The beautiful color photographs on the thick pages of this hardcover 25th anniversary edition of Destination Moon by astronaut James Irwin are the icing on the cake. With amazing storytelling craft, James Irwin recounts his physical and spiritual journey to the moon and back. I was hooked from the first line of the prologue: “When you lean far back and look up, you can see the Earth like a beautiful, fragile Christmas tree ornmaent hanging against the blackness of space. It’s as if you can reach out and hold it in your hand.”
Reading the book from start to finish, I was struck by the magic of the story — imagine walking and driving on the moon! This is the dream of countless children, and yet only 12 men have done so. Mr. Irwin does a wonderful, captivating job of explaining how he came to be an astronaut and eventually walked on the moon. He also does a wonderful job of describing his spriitual journey in the process. How good for our children to read about Christian men who are also highly educated scientists and adventurers.
My Bottom Line: This book will be a really great, short read for adventurous boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 14, and adults of any age. My daughter, at age 12 was required to read it but got a little snotty about the content — she’s more princess then space explorer. I think even my seven year old will enjoy having this book read to her. This book is one of those gorgeous picture books for older, reading children. I think every Christian family will enjoy this book together. I highly recommend this book.
Disclaimer: This book was provided for free through the Page Turners program of New Leaf Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review on my blog. Here you have it.
This book made William decide on a career path… we’ll see, of course, but it is the first time he’s ever acted certain about anything as far as what he wants to be when he grows up.
I love this book.
Oh wow, an astronaut in the family? That would be very cool.