Lost in Outer Space: The Incredible Journey of Apollo 13 (Lost #2)

by Tod Olson (Author)

Lost in Outer Space: The Incredible Journey of Apollo 13 (Lost #2)
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
Series: Lost
This exciting second book in the Lost series tells the incredible true story of the doomed Apollo 13 moon mission that nearly ended in disaster.
April 13, 1970: Two hundred thousand miles from Earth and counting, an explosion rips through Jim Lovell's spacecraft. The crippled ship hurtles toward the moon at three times the speed of sound, losing power and leaking oxygen into space.

Lovell and his crew were two days from the dream of a lifetime - walking on the surface of moon. Now, they will count themselves lucky to set foot on Earth again.

From "Houston, we've had a problem" to the final tense moments at Mission Control, Lost in Outer Space takes readers on the unbelievable journey of Apollo 13 and inside the minds of its famous and heroic astronauts. Complete with photographs of the crew and diagrams of the spacecraft, this is an up-close-and-personal look at one of the most thrilling survival stories of all time.
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School Library Journal

Gr 3-7--"Houston, we have a problem" is an iconic movie line to most people, and a variation on that very sentence was uttered during the actual Apollo 13 mission. The drama, instigated by a defective thermostat that caused an explosion and oxygen leak, was mirrored back on Earth. Barbara Lovell, the daughter of astronaut Jim Lovell (the mission commander), was aware that her father's job was dangerous; however, during the Apollo 13 mission, she realized something particularly terrible was happening. Mission control in Houston immediately knew the situation was serious and scrambled to help Apollo 13. The safe return of all on board is no secret, but the full story of their trip and how those in space and on land became heroes is a thrilling one, full of heroism and suspense. The author's recounting of the mission is detailed and gives equal coverage to the astronauts, the NASA engineers, and the families. The use of teen Barbara Lovell as a character for readers to identify with is effective and makes the story relatable. Technical language is not absent, but space concepts and tools are explained thoroughly in a manner that even reluctant readers will find accessible. VERDICT Fans of action-packed true survival stories will take to this real-life space episode--an easy pick for upper elementary schoolers.--Morgan Brickey, Arlington Public Library, TX

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

Praise for Lost in the Pacific, 1942 (Lost #1):

* "A riveting, completely engrossing true survival story." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Engaging... A great choice for collections." — School Library Journal
Tod Olson
Tod Olson is the author of the Lost series, the How to Get Rich historical fiction series, and numerous books for the school/library and classroom markets. He has written for national magazines on the Columbine school shooting, homeless teens, the murder of Matthew Shepard, and many other stories of interest to children and young adults. During his 25 years in children's publishing, he has edited and developed several collections of books for both school/library and the classroom. Tod holds an MFA from Vermont College.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780545928151
Lexile Measure
910
Guided Reading Level
20
Publisher
Scholastic
Publication date
January 20, 2017
Series
Lost
BISAC categories
JNF025210 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | United States/20th Century
JNF051010 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Technology | Aeronautics, Astronautics & Space Science
JNF025080 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | Exploration & Discovery
Library of Congress categories
JUVENILE NONFICTION / History / United States
Project Apollo (U.S.)
Apollo 13 (Spacecraft)
Space vehicle accidents
JUVENILE NONFICTION / History / Exploration &
JUVENILE NONFICTION / Technology / Aeronautic

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