These books are packed with information about the history, technology, pioneers, and applications of their subjects. Busy pages include text, photographs, sidebars, and diagrams, all set against monochromatic backgrounds; some of the text and photos are common to both books. The information--from astronomy's beginnings in China to the next generation of space telescopes--is accurate and focused. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Part of a new series, this volume joins others on satellites, robot explorers, and a discussion of space exploration. Here Miller describes the history of rocket science, beginning in ancient China, where saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal were first combined to create gunpowder. Although the Chinese tried to use gunpowder and rockets in warfare, inability to aim kept them from being truly useful as weapons, relegating them to being used largely for entertainment. Europeans were using gunpowder as early as 1249 but had similar problems adapting it to warfare. As time and technology progressed, though, rockets and gunpowder played a crucial role in war. Miller highlights many of these moments, such as the writing of "The Star Spangled Banner" by the light of shooting rockets. Finally the author describes the use of rockets in space flight in the past one hundred years. The stories of the development of rockets through time are complemented by short biographies of important scientists such as Robert Goddard, stories of young model rocket makers, and sidebars explaining the science that makes rockets work. The book is generally readable for any high school-level student, although some might struggle with the science concepts as the book progresses and becomes more technical. It is a good choice for high school libraries, as well as for boys who are interested in science and nonfiction. Additional serried books cover satellites, space exploration, and robot explorers.-Stephanie Petruso.