“Breathtaking…this unique look at Mars’ terrain has something to offer a range of space explorers, from the April Pulley Sayre set, who like their images with short, expressive text, to older picture-book readers, unafraid of sinking their teeth into some real science… The larger, main text is descriptive and poetic, full of satisfying alliteration and consonance…. Each phrase is perfectly paired with its dramatic photo, while the paragraphs offer facts and fascinating statistics…. Informative back matter.” —Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

“Readers will be enthralled… The simple narrative and the pictures alone could work well for a younger elementary reader, while older readers could benefit from the additional information…. Because of the dual nature of the text that is understandable by various young readers and the literally out of this world photography, this makes a great addition to elementary school space nonfiction collections.” —School Library Journal

Suzanne Slade is the award-winning author of over one hundred children’s books. She lives in Illinois. You can visit her website here.

“Elegant and informative, this is sure to attract casual browsers and true space nerds alike.” ―Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

“Captivating free-verse narrative…vivid mixed-media illustrations that stun with photographic realism and varied perspectives…this well-researched title offers a stirring introduction to one of humankind’s most impressive undertakings.” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

“Stunning… Slade’s carefully crafted, often alliterative text, written in free verse, is both succinct and readable, drawing this large topic down to the most necessary and interesting facts with enough detail to excite young teens as well as adults who may have lived through the missions.… Truly out of this world. A must-buy for most poetry collections.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

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“A grand…tale about a magnificent effort. A handsomely packaged look back at an epochal achievement.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“[A] book that will captivate and entertain young readers while educating them about an amazing decade of U.S. space exploration…In the 21st century, space travel goals aim much further away than the moon, but Countdown drives home how truly incredible the Apollo missions are in the history of mankind.” ―Shelf Awareness

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Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2019

Parents’ Choice Gold Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2018

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 ―NSTA / CBC, 2019

Eureka! Gold Nonfiction Children’s Book Award ―California Reading Association, 2018

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Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book ―Chicago Public Library, 2018

Beehive Award (Poetry Nominee) ―Children’s Literature Association of Utah, 2020

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Starred, Junior High) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2019

Lectio Book Award (Master List) ―Lectio Book Award, 2019

Magnolia Book Award (Nominee, Grades 6-8) ―Mississippi Children’s Museum, MDE / MLA / MLC / USM, 2020

Prairie Pasque Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―South Dakota Library Association, South Dakota Reading Council, South Dakota State Library, South Dakota Elementary School Principals, 2020-2021

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Suzanne Slade is the award-winning author of over one hundred children’s books. She lives in Illinois. You can visit her website here.

Thomas Gonzalez is an illustrator, designer, and portrait artist. A native of Cuba, Tom came to the United States when he was ten years old. He studied at the Atlanta School of Art (now called Savannah of Art and Design). After working at the Coca-Cola Company for more than twenty years, Tom held several creative positions with other global brands. He has illustrated many picture books, including 14 Cows for America, Seven and a Half Tons of Steel, and Countdown. He lives in Georgia. You can visit his website here.

“Slade tells the purposively inspiring story with a poetic flair, and Ratterree’s pale, evocatively washed-out watercolor illustrations are richly detailed… An attractive volume introducing an important American to young readers.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Slade continues her line of outstanding nonfiction picture books with her latest offering, about Jane Addams…. This short biography emphasizes the value of doing what is right despite criticism…. In Slade’s and Ratterree’s hands, Addams’s legacy shines brightly for the next generation of advocates…. A stirring addition to any school or public library’s biography section.” ―School Library Journal

“A straightforward introduction to the dedication and purpose of an American heroine.” ―Booklist

“An inspiring testament to the power of activism.… An afterword and timeline round out a solid introduction to a woman who ‘kept doing what she’d always done: helping people. No matter where they were from. No matter what others thought. No matter the cost.’” ―Publishers Weekly

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“This is a quick read aloud, perfect for discussions regarding the importance of community service and advocating for the less fortunate…. The book’s mission to share Jane’s fascinating life might just inspire the next generation of social activists.” ―School Library Connection

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Best Children’s Books of the Year (Starred) ―Bank Street College of Education, 2018

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council, 2018

CCBC Choices (Biography and Autobiography) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2018

Illinois Reads (3-5) ―Illinois Reading Council, 2019

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Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2018

Alabama Camellia Award (Nominee, Grades 4-5 Non-fiction) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2018-2019

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Suzanne Slade is the award-winning author of over one hundred children’s books. She lives in Illinois. You can visit her website here.

Alice Ratterree’s work has been featured in greeting cards, children’s books, and original paintings and drawings. Also an accomplished classically trained singer, Alice has appeared as a soloist in opera, concert, and oratorial venues. She lives in South Carolina. You can visit her website here.