Mission to Mars

Gr 2-4–Back for her fourth adventure, super-smart Val (aka Astronaut Girl) is ready to share her ideas, excitement, and mad science skills with her friends. When they get together to design and build a terrarium, Val can’t believe that her friends don’t instantly agree with her plans. She yells in frustration, wishing that she could be in charge. Magic ensues and the kids are transported to a self-sustaining biodome on Mars. They’re fascinated with the pods that house everything from a rainforest and an animal center to hydroponic farms and, Val’s favorite, the control center of the entire biodome. With the aid of a robotic dog that helps maintain stability in the dome, the kids experience science like they never have before. An adventure in a rover, a race with a sandstorm, and a whole lot of compromise help the gang to learn that teamwork is the best way to accomplish a goal. Their infectious enthusiasm about STEAM disciplines not only engages readers, but offers them a science-rich vocabulary and fun facts that kids will love to repeat. Strong pacing and robust visuals keep the pages turning, even during chapter breaks. Val is imperious and uncompromising through most of the book, but this gives readers a clear lesson that being a leader and being bossy are not the same thing.