Book of the Week: How We Got to the Moon (John Rocco)

Quick Overview

Author: John Rocco
Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers (2020)
Reading Level: Middle school to college / general interest
Cost: Approximately $20–25 (hardcover or eBook)
Why it’s worth reading: A visually detailed story of the Apollo missions that celebrates teamwork and innovation.

What It’s About

John Rocco tells the story of how thousands of engineers, technicians, and scientists worked together to achieve the moon landing. His illustrations bring complex technology to life, explaining the science behind rockets, spacecraft, and navigation.

The book captures the spirit of collaboration and perseverance that defined the Apollo program. It shows how imagination, precision, and problem-solving combined to achieve one of humanity’s greatest feats.

Memorable Moment or Quote

"When we look at the moon, we see not just a rock in space, but the reflection of human ingenuity."
This quote embodies the book’s theme that exploration is as much a triumph of people as it is of machines.

Where to Find It

Available in hardcover and eBook editions.

If You Liked This Book...

• Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

• The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe

• How We Got to Now by Steven Johnson

If You Want to Go Deeper

Read Rocket Men by Robert Kurson for a detailed account of the Apollo 8 mission.