This was such an interesting read and a terrific introduction to the world of space exploration for the younger generation. How We Got to the Moon by John Rocco does an amazing job explaining the Space program to young readers. The illustrations are beautifully designed to explain the technical and procedural aspects of NASA that make it very easy for a person who is does not understand science that well to get the concepts. There was a ton of information in the book that even I did not know about like the Mobile Quarantine Facilities that NASA uses to quarantine the Astronauts in when they get back from their mission. It was also great to hear about the part that the seamstresses played in creating the suits. I had no idea that it was done by hand. I have to admit that I am saddened by the fact that we have not gone back to the moon in such a long time. I guess that's because of all the new found interest in Mars. Hopefully we will go back to the moon someday. I also enjoyed the section that explained all of the Apollo Missions and not just Apollo 11. Not to mention all of the experiments that are mentioned in the book are really neat! Overall, I would give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. I would definitely recommend it to anybody who in interested in space exploration or the history of space exploration. Well Done, John Rocco!

What an amazing book! The illustrations, by themselves, are enough reason to add this book to your collection.
Space exploration is fascinating and the mission to the moon ranks right up at the top. Rocco makes the history of the project accessible to younger readers.
What's especially interesting are the biographies of the people who worked so hard to send a man to the moon. The stories especially take into account the contributions women made to the mission., They include the scientists and engineers but also the often-neglected positions, like the seamstresses .The story covers all aspects of the Apollo mission. When problems are presented, and there were many, the solutions are included and dissected. This is one of the most dazzling and informative books on the subject.

This stunningly illustrated non fiction book about the space program is going to live in my library very soon! The art work is amazing and the retelling of the story of the space program is very interesting. A terrific new contribution to the genre.

This book is a powerhouse. While some of the details might be more than what an average middle grade reader might be interested in learning, there is so much here for kids to pick and choose from. Scratch that-I think this is wonderful for all ages. I learned so much from this that I have never known. The illustrations are stunning, as expected. And the resources and further reading provided in the back matter only serve to enhance the knowledge.

Simply wonderful.

For libraries: Buy it!

I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Publishing through NetGalley.
It's obvious this author has done his research. Rocco presents the entire process for the Apollo moon trips in one source. He begins with the background of the Mercury and Gemini missions along with the Cold War competitive drive. From there, he explores every aspect of the Apollo missions from design through the entire Apollo 11 trip and landing.
The detailed information may be too murch for some middle grade readers but it is balanced with diagrams and text boxes that provide information in an easy to follow format.
Rocco captures the excitement and incredible science needed to make this happen. He honors the many diverse people involved as well as the many companies who had to work together to build the needed equipment from the rocket on down.
Further information provided at the end of the book - sources, bibliography, glossary.
Perfect all in one book for readers who are interested in how our space program evolved.

Far more technical than I thought it would be.
Great that there are suggested experiments mixed in. Excellent diagrams.
A bit of a slog to get through.