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    History Smashers: The Space Race

    Part of History Smashers

    Author Kate Messner
    Paperback
    $9.99 US
    RH Childrens Books | Random House Books for Young Readers
    5-3/16"W x 7-5/8"H | 8 oz | 48 per carton
    On sale Jul 21, 2026 | 224 Pages | 9780593902363
    Age 8-12 years
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    Myths! Lies! Failed satellite launches? Head to the launch pad, the History Smashers are busting the biggest misconceptions about the Space-Race, and the facts are blasting off in 10-9-8…

    On April 14, 1969, President John F. Kennedy announced that the U.S. would put a man on the moon kicking off the Space Race, right? WRONG! The Space Race was already well underway by 1969...and honestly, the U.S. was lightyears behind the Russians when it came to space exploration. 

    Alright, but once the U.S. got going, it was smooth sailing to the stars, right? Not exactly. Space exploration always comes with risk, and the truth is to learn about our universe, it took the work of many scientists, politicians, and passionate every day citizens like you.

    Grab your helmet and join New York Times bestselling author Kate Messer as she leads the History Smashers to dispel the misconceptions and outright myths about tensions between the U.S. and Russia during the consequential Space Race.

    Ready to bust new myths? Check out more titles in the History Smashers series: The Mayflower • The Titanic • The American Revolution • The Salem Witch Trials
    Kate Messner is a New York Times bestselling author of more than seventy books for curious readers. Her titles include award-winning picture books like Over and Under the Coral Reef and Axolotl-Ella, graphic novels like Camp Monster, the popular Ranger in Time and Wildlife Rescue chapter books, and novels like The Trouble with Heroes and All the Answers. Kate lives on Lake Champlain with her family and has climbed all forty-six of the Adirondack High Peaks. View titles by Kate Messner
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    "A useful....tally of soaring achievements." —Kirkus Reviews

    "Messner’s enthusiasm for the topic....is clear throughout the text, written with the clarity and humor that characterizes this savvy series. Fascinating details....appear alongside significant and often overlooked achievements by historically marginalized groups." —Booklist

    "Messner gives young readers plenty of inspiration for how they could prepare to carry on with research and exploration. Make space for this fast-paced and fun selection." —School Library Journal

    About

    Myths! Lies! Failed satellite launches? Head to the launch pad, the History Smashers are busting the biggest misconceptions about the Space-Race, and the facts are blasting off in 10-9-8…

    On April 14, 1969, President John F. Kennedy announced that the U.S. would put a man on the moon kicking off the Space Race, right? WRONG! The Space Race was already well underway by 1969...and honestly, the U.S. was lightyears behind the Russians when it came to space exploration. 

    Alright, but once the U.S. got going, it was smooth sailing to the stars, right? Not exactly. Space exploration always comes with risk, and the truth is to learn about our universe, it took the work of many scientists, politicians, and passionate every day citizens like you.

    Grab your helmet and join New York Times bestselling author Kate Messer as she leads the History Smashers to dispel the misconceptions and outright myths about tensions between the U.S. and Russia during the consequential Space Race.

    Ready to bust new myths? Check out more titles in the History Smashers series: The Mayflower • The Titanic • The American Revolution • The Salem Witch Trials

    Creators

    Kate Messner is a New York Times bestselling author of more than seventy books for curious readers. Her titles include award-winning picture books like Over and Under the Coral Reef and Axolotl-Ella, graphic novels like Camp Monster, the popular Ranger in Time and Wildlife Rescue chapter books, and novels like The Trouble with Heroes and All the Answers. Kate lives on Lake Champlain with her family and has climbed all forty-six of the Adirondack High Peaks. View titles by Kate Messner

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    Praise

    "A useful....tally of soaring achievements." —Kirkus Reviews

    "Messner’s enthusiasm for the topic....is clear throughout the text, written with the clarity and humor that characterizes this savvy series. Fascinating details....appear alongside significant and often overlooked achievements by historically marginalized groups." —Booklist

    "Messner gives young readers plenty of inspiration for how they could prepare to carry on with research and exploration. Make space for this fast-paced and fun selection." —School Library Journal

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