Review

“Are you ready for a human mission to rugged Mars? Regardless of the Red Planet’s lack of oceans, forests, or signs of life, scientists interpret photographic evidence to theorize that there must have been water on this planet a billion years ago. Carson based this title on the expertise of Michael Shara, a professor of astronomy and curator in the department of astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History. Carson presents an easy-to-follow and alluring narrative that will appeal to upper elementary school students. This informational book follows a logical sequence that shows how scientists have used telescopes and space probes to take photographs and measurements, and landers and rovers to gather rock samples to uncover the mysteries of Mars. The text is well organized and complemented by large high-quality photographs from NASA. Back matter includes an index, a questionnaire game, and a note about Shara’s credentials. VERDICT An instructive and captivating book to complement upper elementary school science curricula and for children who like to learn about planets.” —School Library Journal

About the Author

Mary Kay Carson is an award-winning children's nonfiction author who has written more than 40 books for kids about wildlife, space, weather, nature, and history. Her many books in the Sterling Good Question series include Did It Really Start with a Snowball Fight?, How Many Planets Circle the Sun?, How Strong Is an Ant?, What Makes a Tornado Twist?, What Sank the World's Biggest Ship?, What Was Your Dream, Dr. King?, and Why Does Earth Spin? For the Sterling Biographies series, she wrote Alexander Graham Bell: Giving Voice to the World. Mary Kay gives presentations at schools about writing and her books. She lives in Cincinnati, OH. For more information go to marykaycarson.com.