What Is NASA?

What was...?

by Sarah Fabiny, Ted Hammond (Illustrator)

Find out all about NASA in this out-of-this-world addition to the What Was? series.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, better known as NASA, began in 1958. With its creation, the United States hoped to ensure it won the space race against the Soviet Union. Author Sarah Fabiny describes the origins of NASA, the launching of the Apollo program that landed the first human on the moon, and the many missions and discoveries that have taken place since then. NASA has a rich history and still plays an important role in uncovering the mysteries of the universe. Readers are sure to get sucked into this book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Childrens, Space, History, Biography, Chapter Books

112 pages, Paperback

First published May 7, 2019

Reviews

[Megan Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had very good information. I learned a lot of things about NASA and the ISS that I didnt know. Very interesting.

[Wendy Kennar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read in this series. My son and I felt like NASA experts as we read through the book, because we knew a lot of the information already. But we did find we learned a bit. It's difficult to condense the history of NASA into a short-ish, kid-friendly book. I did wish they had included more information on the lack of diversity in the astronaut corps.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid nonfiction book about NASA for kids. Gives a good overview of NASA over the years. What it lacks is a human touch.

[Liesl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative read about all topics NASA-related. I have always been interested in space, and the new information gained here about spacecraft missions exploring the universe and the International Space Station is particularly fascinating. My son, who has expressed interest in becoming an astronaut when he grows up, was extremely grossed out at the idea of urine being recycled into drinking water, but was won back over after reading about Space Camp and what it has to offer.

[CL]

Russians launched first satellite, first human in space and first spacewalk. US started Mercury program to launch astronaut into space. Alan Shepard was first American to go to space. John Glenn was first American to orbit the Earth. The Gemini program was to practice spacewalks and develop technology needed to put a man on the moon. The Apollo program was to land a man on the moon and achieved with Apollo 11.

[Yuki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book teaches us many things in detail about space, solar system, and astronauts. We are able to know the indomitable enthusiasm of the people work at NASA. I hope that many countries would understand each other and get along, as if the people from many countries in the ISS work as having been doing.

[Luvy Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great informational text that tells all about NASA. I liked all the pictures both drawn and actual photos. It was very easy to read and full of not only information about NASA, but information about space, moon trips, and much more.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting, very non - fiction, but I feel like too many things happened at once that we all just fell for it and never arose by the information we receive. Doing an AR test, I feel like it brought my attention. Would recommend to those who absolutely love NASA and all that.

[Zachary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book because you learn a lot of facts about NASA, space, and the people who traveled to space. I never knew many of these facts before reading this book. I really enjoyed reading it!

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite part was when the book talks about going to the bathroom in space. The put the velcro on their feet for number one so they don't float away in space. They use a plastic bag for number two.

[Jack Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

1t is about what NASA did.

[Dawn]

Even though I am decades older than the targeted audience, I enjoyed this book. Learned several facts about NASA that I did not know!

[Shontel Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this with my daughter.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was just ok. I wish there was more about the astronauts in space.

Good read.

[kayla elledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad they did not get hurt

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice overview of NASA. Can't wait to see what they do next.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would not sit in the chamber

[Elina · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved the book.. so many nice illustrations

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids really liked this book. After finishing reading it we googled several things about space because they had several questions.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on NASA for kids to read.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A more detailed but brief history of NASA, its projects, and the International Space Station.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good interesting book

[Cadee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This book is about NASA and the space race. It was cool how NASA got to be the first to get to the moon and I liked the fact pages. Anyone who likes space would like this book." -Cadee, age 11

[Elexndra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Library borrow

[Addie May · Rating 2 out of 5]

Extremely confusing and boaring

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read to my kids in preparation for our nasa visit. A very brief overview.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
You could NEVER catch me in space.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent information about the creation and important work NASA performs. I was always fascinated by Space exploration and the Apollo & Shuttle programs.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Can’t say enough about the WhoHQ books! Outstanding!