Survival in Space: The Apollo 13 Mission

Reach for this book when your teenager is feeling overwhelmed by setbacks or needs a reminder that logic and persistence can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. It is the perfect story for a child who feels isolated, or one who loves to take things apart to see how they work. This gripping tale follows astronaut Mark Watney as he is accidentally left for dead on Mars, relying solely on his scientific knowledge and a dry sense of humor to survive against all odds. While the themes are intense, they highlight the beauty of the human spirit and our capacity for creative problem solving. It is a masterclass in resilience for the middle school or high school reader. Parents will appreciate the way it makes high level science feel accessible, exciting, and vital to survival. It transforms a lonely, frightening situation into an empowering journey of grit and optimism.