Lost in Outer Space: The Incredible Journey of Apollo 13
Brand: Scholastic
Categories: Books, Children's Books, History


SCHOLASTIC

Book 2 of 4: Lost
Grade level: 3 - 7
Dimensions: 5.75 x 1 x 8.75 inches
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
ISBN-13: 978-0545928151
Language: English
ISBN-10: 054592815X
Publisher: Scholastic Nonfiction
Print length: 224 pages
Publication date: January 31, 2017
subtitle: Hardcover – January 31, 2017
author: Visit Amazon's Tod Olson Page search results Tod Olson
review: Editorial Reviews From School Library Journal Gr 3–7—"Houston, we have a problem" is an iconic movie line to most people, and a variation on that very sentence was uttered during the actual Apollo 13 mission. The drama, instigated by a defective thermostat that caused an explosion and oxygen leak, was mirrored back on Earth. Barbara Lovell, the daughter of astronaut Jim Lovell (the mission commander), was aware that her father's job was dangerous; however, during the Apollo 13 mission, she realized something particularly terrible was happening. Mission control in Houston immediately knew the situation was serious and scrambled to help Apollo 13. The safe return of all on board is no secret, but the full story of their trip and how those in space and on land became heroes is a thrilling one, full of heroism and suspense. The author's recounting of the mission is detailed and gives equal coverage to the astronauts, the NASA engineers, and the families. The use of teen Barbara Lovell as a character for readers to identify with is effective and makes the story relatable. Technical language is not absent, but space concepts and tools are explained thoroughly in a manner that even reluctant readers will find accessible. VERDICT Fans of action-packed true survival stories will take to this real-life space episode—an easy pick for upper elementary schoolers.—Morgan Brickey, Arlington Public Library, TX Review Praise for Lost in the Pacific, 1942 (Lost #1):* "A riveting, completely engrossing true survival story." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review"Engaging... A great choice for collections." -- School Library Journal About the Author Tod Olson is the author of the Lost series, the How to Get Rich historical fiction series, and numerous books for the school/library and classroom markets. He has written for national magazines on the Columbine school shooting, homeless teens, the murder of Matthew Shepard, and many other stories of interest to children and young adults. During his 25 years in children's publishing, he has edited and developed several collections of books for both school/library and the classroom. Tod holds an MFA from Vermont College. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Had the spacecraft been hit by a fragment of an asteroid? At the speeds they were traveling it wouldn't take more than a pebble to blast a hole in the ship and start the nightmare scenario in motion. But if that's what happened, it would be over by now–and they were all still alive.Still alive, but in some kind of trouble. Amber warning lights began to flash on the right side of the instrument panel. Something was wrong with the electrical system.Haise and Swigert both tried to report at once.“Okay, Houston…”“… I believe we've had a problem here.”A few seconds went by.“This is Houston,” said the Capcom, “say again please.”It was Lovell who answered this time. “Houston,” he said, “we've had a problem.” Read more