Reading with, and about, the stars
Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the day man landed on the Moon. On July 20, 1969, astronaut Neil Armstrong uttered the famous words “That’s one small step for a man; one giant leap for mankind.”
While it’s pretty unlikely any of us will be stepping on the Moon anytime soon, we still can journey to the stars via the great literature offered through the PLS collection.
Here are a few favorites old and new for a variety of age groups to put on your outer space reading list.
Practical Astronomy, by Storm Dunlop
The night sky can be much more interesting when you know what you’re looking at and what you’re looking for. Dunlop gives tips on viewing planets, constellations and the equipment needed to best manage it.
Bringing Columbia Home, by Michael D. Leinbach
Released earlier this year to coincide with the 15-year anniversary of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, this is an inside look at the fateful day and what ultimately leads to an inspiring message.
Neil Armstrong, by Rachel A. Koestler-Grack
One of the many books on the first astronaut to set foot on the moon is this biography for children. Young readers can learn about the men who made this historic event happen.
See You in the Cosmos, by Jack Cheng
Teen readers can journey to space through the pages of this 2019 Teen Sequoyah Masterlist novel. It sees a young boy and his dog – appropriately named Carl Sagan – take an unexpected trip to the Cosmos.
Shoot the Moon, by Billie Letts
OK, so this really doesn’t have that much to do with space except for the word in the title, but the work of the late award-winning Oklahoma author Billie Letts, which includes this 2004 classic.
Look for these books and more in any of our libraries today!
Read for Fines
Count your Summer Reading against your current library overdue fines! Starting June 1st until August 15th, Pioneer Library System is introducing Read for Fines.
- Fine forgiveness only applies to fines, not damaged, lost, or collection fees.
- 20 minutes of reading equals $1 off your fines.
- The maximum forgiveness is $20 per account.
Just report your reading to the staff at your local branch to participate.