Rocket Men by Robert Kurson

ROCKET MEN by Robert Kurson is another great adventure story and real life-thriller from the author of Shadow Divers, Pirate Hunters, and Crashing Through. In his latest text, Kurson relates the story of the first spaceship and crew to orbit the moon, the Apollo 8 mission.  Based on interviews with the astronauts, their families, their colleagues at NASA, and other experts, he devotes separate chapters to Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders while also providing details of their exploits, the famous Earthrise photo, and the political context (e.g., Cold War's Space Race, Vietnam) in which the mission operated. Kurson writes for a general audience and stresses both the scientific and personal aspects of what he labels "one of the greatest explorations in humanity's history." ROCKET MEN contains several photographs, a diagram of Apollo 8, and a Note on Sources.  Many of our students are excited about Space X and have been reading and writing about space exploration this year. For those who are interested, the local pbs station celebrated this book launch with a full program on Chicago Tonight’s Web Extra titled ‘Rocket Men’ Book Launch with Apollo 8 Astronauts and posted a shorter 8 minute excerpt. The module and Borman's spacesuit are available to view at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. It is fascinating to think about the almost 50 years since these astronauts took off for space in December 1968. ROCKET MEN, having received a starred review from Library Journal, is on our shelves so you can relive the journey.  Added NOTE: You can also meet the local author at The Bookstall in Winnetka on Thursday, May 17 at 6:30 pm.