If You Decide to Go to the Moon

The book fosters development of processes through the main character. He is an aspiring astronaut determining what he will need for his space exploration and what it will look like when he gets there. This encourages the readers to also consider the process of going in space.

Author: Faith McNulty
Illustrator: Steven Kellogg
Year Published: 2005
ISBN: 0590483595

Summary

An aspiring astronaut imagines a trip to the moon from soup to nuts—and gains a bird's eye–perspective on why it's important to protect his planet. The author adopts a playful tone as she takes the young hero through preparations, liftoff, a moonwalk and the return trip, mixing hard facts with poetic phrases.

Evaluation

Appropriateness: High
Authority: Medium
Accuracy: Medium
Liteary Artistry: High
Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

The book provides children the opportunity to ask and answer their own questions by taking them through the journey of the main character. As the story goes on, the readers think through the same scenarios.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, the book is open to other facts. For example, it does not include everything that an astronaut would need to go into space so the children would be able to think outside the book and for themselves.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

Yes, space travel is addressed in an appropriate way by providing accurate facts to accompany an interesting story such as how long it would take to travel to the moon at a certain speed. It also addresses different levels of space science that be applied to different ages.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

Although it is an interesting fictional story, it is grounded in scientific fact that is also accurate. It discusses the process of going to space so that a child would understand such as passing through the atmosphere (and how thick it is).

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

It does not directly distinguish between fact and fiction, but that could be a conversation with students. Any number value can be regarded as a fact, but the reality of a young boy traveling to space would be fiction.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are clear, but not as accurate as a diagram in an informational text. There are no labels and the pictures are not drawn to size.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is written to where different levels and ages of students would be able to enjoy it. It provides some numerical values regarding space science, which could be more applicable to older children while still describing the Earth's atmosphere in a way that young children would be able to grasp it.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

The main character is a white boy with blonde hair. The book does not contain stereotyping, but it could be more culturally inclusive.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book does not contain any direct gender bias.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

The book shows a brief interaction between math, science, and the role that they play to be able to travel to space. An example of this would be the relationship between the speed of the spaceship and the time that it takes to get to the moon. It also crosses over into history as the young boy discovers the flag from the Apollo mission on the moon.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

The book portrays science and technology in a positive light. It makes science look exciting and mysterious as the young boy travels through space to discover new things and learn more.

Science Topics

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