Armstrong Lands on the Moon

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-The first title is misleading, since the book tells very little about Neil Armstrong, and even less about the lunar landing. What is covered is the story of space flight, from early rockets through the American and Russian space programs to the successful moon landing, with a very brief summary of what has happened since. Each two-page spread covers a topic in matter-of-fact style, with several small, full-color photos or diagrams and an occasional box of additional information. There are many books available on aspects of space flight, but this is a handy summary for children who want a very brief introduction to the subject. The list for further reading consists of six titles, the most recent of which was published in 1992. Amelia Earhart opens with her mysterious disappearance in 1937, with a double-page spread entitled ``Missing.'' But only a little more than three additional pages at the end are devoted to this exciting adventure with its inconclusive ending. The remainder of the book summarizes Earhart's unusual and rebellious life as a female pioneer in the early days of aviation. Told in simple prose with some quotations from the subject's own writing, the book is similar to others in the series. Like the previous title, this is an attractive but extremely brief introduction.-Sylvia S. Marantz, formerly with Worthington Schools, Columbus, OH