Armstrong, Alan and Illustrated by Jessell, Tim Racing the Moon 224 pgs. Random House Books for Young Readers, 2012. $11.98. (Rating: PG)
Set in the 1940’s –this is the story of a pair of siblings who love space. Alexis idolizes her older brother Chuck, who has a loose sense of responsibility and doesn’t follow the rules. When a new neighbor reveals she is part of the US space program, she offers to help them in the pursuit of their interest in space travel. Captain Ebbs wants to bring out the best in the children, and has some adventures in mind that will allow to take their experience with space up a notch. But Alex and Chuck are used to making their own way, and soon take off on a dangerous journey.
The characters in this book are well rewarded for stealing, disobeying rules, and putting themselves in danger. The same could be said for the Harry Potter books, but this book fails to justify it. I just couldn’t buy in, everything was too coincidental, and there is no way a helpful neighbor keep trying to connect with these kids, when they are determined to undermine her. There was also the introduction of a German space scientist, with suggested Nazi connections -who visits their home. Since this is poorly explained, students will find very confusing.
EL - NOT RECOMMENDED Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate & Author.
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