Module 4: Nonfiction - TEAM MOON

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Thimmesh, Catherine. 2006. TEAM MOON: HOW 400,000 PEOPLE LANDED APOLLO 11 ON THE MOON. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618507574

PLOT SUMMARY:

When man first walked on the moon back in 1969, the amazement and wonder felt around the world was beyond words. Catherine Thimmesh does an outstanding job of capturing that fascinating moment in history for children of today with engaging and awe-inspiring words and photographs. Thimmesh takes a closer look at the unsung heroes of this amazing event by revealing man’s first landing on the moon through the eyes and words of the hundreds of thousands of people who were a part of the triumphant team of Apollo 11. This incredible tribute offers both a historical account of how man made it to the moon as well as the phenomenal story of how so many people came together to make the unthinkable happen.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

Thimmesh’s accuracy in describing this event is impeccable, and it is clear that extensive research led to the inclusion of very precise details. The book includes many quotes from the people who were a part of Apollo 11, and Thimmesh wisely embraces an impressive variety of sources. These extensive sources are clearly cited throughout the book and listed meticulously at the end, along with chapter notes, acknowledgements, and an author’s note. Also included are an index, glossary, and suggested resources and websites for further exploration. Thimmesh goes above and beyond to ensure the accuracy of her portrayal of this historic event.

The organization of TEAM MOON is creative and captivating, taking readers on a ride that begins with the dream to land man on the moon. Next, the beginning stages of the trip to the moon are explored prior to a close look at a series of challenges overcome by the Apollo 11 team as they experience landing on the moon. Finally, the homeward journey is examined, leaving the reader feeling like he/she has just returned from an amazing trip to the moon.

The innovative design of TEAM MOON is certain to capture the attention of both children and adults. With various quotes, photographs with explanatory captions, and informational text on nearly every page, this book is packed with information laid out in an appealing, multisensory format. The breathtaking and historic photographs truly capture the essence of this exciting time.

Thimmesh’s ability to seamlessly blend quotes, facts, and emotion to accurately portray the intensity and complexity of this historic human experience should be celebrated. This book is sure to capture the hearts of a new generation of hopeful space explorers, and this incredible book will open everyone’s eyes to the team effort behind one of man’s greatest accomplishments.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

From HORN BOOK starred (Spring 2007):
“Thimmesh introduces the 400,000-strong army that got Armstrong and company to the moon and back. The narrative balances what could have been a recitation of corporate names with a colloquial approach and high drama; primary source material gives specificity to the thousands. A striking white-on-black design and gorgeous archival photographs enhance this presentation. Back matter authenticates this highly original addition to space exploration literature.”

From KIRKUS REVIEW starred (May 15, 2006):
"’For me, that was the time in history and the event to participate in above all others.’ That comment, from one of the 400,000 involved in the team effort to put men on the moon in 1969, sums up the essence of this dramatic account of the work of people behind the scenes in the Apollo program. Illustrated with striking black-and-white photos, the white text on a black background of each page underscores the risk of this venture into the unknown.”

From LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION starred (February 2007):
“With exciting you-are-there language and stunning historical photographs, this book captures the excitement of the Apollo mission to the moon.”

Awards:
*The Robert F. Sibert Medal winner 2007
*Texas Bluebonnet Award book nominee 2008
*An NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book
*2007 ALA Notable Children’s Book

CONNECTIONS:

*Other nonfiction books by Catherine Thimmesh:
Thimmesh, Catherine. 2004. MADAM PRESIDENT. Ill. by Douglas B. Jones. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618396667

Thimmesh, Catherine. 2002. THE SKY’S THE LIMIT: STORIES OF DISCOVERY BY WOMEN AND GIRLS. Ill. by Melissa Sweet. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. 0618494898

*Other books about the moon:
Schyffert, Bea Uusma. 2003. THE MAN WHO WENT TO THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON: THE STORY OF APOLLO 11 ASTRONAUT MICHAEL COLLINS. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books. ISBN 0811840077

McNulty, Faith. 2005. IF YOU DECIDE TO GO TO THE MOON. Ill. by Steven Kellogg. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0590483595

*Activities:
This book could be used in a unit of study on the history of space exploration. Students could create timelines with details on each major space exploration event, including the mission of Apollo 11.

Students could be encouraged to create a presentation on the moon after reading TEAM MOON. Presentations could include information about the first men to land on the moon, and students could create their own artwork related to the moon.

Students may enjoy listening to poems about space in addition to reading TEAM MOON. The artistic language of poetry could offer a good balance to the factual nature of this story.

Students could be encouraged to use the Internet to locate more resources and photographs on Apollo 11. With proper supervision, the Internet can offer a wide variety of additional resources on the moon.

*Websites:
http://www.childrensliteraturenetwork.org/birthbios/brthpage/09sep/9-20thimmesh.html
http://www.nasm.si.edu/collections/imagery/Apollo/AS11/a11.htm
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/apollo11/index.html