of “Words to Know” and a list of web sites for further information are included, as well as a selected bibliography and index.
 

The text is excellent. However, this reviewer has a concern with the publisher’s choice of color on several pages that use a black background with blue print.  This color combination makes these pages very difficult to read. This is the only detracting feature of Mission to Pluto.

There are at least 27 titles in the Scientists in the Field series. Each title follows scientists through the specific tasks typical of their work. The series is an excellent purchase for students to learn about the work scientists do every day, and it may interest students in future fields of study.  

Summary: This book tells the story of the development of the New Horizons robotic spacecraft that traveled  to the dwarf planet Pluto and is now traveling beyond into the Kuiper Belt.  Grades 4-8.

Space exploration, Pluto                                          —Joan Theal

Far Out Guide Books

Carson, Mary Kay Far Out Guide to Neptune
Enslow 2010 48p 23.93 978-0-7660-3186-9
elm/ms Neptune E-BNes Far Out Guide to the Solar System(Enslow)


This book about Neptune includes the history of its discovery along with crucial facts about the planet, and projections for future research. The presentation is very attractive, with great photographs and interesting background colors and patterns that never detract from the text. There are three short chapters focusing on the history of the study of Neptune, its moon Triton, and plans for future research. Interesting facts are presented in special ready-reference sections, and there is a glossary, a list of references for further information, and an index. It is a very well organized and compelling book for the young astronomer. Kennedy, Carol

Carson, Mary Kay Far Out Guide to Saturn
Enslow 2010 48p 23.93 978-0-7660-3178-4
elem planet Saturn VG-BNes Far Out Guide to the Solar System(Enslow)


Up-to-date information on the planet Saturn. Includes both information and photos from recent space probes. Many brief facts about the planet, its rings and some of its moons. A thorough up-to-date introduction to the planet Saturn. It includes the planet, its atmosphere, rings and moons, various space probe missions and future possible missions. The several space missions have provided much of the information in this volume. Most of the information is quite brief with several types of fast fact pages. The layout and colors invite and attract the reader. There are multiple text blocks with “Far out Facts” that enhance the text. The people involved in the discovery of the plant, its moons and more about the rings is highlighted.
Included are two pages of words to know, books and web based resources, and a simple index. All are very adequate for the intended level of the text. Theal, Joan

Carson, Mary Kay. Far Out Guide to Mars

Carson, Mary Kay Far Out Guide to Mars
Enslow 2010 48p 23.93 978-0-7660-3183-8
elem Mars E-BNS Far Out Guide to the Solar System(Enslow)


This book introduces the reader to modern-day Mars exploration and what scientists think we might learn about Mars and whether it once supported life. The book is divided into three well-illustated and attractive chapters, each one designed to pull the reader into more detail about Mars research and information about the planet. Ms. Carson has clearly spoken to real scientists in the field and it shows. The information is accurate, there are no typos (although there are some incomplete sentences, but they make sense), and the book is attractive and encourages further research.
Kudos to the author and the publisher on this series. Kennedy, Carol