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Mission: Earth, Voyage to the Home Planet

January 20, 2023

Mission: Earth, Voyage to the Home Planet is a children's literature book by science writer June A. English and astronaut Thomas David Jones that was published in 1996 by Scholastic. Jones was among the crew members of the Space Shuttle Endeavour during an eleven-day mission in space, which was launched in April 1994 to study the ecological well-being of Earth using specialized radar technology. The book, which is illustrated with radar images and picturesque photographs, chronicles the mission and Jones' experiences of it.

Mission: Earth
Book cover
AuthorsJune A. English, Thomas David Jones
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
SubjectHuman spaceflight
GenreNon-fiction
PublisherScholastic
Publication date
1996
Media typeHardback
Pages40
ISBN0-590-48571-7
OCLC32464949
Followed byThe Scholastic Encyclopedia of the U.S. at War (1998) 

Mission: Earth, Voyage to the Home Planet received a generally favorable reception in media coverage and book reviewers. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said, "The authors convey the awe and wonderment of seeing Earth from space and the intricate delicacy of the Earth's ecology".[1] The Dallas Morning News said, "The astronaut's descriptions are vivid".[2] A review in Booklist was more critical; it said, "The authors try to cover too much in so few pages, and the narrative, with several focal points, becomes simplified at times".[3] School Library Journal wrote, "It provides a unique look at a new method of research and an opportunity for youngsters to read one scientist's account of what it's like to engage in this exciting field of endeavor".[4] The book was selected for inclusion in books Best Books for Children,[5] and Adventuring With Books,[6] or educating youths about history by using children's literature works.

Background

June A. English is an author who specializes in science writing.[7] She has published works within the genre of children's literature.[8]

Thomas David Jones was a member of the United States Air Force prior to working for NASA.[8] As Jones was a United States federal employee at the time of the book's publication, he did not receive profits from sales of the work.[2] English and Jones later produced another collaborative work, Scholastic Encyclopedia of the United States at War, which was published in 1998.[9][10] Jones wrote another book about his experiences in space, Sky Walking: An Astronaut's Memoir, which was published in 2006.[10][11]

Contents

In Mission: Earth, Voyage to the Home Planet, astronaut Thomas David Jones recounts his experiences studying the Earth during his first mission with the United States space agency NASA.[12] Jones' space mission lasted eleven days.[13] Jones was a member of the crew of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which left Earth in April 1994.[14] The mission was intended to provide the Space Radar Lab with a view of the planet.[14] By using three separate radar echoes, scientists were able to analyze a full image of the planet.[14] The radar technology could penetrate obstructions, including clouds and thick outgrowth of trees.[14] Another purpose of the mission was to analyze the ecological state of the planet and to take measurements of pollution caused by carbon monoxide.[15]

The book is based upon journal entries written by Jones during the mission.[2] He presents a typical NASA mission member's day-to-day experiences while living on the Space Shuttle.[4] Jones illustrates his account with photographs from his mission and pictures from the radar capture.[14] He describes his observations while looking at the Earth from space, for example he says, "Maybe more than any other sight from space, lightning gives the decided impression that the Earth is alive, a living organism".[15] He described aurora phenomena as, "shimmering fingers of green light reaching up from the dark ocean, an arc of light around the South Magnetic Pole".[2] June English provides contextual information about Jones' mission.[16]

Reception

Mission: Earth, Voyage to the Home Planet received a positive review from journalist Rebecca O'Connell, who wrote in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "The authors convey the awe and wonderment of seeing Earth from space and the intricate delicacy of the Earth's ecology".[1] She said of the descriptive nature of the text, "Their descriptions of scientific phenomena read like revelations of mystic wonders. But this is not to say it is ponderous, not at all."[1] O'Connell's review concluded, "The text is packed with fascinating information and humorous touches. Even children who are not ordinarily interested in space or ecology will be interested in this book, and aficionados will go ga-ga."[1] Leigh Fenly of The San Diego Union-Tribune recommended the book, and said, "Science writer June English tracked the launch and adds perspective on how the mission will help scientists understand Earth, including its atmosphere, geology, ecology—and future".[15] Nita Thurman wrote for The Dallas Morning News, "Mission: Earth, A Journey to the Home Planet has dozens of color photos taken inside the shuttle and through its windows. The astronaut's descriptions are vivid."[2] Publishers Weekly wrote favorably of the book, saying, "Astronaut Jones's enthusiasm for his work is contagious; it shines through the text, making for a roundly enjoyable and informative read".[17] Publishers Weekly recommended the book and said it is, "[w]ell-conceived and thoughtfully executed, this book deserves a wide audience."[17]

