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Reading Rockets offers a wealth of reading strategies, lessons, and activities designed to help young children learn how to read and read better. Our reading resources assist parents, teachers, and other educators in working with struggling readers who require additional help in reading fundamentals and comprehension skills development.

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An Anniversary Blast

The moon has inspired mankind since time began. It has been the subject of literature and folktales, movies, and great study. In the 20th century, the race to space was punctuated with man's first walk on the moon in July 1969. Read about the history of space study, the first walk on the moon both actual and vicarious, and some of the other books inspired by the great globe of light in the sky — Earth's moon.

A is for Astronaut: Exploring Space from A to Z
A is for Astronaut: Exploring Space from A to Z
By: Traci N. Todd
Illustrated by: Sarah Gillingham
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

The alphabet is the device used to pique curiosity about astronomy, space travel and things related from A to Z. Illustrations use different media to create the look from the Sputnik era for a playful introduction.

Anansi The Spider:  A Tale From the Ashanti
Anansi The Spider: A Tale From the Ashanti
By: Gerald McDermott
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Have you ever wondered how the moon got where it is? According to this Ashanti tale, Nyame, the god of all things, put it there when Anansi could not decide which of his sons deserved it. Brilliant illustrations accompany this classic retelling of a traditional tale.

Blast Off to the Moon
Blast Off to the Moon
By: Paul Nicholls
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Young children will appreciate the basics of how astronauts travel, what they eat, and their spectacular view from space in this sturdy board book, just right for young hands.

Faces of the Moon
Faces of the Moon
By: Bob Crelin
Illustrated by: Leslie Evans
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

A rhyming text in an intriguing format introduces the moon's cyclical nature — its phases. An informational note concludes this introductory look at the moon and why it appears to change.

Footprints on the Moon
Footprints on the Moon
By: Mark Haddon
Illustrated by: Christian Birmingham
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Realistic but soft and evocative illustrations recall a boy's wonder as man first walked on the moon. This attractive book was rereleased in time for the 40th anniversary of this memorable event.

Look to the Stars
Look to the Stars
By: Buzz Aldrin
Illustrated by: Wendell Minor
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin presents the history of space flight and interest to the present for a compelling look at the field's interconnectedness. Fascinating details and a timeline are imbedded throughout.

Lucky 13: Survival in Space
Lucky 13: Survival in Space
By: Richard Hilliard
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Apollo 13 attempted to repeat Apollo 11's successful moon landing. An explosion, however, changed the mission to just get the astronauts home safely. Dual texts and dramatic illustrations tell the remarkable story and extend the information presented.

Moon Rabbit
Moon Rabbit
By: Natalie Russell
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

The moon leads a small, lonely, city rabbit across the park to find a friend who shares her interest in story and music. Gentle, slightly abstract illustrations enhance the mellow language in which friends meet, part, and reunite.

Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11
Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11
By: Brian Floca
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

The first landing on the moon in July 1969 is chronicled here in rich language and stunning illustrations. The vastness of space contrasts with the smallness of the astronauts and with those watching from their living rooms on earth. This dramatic introduction to an amazing historical event is just in time for its anniversary.

One Giant Leap
One Giant Leap
By: Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by: Mike Wimmer
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Poetic language and striking illustrations evoke the drama of the first lunar landing. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's first impressions are captured with awe and may well inspire young scientists.

One Small Step: Celebrating the First Men on the Moon
One Small Step: Celebrating the First Men on the Moon
By: Jerry Stone
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Made to look like a scrapbook, this history of man's interest in space flight, the space race, and the first lunar landing will appeal to sophisticated readers. This detailed presentation requires multiple examinations.

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