Man on The Moon

The book does foster development, but if a child who was not ready for this dense text, it could be very frustrating and off putting.

• Author: Pamela Dell
• Year Published: 2011
• ISBN: 9780756543969

Science Topics

• Space Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 7th Grade

Summary

This nonfiction text gives the story about the infamous photo taken by Neil Armstrong when he landed on the moon. Readers get to learn about the space race, the early space program and view actual photographs, news clippings and timelines.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

The book does foster development, but if a child who was not ready for this dense text, it could be very frustrating and off putting.

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

No, the book is not segmented well, so the child would have to basically read the entire book to answer any of the questions he or she may have.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, the book encourages the child to think for themselves… if they are able to read the book!

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

This is not applicable because I do not know the hypothetical lesson being taught with it.

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

Yes, the information seems accurate and is based off of sound principles.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book is only fact, so it does not have an issue distinguishing between fact and fiction.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The photographs are clear, but I think it would be unclear to a child what they are about. There is so much text and so few photographs that it is hard to tell what photograph goes to what text. Also many of the photographs are missing captions, and the few captions are not very detailed and use very high vocabulary.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

No, and this is the biggest issue. The book is a “children’s” book, yet it is written at basically a college level. The text is very small, dense, and wordy. I feel like very few elementary age students would be engaged with this book due to its intimidating nature.

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

There is not multicultural component. I would like to see other astronauts included in this narrative that are not part of the mainstream narrative. There are so many other people who were involved in getting the first men into space yet they only focus on the astronauts themselves.

Is the book free from gender bias?

No. This book does not include any of the women that helped get these astronauts into space. Again, it focuses on the mainstream narrative which I find problematic.

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

Yes, it does show the math that went into these missions but besides that, no.

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

Yes. This is something it actually does well. The book is written in an extremely enthusiastic manner and if a child was to read it (which would be very difficult) I think it would be inspiring.