Rovers, Rockets, and the Race to Mars: The History and Science of Mars Missions for Kids

From dusty deserts to towering volcanoes, from icy poles to swirling dust storms, the fourth planet from the Sun is a world full of mysteries waiting to be explored. This exciting guide takes young readers deep into the story of humanity's quest to reach and understand our fascinating neighbor. Packed with real-life mission stories, jaw-dropping facts, and behind-the-scenes details from space agencies, it reveals how scientists and engineers are unlocking Mars's secrets one mission at a time. Readers will discover why Mars has captured human imagination for centuries, how rovers navigate its rocky terrain, and what challenges astronauts will face when they finally set foot there. They'll learn about launch windows, the search for past or present life, and the tools and technology that make exploration possible. Along the way, they'll meet the robots that have braved the journey, the people who operate them from millions of miles away, and the future explorers who could be walking its surface in their lifetime. Perfect for curious minds and budding space enthusiasts, this book invites kids to think big, ask bold questions, and see themselves as part of the next great chapter in space exploration—one that's only just beginning.