Synopses & Reviews
People, children especially, have been baffled, bewildered, and even outraged by the fact that Pluto is no longer called a planet. Through whimsical artwork and an entertaining dialogue format,
Plutoand#8217;s Secret explains the true story of this distant world. Providing a history of the small, icy world from its discovery and naming to its recent reclassification, this book presents a fascinating look at how scientists organize and classify our solar system as they gain new insights into how it works and what types of things exist within it. The book includes a glossary and bibliography.
Praise for Pluto's Secret
"Pairing a lighthearted narrative in a hand-letteredand#150;style typeface with informally drawn cartoon illustrations, this lively tale of astronomical revelations begins with the search for Planet X.and#8221;
and#151;Kirkus Reviews
"This picture book offers a fresh, positive perspective on Pluto, showing that its change of status is not a demotion but a correction."
and#151;Booklist
"Light-hearted imagining of a gregarious Pluto.and#8221;
and#151;Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Fun readingand#133; The book provides a factual history of our faraway 'dwarf,' and on its companion icy worlds, and on the discovery of Kuiper-like bands around other stars."
and#151;School Library Journal
Award
New York Public Libraryand#8217;s annual Childrenand#8217;s Books list: 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2013
and#160;
Review
andquot;Itand#39;s a grand tale, set handsomely here amid sheaves of maps, short journal passages and contemporary photos. A high spot in aviation history, particularly noteworthy for the rugged perseverance of those who achieved it.andquot;
Review
andquot;A solid choice for young aviation history buffs.andquot;
Review
andquot;Offering a look at a lesser-known historical event, this beautiful, well-written book is an essential addition for all collections.andquot;
Synopsis
In 1924 the U.S. Army sent eight young men on a bold attempt to be the first to circumnavigate the globe by flight. Men from five other countriesandmdash;Great Britain, France, Portugal, Italy, and Argentinaandmdash;had the same goal. The race was on!
First Flight Around the World documents the exciting journey of four American planesandmdash;the Chicago, Boston, New Orleans, and Seattleandmdash;and their crews on a race around the world. The trip held many challenges: extreme weather, tricky navigation, unfamiliar cultures, fragile planes, and few airfields. The
world fliers risked their lives for the sake of national pride.
Based in part on the journal of one of the crew members, First Lieutenant Leslie Arnold, along with commentary, newspaper reports, and archival images, First Flight Around the World is a captivating tale about American ingenuity, gumption, and perseverance.
About the Author
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, maintains the largest collection of historic air- and spacecraft in the world, including the plane
Chicago and a copy of First Lieutenant Leslie Arnoldandrsquo;s journal.
Tim Grove is Chief of Museum Learning at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. He has written a number of exhibition and website components for young people, including Web activities. His childrenandrsquo;s newspaper insert about the Lewis and Clark expedition for Newspapers in Education was distributed nationally. Grove lives in Falls Church, Virginia.