"The authors convey the awe and wonderment of seeing Earth from space and the intricate delicacy of the Earth's ecology."

 —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette[1]

A review of the book by Ilana Steinhorn in Booklist was more critical. Steinhorn said, "The authors try to cover too much in so few pages, and the narrative, with several focal points, becomes simplified at times ... Still, the account is interesting, and the many high-quality, often breathtaking color photographs and radar images complement the text nicely".[3] Elaine Fort Weischedel reviewed the book for School Library Journal, and recommended it for teaching specific subject matter. She wrote, "Pollution patterns, shifting ocean currents, destruction of rain forests, and other environmental changes were the heart of Jones's project, and this book might be used more successfully to supplement the curriculum in those areas than in units on space flight per se".[4] Weischedel said the book "provides a unique look at a new method of research and an opportunity for youngsters to read one scientist's account of what it's like to engage in this exciting field of endeavor".[4] Horn Book Review called the book "a uniquely personal account", and said it "features a crowded design, but the many color photographs throughout the text are fascinating".[16]

Mission: Earth, Voyage to the Home Planet is listed in the book Teaching U.S. history through children's literature: post-World War II by Wanda J. Miller as a resource for educating youth about history by using children's literature works.[14] It is used in other such books, including Strategies That Work: Teaching Comprehension for Understanding and Engagement by Stephanie Harvey and Anne Goudvis,[18] Reading Comprehension: Books and Strategies for the Elementary Curriculum by Kathryn K. Matthew and Kimberly Kimbell-Lopez,[7] and An Integrated Language Perspective in the Elementary School: An Action Approach by Christine Pappas, Barbara Zulandt Kiefer, and Linda S. Levstik.[19] It was selected for inclusion in Best Books for Children by John Thomas Gillespie,[5] and Adventuring With Books by Kathryn Mitchell Pierce.[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e O'Connell, Rebecca (November 10, 1996). "Reading that's fun and fundamental". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. G–11. ISSN 1068-624X.
  2. ^ a b c d e Thurman, Nita (February 4, 1998). "A space odyssey Astronaut shares stories with students in Denton County". The Dallas Morning News. The Dallas Morning News Company. p. 25A.
  3. ^ a b Steinhorn, Ilana (October 15, 1996). "Mission: Earth". Booklist. United States: American Library Association. 93: 415. ISSN 0006-7385.
  4. ^ a b c d Weischedel, Elaine Fort (October 1996). "Mission: Earth". School Library Journal. United States: Library Journals LLC; Media Source, Inc. 42: 130. ISSN 0362-8930.
  5. ^ a b Gillespie, John Thomas (2001). Best Books for Children: Preschool Through Grade 6 Seventh Edition. Libraries Unlimited. p. 1093. ISBN 0-313-32068-3.
  6. ^ a b Pierce, Kathryn Mitchell (2000). Adventuring With Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6. National Council of Teachers. p. 7. ISBN 0-8141-0077-5.
  7. ^ a b Matthew, Kathryn I.; Kimbell-Lopez, Kimberly (2003). Reading Comprehension: Books and Strategies for the Elementary Curriculum. The Scarecrow Press, Inc. p. 50. ISBN 0-8108-4752-3.
  8. ^ a b Pate, Nancy (September 20, 1998). "Feed hunger for war with facts". The Orlando Sentinel. Sentinel Communications Co. p. F6. ISSN 0744-6055.
  9. ^ Johnston, Jerry (December 6, 1998). "3 kids' books tell tales of war, heroes". The Deseret News. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret News Publishing Company. p. E06. ISSN 0745-4724.
  10. ^ a b Jones, Thomas D. (2006). Sky Walking: An Astronaut's Memoir. HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0-06-085152-1.
  11. ^ Haynes, Charles D. (July 2006). "Sky Walking". Science Books & Films. United States. 42 (4): 162. ISSN 0098-342X.
  12. ^ OCLC 32464949
  13. ^ Homa, Linda L.; Schreck, Ann L.; Hoebener, Maureen (1998). Elementary School Library Collection: A Guide to Books and Other Media, Phases 1-2-3. Brodart Co. pp. 170, 641, 663. ISBN 0-87272-114-0.
  14. ^ a b c d e f Miller, Wanda J. (1998). Teaching U.S. history through children's literature: post-World War II. Libraries Unlimited. pp. 106, 222. ISBN 978-1-56308-581-9.
  15. ^ a b c Fenly, Leigh (February 16, 1997). "Let shooting comet catch your child's fancy". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Union-Tribune Publishing Co. p. 5, Section: Books.
  16. ^ a b "Mission: Earth". Horn Book Review. United States: The Horn Book, Inc; Media Source, Inc. 1996.
  17. ^ a b "Mission: Earth". Publishers Weekly. United States: Reed Business Information, Inc. 1996. ISSN 0000-0019.
  18. ^ Harvey, Stephanie; Goudvis, Anne (2007). Strategies That Work: Teaching Comprehension for Understanding and Engagement. Stenhouse Publishers. p. 319. ISBN 978-1-57110-481-6.
  19. ^ Pappas, Christine; Kiefer, Barbara Zulandt; Levstik, Linda S. (1998). An Integrated Language Perspective in the Elementary School: An Action Approach. Allyn & Bacon. p. 79. ISBN 0-8013-3055-6.

Further reading

External links

  • Web Site: Astronaut Tom Jones
  • Spacefacts biography of Thomas D. Jones
  • NASA bio, Thomas D. Jones

January 20, 2023
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Mission Earth Voyage to the Home Planet is a children s literature book by science writer June A English and astronaut Thomas David Jones that was published in 1996 by Scholastic Jones was among the crew members of the Space Shuttle Endeavour during an eleven day mission in space which was launched in April 1994 to study the ecological well being of Earth using specialized radar technology The book which is illustrated with radar images and picturesque photographs chronicles the mission and Jones experiences of it Mission EarthBook coverAuthorsJune A English Thomas David JonesCountryUnited StatesLanguageEnglishSubjectHuman spaceflightGenreNon fictionPublisherScholasticPublication date1996Media typeHardbackPages40ISBN0 590 48571 7OCLC32464949Followed byThe Scholastic Encyclopedia of the U S at War 1998 Mission Earth Voyage to the Home Planet received a generally favorable reception in media coverage and book reviewers The Pittsburgh Post Gazette said The authors convey the awe and wonderment of seeing Earth from space and the intricate delicacy of the Earth s ecology 1 The Dallas Morning News said The astronaut s descriptions are vivid 2 A review in Booklist was more critical it said The authors try to cover too much in so few pages and the narrative with several focal points becomes simplified at times 3 School Library Journal wrote It provides a unique look at a new method of research and an opportunity for youngsters to read one scientist s account of what it s like to engage in this exciting field of endeavor 4 The book was selected for inclusion in books Best Books for Children 5 and Adventuring With Books 6 or educating youths about history by using children s literature works Contents 1 Background 2 Contents 3 Reception 4 See also 5 References 6 Further reading 7 External linksBackground EditJune A English is an author who specializes in science writing 7 She has published works within the genre of children s literature 8 Thomas David Jones was a member of the United States Air Force prior to working for NASA 8 As Jones was a United States federal employee at the time of the book s publication he did not receive profits from sales of the work 2 English and Jones later produced another collaborative work Scholastic Encyclopedia of the United States at War which was published in 1998 9 10 Jones wrote another book about his experiences in space Sky Walking An Astronaut s Memoir which was published in 2006 10 11 Contents Edit Thomas David Jones 1996 In Mission Earth Voyage to the Home Planet astronaut Thomas David Jones recounts his experiences studying the Earth during his first mission with the United States space agency NASA 12 Jones space mission lasted eleven days 13 Jones was a member of the crew of the Space Shuttle Endeavour which left Earth in April 1994 14 The mission was intended to provide the Space Radar Lab with a view of the planet 14 By using three separate radar echoes scientists were able to analyze a full image of the planet 14 The radar technology could penetrate obstructions including clouds and thick outgrowth of trees 14 Another purpose of the mission was to analyze the ecological state of the planet and to take measurements of pollution caused by carbon monoxide 15 The book is based upon journal entries written by Jones during the mission 2 He presents a typical NASA mission member s day to day experiences while living on the Space Shuttle 4 Jones illustrates his account with photographs from his mission and pictures from the radar capture 14 He describes his observations while looking at the Earth from space for example he says Maybe more than any other sight from space lightning gives the decided impression that the Earth is alive a living organism 15 He described aurora phenomena as shimmering fingers of green light reaching up from the dark ocean an arc of light around the South Magnetic Pole 2 June English provides contextual information about Jones mission 16 Reception EditMission Earth Voyage to the Home Planet received a positive review from journalist Rebecca O Connell who wrote in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette The authors convey the awe and wonderment of seeing Earth from space and the intricate delicacy of the Earth s ecology 1 She said of the descriptive nature of the text Their descriptions of scientific phenomena read like revelations of mystic wonders But this is not to say it is ponderous not at all 1 O Connell s review concluded The text is packed with fascinating information and humorous touches Even children who are not ordinarily interested in space or ecology will be interested in this book and aficionados will go ga ga 1 Leigh Fenly of The San Diego Union Tribune recommended the book and said Science writer June English tracked the launch and adds perspective on how the mission will help scientists understand Earth including its atmosphere geology ecology and future 15 Nita Thurman wrote for The Dallas Morning News Mission Earth A Journey to the Home Planet has dozens of color photos taken inside the shuttle and through its windows The astronaut s descriptions are vivid 2 Publishers Weekly wrote favorably of the book saying Astronaut Jones s enthusiasm for his work is contagious it shines through the text making for a roundly enjoyable and informative read 17 Publishers Weekly recommended the book and said it is w ell conceived and thoughtfully executed this book deserves a wide audience 17 The authors convey the awe and wonderment of seeing Earth from space and the intricate delicacy of the Earth s ecology Pittsburgh Post Gazette 1 A review of the book by Ilana Steinhorn in Booklist was more critical Steinhorn said The authors try to cover too much in so few pages and the narrative with several focal points becomes simplified at times Still the account is interesting and the many high quality often breathtaking color photographs and radar images complement the text nicely 3 Elaine Fort Weischedel reviewed the book for School Library Journal and recommended it for teaching specific subject matter She wrote Pollution patterns shifting ocean currents destruction of rain forests and other environmental changes were the heart of Jones s project and this book might be used more successfully to supplement the curriculum in those areas than in units on space flight per se 4 Weischedel said the book provides a unique look at a new method of research and an opportunity for youngsters to read one scientist s account of what it s like to engage in this exciting field of endeavor 4 Horn Book Review called the book a uniquely personal account and said it features a crowded design but the many color photographs throughout the text are fascinating 16 Mission Earth Voyage to the Home Planet is listed in the book Teaching U S history through children s literature post World War II by Wanda J Miller as a resource for educating youth about history by using children s literature works 14 It is used in other such books including Strategies That Work Teaching Comprehension for Understanding and Engagement by Stephanie Harvey and Anne Goudvis 18 Reading Comprehension Books and Strategies for the Elementary Curriculum by Kathryn K Matthew and Kimberly Kimbell Lopez 7 and An Integrated Language Perspective in the Elementary School An Action Approach by Christine Pappas Barbara Zulandt Kiefer and Linda S Levstik 19 It was selected for inclusion in Best Books for Children by John Thomas Gillespie 5 and Adventuring With Books by Kathryn Mitchell Pierce 6 See also EditInternational Space Station Kennedy Space Center Space Shuttle program STS 59 STS 68 STS 80 STS 98References Edit a b c d e O Connell Rebecca November 10 1996 Reading that s fun and fundamental Pittsburgh Post Gazette p G 11 ISSN 1068 624X a b c d e Thurman Nita February 4 1998 A space odyssey Astronaut shares stories with students in Denton County The Dallas Morning News The Dallas Morning News Company p 25A a b Steinhorn Ilana October 15 1996 Mission Earth Booklist United States American Library Association 93 415 ISSN 0006 7385 a b c d Weischedel Elaine Fort October 1996 Mission Earth School Library Journal United States Library Journals LLC Media Source Inc 42 130 ISSN 0362 8930 a b Gillespie John Thomas 2001 Best Books for Children Preschool Through Grade 6 Seventh Edition Libraries Unlimited p 1093 ISBN 0 313 32068 3 a b Pierce Kathryn Mitchell 2000 Adventuring With Books A Booklist for Pre K Grade 6 National Council of Teachers p 7 ISBN 0 8141 0077 5 a b Matthew Kathryn I Kimbell Lopez Kimberly 2003 Reading Comprehension Books and Strategies for the Elementary Curriculum The Scarecrow Press Inc p 50 ISBN 0 8108 4752 3 a b Pate Nancy September 20 1998 Feed hunger for war with facts The Orlando Sentinel Sentinel Communications Co p F6 ISSN 0744 6055 Johnston Jerry December 6 1998 3 kids books tell tales of war heroes The Deseret News Salt Lake City Utah Deseret News Publishing Company p E06 ISSN 0745 4724 a b Jones Thomas D 2006 Sky Walking An Astronaut s Memoir HarperCollins ISBN 978 0 06 085152 1 Haynes Charles D July 2006 Sky Walking Science Books amp Films United States 42 4 162 ISSN 0098 342X OCLC 32464949 Homa Linda L Schreck Ann L Hoebener Maureen 1998 Elementary School Library Collection A Guide to Books and Other Media Phases 1 2 3 Brodart Co pp 170 641 663 ISBN 0 87272 114 0 a b c d e f Miller Wanda J 1998 Teaching U S history through children s literature post World War II Libraries Unlimited pp 106 222 ISBN 978 1 56308 581 9 a b c Fenly Leigh February 16 1997 Let shooting comet catch your child s fancy The San Diego Union Tribune Union Tribune Publishing Co p 5 Section Books a b Mission Earth Horn Book Review United States The Horn Book Inc Media Source Inc 1996 a b Mission Earth Publishers Weekly United States Reed Business Information Inc 1996 ISSN 0000 0019 Harvey Stephanie Goudvis Anne 2007 Strategies That Work Teaching Comprehension for Understanding and Engagement Stenhouse Publishers p 319 ISBN 978 1 57110 481 6 Pappas Christine Kiefer Barbara Zulandt Levstik Linda S 1998 An Integrated Language Perspective in the Elementary School An Action Approach Allyn amp Bacon p 79 ISBN 0 8013 3055 6 Further reading EditEnglish June A Thomas D Jones 1998 Scholastic Encyclopedia of the United States at War Scholastic Reference ISBN 0 590 63421 6 Jones Thomas D 2006 Sky Walking An Astronaut s Memoir HarperCollins ISBN 978 0 06 085152 1 External links EditWeb Site Astronaut Tom Jones Spacefacts biography of Thomas D Jones NASA bio Thomas D JonesPortals Books Children s literature Education Literature Media Science Space United States Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Mission Earth Voyage to the Home Planet amp oldid 1034371442, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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