Reviewed by Rebecca Bell
Environmental Education Specialist
1001 Facts About Space is a nifty little paperback packed with information about space science. It is encyclopedic in nature, listing facts without theory or explanation, almost like a USA Today version of space. It’s easy to imagine this book becoming dog-eared in the backpack of a middle school-aged space enthusiast.
The book is organized by topics, including the universe, galaxies, stars, space from Earth, and the solar system and planets. There are also some unusual topics, including small objects, studying space, 21st century missions, optical technology, and space history. The book is copiously illustrated with accurate and detailed drawings and colorful photographs.
While it does not present detailed theory or explanation, enough information is presented to inform, intrigue, and generate a number of questions. For example, future spacecraft might be equipped with wafer-thin "sails" designed to harness pressure from the Sun’s light energy, enabling astronauts to "sail" through space. Topics like these will raise vivid images and unlock the imaginations of future space explorers.
If you are amazed by space, this is the book for you! A number of my colleagues, upon perusing it, gave eloquent arguments as to why they should allowed to keep it. It will fill spare minutes in a classroom or provide a source for research for elementary, middle school, and even secondary students.
Review posted on 1/7/2003
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