This account of Apollo 13, a NASA space mission originally intended to include a moon landing, which turned into a four-day struggle for survival after an on-board oxygen tank exploded, is being published to coincide with the mission's April 2020 fiftieth anniversary. Using accessible language, brief chapters, and lots of subheadings, the text fills in social, historical, and technological context so that readers become caught up in the unfolding action and appreciate the significance of the event. Numerous photos and box insets add visual appeal, while telling quotes and anecdotes help make astronauts John Swigert, James Lovell, and Fred Haise real people, heightening the suspense as their families watch the drama unfolding on live television. Of special note are the final chapters profiling the four subsequent Apollo missions, the space shuttles, the International Space Station, and ongoing private ventures, indicating how lessons learned from Apollo 13 have impacted their development. Thorough back matter makes this an ideal resource for researchers. This compelling story of teamwork and ingenuity pretty much defines what STEM is all about.

Gr 5--8--The survival of the three astronauts on the Apollo 13 seemed impossible. After an explosion and a series of mechanical failures, the astronauts and their mission control team in Houston had to scramble to provide water, food, breathable air, and temperature control aboard the dying ship. This gripping middle grade book describes the harrowing journey and tenacious survival of the Apollo 13 crew and explains what was learned from this "successful failure." Edge provides a highly readable account of what the astronauts experienced, an age-appropriate contextualization of the Cold War, and sensitive treatment of the marginalized role of women and people of color in the history of space travel. What it does not offer is a clear, scientific description of how spaceships work and why they fail. Aerospace terms are added in a way that could be confusing to readers, but the overall narrative does not suffer for it. While the text doesn't delve into the technical STEM aspects of space travel, it does encourage contemplation about the persistence, quick thinking, and creative problem solving required by STEM careers. VERDICT An engaging space survival story that has the potential to turn middle grade science fiction/adventure fans into nonfiction readers. Could be used as a longer read-aloud to accompany a science unit.--Mallory Weber, Convent of the Sacred Heart, NY

A detailed account of the Apollo 13 space mission.This book brings to life the period of uncertainty surrounding the return of Apollo 13 by taking readers step by step through the astronauts' journey, the efforts of the Mission Control team in Houston to bring them home safely, and the anticipation of family members and the entire world as they watched and waited to see if things would worsen or if the astronauts would be saved. Chapter 1 sets the scene with the explosion in space that compromised the mission; Chapter 2 explains the context of the space race and previous successful projects; and chapters 3 through 8 return to the situation on Apollo 13, describing in detail the moments until it landed on Earth and the astronauts were reunited with loved ones. Final chapters profile space travel after Apollo 13 and its legacy. Historical photographs throughout enhance the text. Readers will need to pay close attention in order to follow all of the challenges the astronauts faced and the actions they had to take, but most major dangers are clear, such as the integrity of the heat shield and the availability of oxygen and water. The high stakes make this quite a page-turner. Some readers will skim over technical terms; others will devour every detail.A powerful narrative of an awe-inspiring event. (timeline, glossary, source notes, selected bibliography, further reading, index, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 13-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.