Space is vast, mysterious, and distant. Yet the pace of scientific discovery is growing exponentially, and this book seeks to key young readers into the most essential and current information about almost every aspect of the galactic frontier. The origins of the universe, stars, planets, and asteroids fill the opening pages. Other themes include the work of astronauts, stellar evolution, planets in our solar system, and tools used to examine the heavens. A strength of the book is its ability to quantify huge distances and numbers in an easily understandable manner using relatable metaphors. It is jammed with illustrations, graphs, photographs, and charts presented in a dynamic layout. A glossary is included in the end matter to define unfamiliar terms. New directions in space exploration and the future of astronomy invite further inquiry. The book is a comprehensive primer on a high-interest topic and is an up-to-date resource for the young reader.

Gr 3-5 This title presents quick facts about space, ranging from the big bang theory to 20th-century space exploration and beyond. In the table of contents, the chapters are sectioned and color-coded to match the subject they belong to. Topics include galaxies, stars, rocket science, and more. Readers will benefit most from discussions of exoplanets, "Goldilocks" planets (so called for having just the right conditions to sustain life), and the possibilities for future observatories. A chapter on visible light may be too advanced for most readers, but the text is simple. Full-color pages with photographs and diagrams will appeal to a wide variety of students. Words in the glossary are printed in bold throughout the main text for ease of understanding. VERDICT An adequate, browsable selection for robust space collections. Denise Moore, formerly at O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD