Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
There is no question that there is a wealth of information in this book. The “Did You Know” stars are a bit hard to read, but they are filled with little tidbits that kids love to drop on friends and family. Background information about the Cold War and the race into space between the U.S.A. and the USSR led to the establishment of NASA and the pledge that John F. Kennedy made to put a man on the Moon by the end of the decade. Turning the page brings up some history about Moon studies by Greek, Islamic and other scholars while the next set of pages relates myths about the Moon and Moon worship. The book moves back and forth among these sections--fact and fiction. The next major factual section addresses the Apollo program, then jumps back in history to discuss Galileo and then off to a fanciful discussion of nursery rhymes, religion and once again returning to the actual science of the space program with the development of the Saturn rocket. The Moon landing is achieved and subsequent landings are described. I personally found the interspersing myths, legends, horror films and factual accounts a bit distracting. Kids who are not good readers may have trouble jumping between real and surreal topics, ancient history and a program that achieved real scientific breakthroughs in the last century. The closing pages offer Moon facts, recap the lunar exploration, and provide a glossary, index, list of websites and places to visit where kids can learn even more. 2009, Oxford University Press/Scholastic, $18.99. Ages 9 up.

Kristen Albright (Library Media Connection, November/December 2009)
From ancient times to modern day, the moon has fueled the imagination and inspired philosophers and scientists the world over. In Ross’s book both lore and reality are blended to create a book that will appeal to a wide range of readers. Unfortunately, the organization of the book does not follow a logical order, jumping from subject to subject seemingly at random. This book would be useful for general information reports, because the facts included are not covered in most nonfiction books about the moon. The full-color illustrations and fascinating facts included will almost certainly spark an interest in further investigation of this topic. Glossary. Timeline. Index. Recommended. 2009, Scholastic, 128pp., $18.99 hc.. Ages 8 to 12.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2009)
Each readable but crowded double-page spread covers one of three categories of moon information: accounts of space exploration ("Moon Landing"), scientific discoveries ("Moon Facts"), and legend and arts content ("Moonstruck"). The result is a browsable if random presentation, accompanied by historical photographs, color drawings, and diagrams. Timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Category: Nonfiction-Science. 2009, Scholastic, 128pp, 18.99. Ages 9 to 12. Rating: 4: Recommended, with minor flaws.