The Mighty Mars Rovers - (Scientists in the Field (Paperback)) by Elizabeth Rusch (Paperback)

About the Book

An edge-of-your-seat adventure story about the relentless team who gave us our first in-depth look at the Martian landscape. Filled with awesome pictures from NASA and the author's personal collection, this is a stellar addition to the Scientists in the Field series about the planet, Mars.

Book Synopsis

The Mighty Mars Rovers tells the greatest space robot adventure of all time--one of the most successful space explorations ever undertaken.

On June 10, 2003, a little rover named Spirit blasted off on a rocket headed for Mars. A month later, a twin rover named Opportunity soared through the solar system with the same mission: to find out if Mars ever had water that could have supported life. They were expected to last no more than three months on the frigid, harsh planet. Instead, they explored the red planet for years.

Packed with full-color photos, this 80-page book is a thrilling addition to the acclaimed Scientists in the Field series, told through the eyes--and heart--of Steven Squyres, the lead scientist on the mission.

This suspenseful page-turner captures the hair-raising human emotions felt during the adventures with two tough rovers.

Review Quotes

-NYPL 100 Titles for Reading & Sharing, 2012 (star) "Enthralling . . . How extraordinary to visit Mars in Spirit; readers will be very glad of the Opportunity."--Kirkus, starred review (star) "Well documented and fully illustrated with many colorful photos and digital images, this is a book that space technology fans won't want to miss."--Booklist, starred review (star) "This detailed look at planning, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting a highly complex scientific mission puts a human face on an incredible accomplishment."--School Library Journal, starred review (star) "Rusch's account skillfully captures the exciting quest for knowledge that drives Squyres and his team through the leaps and setbacks of scientific exploration."--Horn Book, starred review --

About the Author

The award-winning freelance writer Elizabeth Rusch has published more than one hundred articles in magazines such as Muse, Smithsonian, and Mother Jones. She is the author of a number award-winning nonfiction titles for children, including: Generation Fix, Will it Blow?, The Planet Hunter, and For the Love of Music: The Remarkable Story of Maria Anna Mozart. This is her first book for Houghton Mifflin.

Elizabeth lives in Portland, Oregon, with her family. Liz has a four-inch-high scale model rover, which she kept next to her computer for inspiration while writing this book. The model rover toppled over and broke so many times that she can't believe Spirit and Opportunity have survived roaming Mars for more than six years. You can visit Liz online at www.elizabethrusch.com.