Max Goes to the Space Station

Gr 3–5—Max, the rottweiler who has already been to the Moon (2003), Mars (2003), and Jupiter (2008, all Big Kid Science), suits up to blast off to the International Space Station. Here he experiences free fall for the first time, but manages to regain his equilibrium to bark a warning to the astronauts when he spots a life-threatening cooling-system leak. The relatively easy text follows Max and the crew on their journey in orbit, accompanied by more demanding information boxes addressing such topics as "Living in Space" and "Astronaut Training." Also provided are grade-level activities, a website to visit for more of the same, and another website to experience "Story Time from Space." On another note, while some of the complexities of the space toilet are explained, Max's elimination processes are left to readers' imaginations. The artwork is plentiful, colorful, and realistic. The material has been vetted by a baker's dozen of educators (and one astronaut) and should blend seamlessly into the curriculum.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY