Review: Space, Stars, and the Beginning of Time: What the Hubble Telescope Saw by Elaine Scott

Space, Stars, and the Beginning of Time: What the Hubble Telescope Saw by Elaine Scott.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: January 2011
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780547241890

Review: Quite possibly one of the most significant instruments that has changed the way "people look at themselves and their world" is the Hubble Space Telescope. This invention that was originally known as a "spyglass" is discussed in detail in Elaine Scott's book Space, Stars, and the Beginning of Time: What the Hubble Telescope Saw. Filled with awe-inspiring photography and fascinating quick facts, Space, Stars, and the Beginning of Time is an excellent addition to any library - both young and old.

The book begins with an immediate text connection for young readers - a connection with Madeleine L'Engle's book A Wrinkle in Time. This introduction immediately captures all of the L'Engle fans out there who have read and cherished A Wrinkle in Time. But even if A Wrinkle in Time is not familiar, the idea that everyone wants to understand things, even if they are very hard to understand, beautifully sets the stage for the Hubble Space Telescope and its unraveling of the mysteries that oftentimes weigh on our minds. Beginning with a brief history of the Hubble Space Telescope, and continuing through various space explorations, all readers will be thoroughly engaged in the story of the Hubble Space Telescope. But, this book does more than merely provide background information. Instead it attempts to answer one of the most difficult questions ever asked - "Where did we come from?" Through captivating photography and easy to interpret facts that have been pulled out of the text so that even the most casual reader will get something out of the book, Scott brings her readers closer to finding an answer. She even adds a section that includes a recipe for a planet - written just like a recipe from a cookbook. What a great way to share this information! Finally, Space, Stars, and the Beginning of Time also includes a comprehensive glossary and suggestions for further reading which is essential since after readers finish this book, they are definitely going to want to read more!

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Space, Stars, and the Beginning of Time: What the Hubble Telescope Saw for this review.

Have you read Space, Stars, and the Beginning of Time: What the Hubble Telescope Saw? How would you rate it?