WHO OWNS THE MOON?: AND OTHER CONUNDRUMS OF EXPLORING AND USING SPACE, by Cynthia Levinson and Jennifer Swanson, Margaret Quinlin Books, Jan. 14, 2025, Hardcover, $22.99 (ages 12 and up)
Who Owns the Moon? And Other Conundrums of Exploring and Using Space, by Cynthia Levinson and Jennifer Swanson is a primer for teens who may someday travel to the moon.
For teens who are space fans, this book is loaded with fascinating facts, great stories, and new ways of thinking about the challenges of space. It covers topics on the science of space and developments in technology (e.g., satellites behaving like spacecraft), and it also considers the laws that have been drafted for space travel and space etiquette—the agreed upon norms of behavior that allow humans to explore without conflict.
The book discusses the problem of space debris, and the growth of space tourism. It provides details about the Artemis missions and plans for the Gateway space station, and so much more. It challenges young readers to think about the decisions that need to be made in the years ahead to ensure that space exploration remains an exhilarating and peaceful activity.
And the final chapter provides guidance on careers in the space industry—being an astronaut is only one of many exciting paths to pursue. —Synopsis provided by Margaret Quinlin Books
Though written for young adults, Who Owns the Moon? is going to appeal to upper middle-readers, too. With larger dimensions (8”X10”) Who Owns the Moon? is a hybrid picture/chapter book. Its layout is similar to a textbook, but it’s much more interesting and accessible. There are plenty of easy stopping points and sub-heads make it clear where the information is going.
Who Owns the Moon? is a nonfiction read that will appeal to fans of space young and old.
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