Reaching For The Moon
1 Hardcover/1 CD

"Who would guess that the 2-year-old who rode in his father's airplane painted like an eagle would some day be on board the moon lander Eagle? Or that the boy who delighted in his rock collection would one day collect rock samples from the moon's surface? Coincidences are poignant as Buzz Aldrin shares his autobiography with young listeners. His resiliency and determination as a childhood adventurer and athlete carry on to his later years as a young cadet at West Point and then an aspiring astronaut. Aldrin's narration is firm, yet modest. His pacing leaves time to appreciate accomplishments and to savor Wendell Minor's majestic paintings. The musical score compliments and completes this recording."

"Astronaut Buzz Aldrin narrates this fascinating autobiography that provides information about his childhood, his education, and his first steps on the moon. He also includes an account of how he got the name Buzz, his time at West Point, and his perseverance in becoming an astronaut. He provides details about his unique preparation for going into space, his first space flight on Gemini 12, and the moon landing with Neil Armstrong. Beautiful realistic illustrations by Wendell Minor give listeners the feeling that they are right there flying a plane or floating in space. Aldrin's pacing and inflection draws listeners in, adding to the immediacy of Minor's illustrations. Occasional, subtle sound effects and background instrumentation add to the richness of the story. This read-along set will work well in a classroom setting for units on space or biographies. A necessary addition to all collections serving elementary grade students."