What would it be like to live on Mars?
Mars is the fourth planet from the sun in our solar system and is often called the "Red Planet" due to the iron oxide on the planet's surface, which gives it a reddish hue. The surface of Mars is said to resemble that of both the moon and the Earth with craters, volcanoes, valleys, deserts and polar ice caps. A multitude of children's books have been written about Mars and missions to Mars.
The Mystery of Mars
The "Mystery of Mars" by Sally Ride is a 48-page book recommended by the School Library Journal for students in grades 4 through 6. Ride describes the similarities and differences between Earth and Mars and describes in great detail the geology of Mars and what causes the planet's red appearance. The author also explains the history of our fascination with the planet and discusses what has been found on some of the missions to Mars. The book also offers many detailed paintings, graphics and recent photographs of Mars both from outer space and from the surface.
"Mission to Mars"
"Mission to Mars," written by Franklyn M. Branley, tells a fictional story of what it would be like to live on Mars. The author gives children a "you are there" feel all through the story. The astronauts live in a station on Mars where they generate solar and atomic power for electricity, grow their own food and recycle water. The tale goes into the challenges people would face from the environment and also tells how a real colony could be supported by these means. The book also contains black and white photographs of Mars and is appropriate for ages 4 through 8.
"Max Goes to Mars"
"Max Goes to Mars: A Science Adventure with Max the Dog" by Jeffrey Bennett was published by Big Kid Science for children ages 9 to 12. The book won the Learning Magazine Teachers' Choice for Children's Books Award in 2010. It tells the tale of Max the dog's mission to help his human crew search for life on Mars while providing companionship and loyalty on the 2-year long journey to the planet. It also tells of a very special discovery Max makes while on Mars.
Bennett is an astronomer by training and also a teacher and writer. His series on Max the Dog also includes "Max Goes to the Moon" and "Max Goes to Jupiter."
"Exploring Mars"
"Exploring Mars" was written by David Ward and published in 2006. The book is for children ages 9 to 12 and covers a wide range of topics about Mars. The author describes details about missions to Mars and also describes the planet's red appearance and what causes it, the characteristics of the moons and thought-provoking subjects such as the possibility of water on Mars. Ward also writes about how people might someday be able to live on the red planet and how life could be sustained. The book contains a variety of recommended websites on Mars.
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