The Mighty Mars Rovers: The Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Opportunity (Scientists in the Field)

by Elizabeth Rusch (Author)

The Mighty Mars Rovers: The Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Opportunity (Scientists in the Field)
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

On June 10, 2003, a little rover named Spirit blasted off on a rocket headed for Mars. On July 7, 2003, a twin rover named Opportunity soared through the solar system with the same mission: to find out if Mars ever had water that could have supported life. A thrilling addition to the acclaimed Scientists in the Field series, The Mighty Mars Rovers tells the greatest space robot adventure of all time through the eyes--and heart--of Steven Squyres, professor of astronomy at Cornell University and lead scientist on the mission.

This suspenseful page-turner captures the hair-raising human emotions felt during the adventures with two tough rovers.
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Kirkus

Starred Review

Another stellar outing in the consistently excellent Scientists in the Field series.

How extraordinary to visit Mars in Spirit; readers will be very glad of the Opportunity. (sources, chapter notes, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)

Copyright 2012 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission

School Library Journal

Starred Review

Gr 7-9—Rusch covers not only the scientific aspects of Mars exploration but also the personalities of the people who made it happen, and profiles the rovers themselves, Spirit and Opportunity. Her comprehensive research shines through in her detailed style as she zeroes in on the behind-the-scenes efforts of launching a scientific mission. Full-color photographs on every page in this picture-book-size volume illuminate the Mars surface and the faces of the scientists as they agonize over communication difficulties and computer glitches and exult over the thrill of discovery. The lists of websites, archives, multimedia, and sources may inspire readers to follow in the footsteps of Steve Squyres-mission leader. The glossary is brief but helpful in unscrambling some of the "alphabet soup" of acronyms and nicknames (e.g., ATLO-Assembly, Test and Launch Operations and Pancam-Panoramic Camera) as well as scientific terms (e.g., Sol-one Martian day, or 24 hours, 39 minutes, and 35 seconds in Earth time) used throughout. Terms and photographs are indexed. This detailed look at planning, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting a highly complex scientific mission puts a human face on an incredible accomplishment.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission

Review quotes

-NYPL 100 Titles for Reading & Sharing, 2012

(star) "Well documented and fully illustrated with many colorful photos and digital images, this is a book that space technology fans won't want to miss."—Booklist, starred review

(star) "This detailed look at planning, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting a highly complex scientific mission puts a human face on an incredible accomplishment."—School Library Journal, starred review

(star) "Rusch's account skillfully captures the exciting quest for knowledge that drives Squyres and his team through the leaps and setbacks of scientific exploration."—Horn Book, starred review

Elizabeth Rusch

Elizabeth Rusch is the author of award-winning nonfiction titles for children, including previous Scientists in the Field titles, Eruption!, The Mighty Mars Rovers and The Next Wave. Elizabeth lives in Oregon with her family. www.elizabethrusch.com

Karin Anderson has worked for the New York Times, and the Washington Post. www.karinanderson.com

Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780547478814
Lexile Measure
950
Guided Reading Level
V
Publisher
Clarion Books
Publication date
June 19, 2012
Series
Scientists in the Field
BISAC categories
JNF051040 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Astronomy
JNF051170 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Discoveries
Library of Congress categories
Mars (Planet)
Exploration
Roving vehicles (Astronautics)
Mars probes
Orbis Pictus Award
Honor Book 2013 - 2013
Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens
Recommended 2013 - 2013
North Carolina Children's Book Award
Nominee 2014 - 2014
Grand Canyon Reader Award
Nominee 2015 - 2015

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