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The Man Who Went to the Far Side of the Moon: The Story of Apollo 11 Astronaut Michael Collins

While the world was watching Neil Armstrong step onto the surface of the moon, Michael Collins was orbiting high above it, speeding his way through space. Collins was the third crew member of the Apollo 11 mission, along with Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. While the other two made the lunar landing, Collins's job was to man the spacecraft of the historic mission. He orbited the moon 14 times, spending 28 solitary hours in space. "On the backside of the moon...you can't see the surface. The moon is defined simply by the absence of stars. The laws of physics tell you that our fine spacecraft is in an orbit sixty miles above it and there's no way you can hit anything. But the thought does occur..." This fascinating book documents many facets of the Apollo 11 mission, from how the astronauts were chosen and trained to what life was like in space to the return home, with Collins's experiences the primary focal point. There's at least as much to look at as there is to read in this unique, highly visual volume. Graphic elements range from spacecraft schematics to photographs (including images taken by Collins in space) to pages from the astronaut's journal. ©2003 Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Translated by Emi Guner. Translated from the Swedish. Originally published in Sweden.

CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 8-14
Age Range: Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10) Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13) Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format: Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects: Exploration Science and Scientists Space/Astronomy Technology and Engineering

Publisher: Chronicle
Publish Year: 2003
Pages: 77
ISBN: 0818840077

CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 920 Collins