Info
- Illustrated by Dylan Meconis (cover) and Falynn Koch (interior)
- Age: 8 – 12 years
- Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (Jul 21, 2026)
- Paperback: 224 pages
- ISBN-10: 059390236X
- ISBN-13: 978-0593902363
Myths! Lies! Failed satellite launches? Head to the launch pad, the History Smashers are busting the biggest misconceptions about the Space-Race, and the facts are blasting off in 10-9-8…
On April 14, 1969, President John F. Kennedy announced that the U.S. would put a man on the moon kicking off the Space Race, right? WRONG! The Space Race was already well underway by 1969…and honestly, the U.S. was lightyears behind the Russians when it came to space exploration.
Alright, but once the U.S. got going, it was smooth sailing to the stars, right? Not exactly. Space exploration always comes with risk, and the truth is to learn about our universe, it took the work of many scientists, politicians, and passionate every day citizens like you.
Grab your helmet and join New York Times bestselling author Kate Messer as she leads the History Smashers to dispel the misconceptions and outright myths about tensions between the U.S. and Russia during the consequential Space Race.
Praise for HISTORY SMASHERS: THE SPACE RACE
~ “The latest volume in the popular History Smashers series focuses on the Space Race, the historic competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union to be the first to explore the far reaches of space. After establishing how early scientific principles evolved and changed human perceptions of space, Messner travels the path of scientific achievement, stopping along the way to “smash” common perceptions, myths, and stories that may not be wholly accurate. Messner’s enthusiasm for the topic, expressed in her author’s note, is clear throughout the text, written with the clarity and humor that characterizes this savvy series.” ~Booklist
~”Ending with discussions of the Mars missions, Messner gives young readers plenty of inspiration for how they could prepare to carry on with research and exploration. Make space for this fast-paced and fun selection in upper-elementary and middle school collections.” ~School Library Journal