
History Comics: The Challenger Disaster is a nonfiction graphic novel that tackles the somber historical event of the 1986 space shuttle Challenger explosion. It frames this investigation through the eyes of curious children in a far-off future, who look back at the tragedy to understand what happened and to be inspired by the astronauts' legacy. The book explains the technical aspects and human elements leading up to the disaster, while also emphasizing resilience and the continued pursuit of space exploration. It's an accessible way to introduce a complex and sensitive historical event to young readers, encouraging discussion about bravery, loss, and scientific inquiry.
Let this graphic novel be your time machine! In History Comics, the new nonfiction graphic novel series from First Second, the past comes alive! In History Comics: The Challenger Disaster, we turn the clock back to January 28, 1986. Seven astronauts boarded the space shuttle Challenger on what would be a routine mission. All eyes and cameras were on crew member Christa McAuliffe, a high school teacher, who was set to become the first private citizen in space. Excitement filled the air as the clock counted down to liftoff. But at T-plus seventy-three seconds after launch, the unthinkable happened . . . What caused the midair explosion? In Pranas T. Naujokaitis's imaginative tale, set in a far-off future, a group of curious kids investigate the hard questions surrounding the Challenger explosion. Inspired by the legacy and sacrifice of the Challenger seven, they continue in their footsteps, setting out toward the stars and into the great unknown!





