• Age: 9 to 10
• Grade: 3
• Reading age: 8 to 10

"A recommended purchase for public and school libraries for its ability to make the history of space exploration accessible to young readers." — School Library Journal
Since the first spacecraft launched in 1957, there have been many ground-breaking missions that have expanded our knowledge of the solar system. The 50 featured in this collection include Voyager's Grand Tour, Apollo 8 and the first crewed mission to the Moon, the first woman in space and the first communication satellite that brought live television to the world. You can also find information on spy satellites, space tourism and climate change. In the early days of space exploration, the focus was on military dominance. Today most missions require the collaboration of several different countries and there's a broader range of research. This is an exciting time we are living in. Space history is unfolding right before our eyes.

JOHN A. READ's journey into astronomy began with a small and rickety telescope purchased at his local pharmacy. He found it fascinating to observe the Moon and Saturn with its rings using such meagre equipment. He decided to share these views with others. After writing his first book, 50 Things to see With a Telescope, John retired from a career in corporate finance. He is also the author of 50 Things to See on the Moon and co-author of 50 Animals That Have Been to Space. He is now a telescope operator at the Burke-Gaffney Observatory, a board member of the Halifax Centre of the royal Astronomical Society of Canada and is studying astrophysics at Saint Mary's University. John's YouTube channel LearnToStargaze (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAev2dFkQabk9nfqMjDJbiQ) features beginner stargazing videos that closely follow content from The Beginner's Guide to Space book series. He lives with his family in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

John A. Read's profile page

• Commended, Best Books for Kids & Teens - Canadian Children's Book Centre

"Sure to amaze and act as a catalyst for further reading."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"A recommended purchase for public and school libraries for its ability to make the history of space exploration accessible to young readers."

School Library Journal

"A good choice for avid space enthusiasts."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"A well-organized overview boosted by some unusual feats and sidelights."

Kirkus Reviews