Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11
Richard Jackson Books (Atheneum Hardcover) Series
on Goodreads (2,549)
What’s inside...
Moonshot tells the story of the American space flight that landed the first human beings on the moon. Through stunning illustrations and accessible text, the book conveys the immensity of the achievement. This newly expanded edition includes additional art and in-depth information about the historic moon landing. It captures the experiences of the astronauts and the monumental machines, highlighting the adventure and discovery of the Apollo 11 mission during the summer of 1969. The story not only recounts the journey of leaving and returning but also reflects on the concept of home, seen whole, from afar.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the astronauts felt during their journey to the moon?
What are some challenges they might have faced, and how did they overcome them?
Why do you think it was important for humans to land on the moon?
How do you think teamwork played a role in the success of Apollo 11?
If you could ask an astronaut a question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the excitement and suspense of the space journey.
Pause after dramatic moments in the book to ask your child how they think the characters felt at that time.
Discuss the dedication and perseverance shown by the astronauts and how these qualities can be applied in everyday life.
Relate the story to current space exploration missions to help your child understand the ongoing impact of Apollo 11.
Encourage your child to imagine their own moon adventure and describe what it would look like.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Dedication
Explanation: The book details the exhaustive efforts and relentless pursuit of the Apollo 11 team as they prepare and eventually succeed in landing on the moon.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of dedication and hard work towards achieving their goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The story showcases the cooperation between astronauts, engineers, and countless other personnel, emphasizing how teamwork was pivotal for the mission's success.
Real-World Application: This encourages kids to value and practice teamwork in group activities at school or in play, understanding that many goals are achieved through collective effort.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The astronauts' journey to the moon represents the human quest for knowledge and the exploration of the unknown.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to explore, ask questions, and seek answers, enhancing their education and stimulating intellectual growth.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book highlights various challenges the Apollo 11 team faced and the innovative solutions they devised to overcome them.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in everyday tasks and unexpected situations.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of setbacks
Explanation: Despite many obstacles, the team's ability to stay focused on their mission embodies resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches kids to remain resilient and adaptive, encouraging them not to be easily discouraged by difficulties but to find ways to overcome them.