Survival in Space: The Apollo 13 Mission

Gr 3-7–With bite-size chapters and engaging prose, this book makes a complex historical event readable and inspiring. It starts with background information about the history of flight itself, the gradual development of space exploration, and the 1960s space race pioneered by the U.S. and the Soviet Union, providing a solid foundation for understanding the stakes of the ill-fated Apollo 13 moon mission that was launched on April 11, 1970. The narrative takes off when an onboard explosion turns what was meant to be a triumphant moon landing into a desperate fight for survival. Jack Swigert’s understated “Houston, we’ve had a problem” becomes the rallying cry for a story about overcoming impossible odds. The book emphasizes themes of teamwork and determination by highlighting how the astronauts and NASA engineers worked together to solve complex challenges. It accentuates the collective effort of astronauts, engineers, and ground control staff in overcoming odds. The story’s heart lies in its themes of teamwork and ingenuity, showing how creativity and preparation can triumph over adversity. Black-and-white illustrations support the text. Some of the images are diagrams explaining the spacecraft’s systems, while others depict key moments of the astronauts’ ordeal.