NASA & the US Space Program

Learn about humanity's journeys to space, to the moon, and further beyond through satellites and rockets with these kids' books about NASA and the Space Program.

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, better known as NASA, began in 1958 with the goal of winning the Space Race against the Soviet Union. In this slice of history, the origins of NASA, the launch of the Apollo program, and the many missions and discovers that have taken place since then are described for younger readers.  112 pages, softcover. Ages 8 to 12.

The Space Race & Apollo Missions

In this graphic novel, filled with dramatic artwork and compelling narrative, the exciting story of two world superpowers racing to land a man on the moon is told by the engineers and astronauts involved in the events. For the men and women working behind the scenes to make this feat of technology happen, every triumph and catastrophe along the way is part of thrilling world history.  128 pages, softcover. Ages 8 and up.

Biographies

Hallmark Hall of Fame DVD

Special-education teacher Mike Kersjes fights to help his students achieve their dream of attending space camp. Breaking down barriers from his own principal's office to the inner sanctum of NASA, he overcomes unbelievable odds to achieve amazing results. But can they compete against America's best and brightest high schoolers? Based on a true story. Rated PG. Closed-captioned. English subtitles (SDH). Approx. 95 minutes.

Being an Astronaut

Do you have what it takes to be an astronaut? Young readers can blast off to astronaut school in this brightly illustrated picture book. Choose what type of astronaut you want to be.  Take a ride on the “Vomit Comet” and learn how it feels to be weightless. Have your measurements taken—100 to be exact—for your very own space suit. Share this with the children in your life who want to be astronauts when they grow up. 40 pages, hardcover. Ages 4 to 8.

  1. Why Don't Astronauts Burp?:  Questions and Answers About Space
    Anne Rooney, William Potter, Luke Seguin-Magee
    Arcturus Publishing / 2021 / Trade Paperback
    Our Price$4.99 Retail Price$6.99 Save 29% ($2.00)
  2. Growing Plants in Space - PDF  Download [Download]This is a digital download product
    Georgia Beth
    Teacher Created Materials / 2019 / PDF Download
    Our Price$8.59 Retail Price$11.99 Save 28% ($3.40)
  3. The Evolution of Space Suits - PDF  Download [Download]This is a digital download product
    Danica Kassebaum
    Teacher Created Materials / 2018 / PDF Download
    Our Price$9.29 Retail Price$12.99 Save 28% ($3.70)
  4. Living and Working in Space - PDF  Download [Download]This is a digital download product
    Nicole Sipe
    Teacher Created Materials / 2018 / PDF Download
    Our Price$9.29 Retail Price$12.99 Save 28% ($3.70)

Spacecraft

Hands-on space science projects help launch kids ages 8 to 11 into learning about fearless female astronauts who broke barriers across space and gender in this full-color book full of real-world connections!

Do you dream of going into space? Do you wonder what it's like on the moon? In Gutsy Girls Go for Science: Astronauts with STEM Projects for Kids, readers ages 8 through 11 explore the lives of some of the world's most amazing female astronauts, including Bonnie Dunbar, Sally Ride, Mae Jemison, Sunita Williams, and Serena A unon-Chancellor?all pioneers in the field of space exploration. Their hard work and dedication to science and experimentation gave the world much new knowledge about space, biology, and more. These brave women took risks and pushed the limits of what we know about life in space.

Through hands-on STEM projects such as designing and building space rovers, rockets, and even a model of the International Space Station using inexpensive and easy-to-find supplies, kids gain critical thinking skills just like the ones necessary to succeed in space.

Essential questions, cool facts about female scientists, and links to online resources all reinforce high-level learning.

Using a fun narrative style, engaging illustrations combined with photography, fascinating facts, essential questions, and hands-on projects, this book deepens readers' creative thinking skills.

  1. The Science of Spacecraft: The  Cosmic Truth About Rockets, Satellites, and Probes
    Alex Woolf
    Children's Press / 2019 / Trade Paperback
    Our Price$5.49 Retail Price$9.95 Save 45% ($4.46)
  2. Designing a Shuttle - PDF Download  [Download]This is a digital download product
    Elisa Jordan
    Teacher Created Materials / 2018 / PDF Download
    Our Price$9.29 Retail Price$12.99 Save 28% ($3.70)
  3. Space Hidden Pictures Puzzles to  Highlight
    Highlights
    Highlights Press / 2021 / Trade Paperback
    Our Price$6.29 Retail Price$6.99 Save 10% ($0.70)
  4. Roaring Rockets
    Tony Mitton
    Kingfisher / 2000 / Trade Paperback
    Our Price$6.29 Retail Price$6.99 Save 10% ($0.70)
    5 out of 5 stars for Roaring Rockets. View reviews of this product. 1 Reviews

Apollo Missions for Older Readers

LEGO Kits

Toys & Kits

  1. Gears! Gears! Gears! Space Explorers  Building Set, 77 Pieces
    Learning Resources Inc / 2017 / Gift
    Our Price$37.79 Retail Price$44.99 Save 16% ($7.20)
  2. Design & Drill Bolt Buddies Rocket
    Design & Drill
    Educational Insights / 2020 / Gift
    Our Price$19.49 Retail Price$29.99 Save 35% ($10.50)

Snoopy on the Moon!

Snoopy plans to be the first beagle on the moon. In this Level 2 reader, which contains longer sentences and simple chapters, youngsters can read how Snoopy accomplishes just that and finds a surprise when he gets there! This leveled reader, produced in cooperation with NASA also includes a special section at the end with facts about the moon for new readers. 40 pages, softcover. Ages 5 to 7.