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The Astrochimps

America's First Astronauts
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( 45 ratings, 17 reviews)
Brief Description
Vividly portrayed, meticulously researched picture - Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD GOLD STANDARD SELECTION AWARD CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST OF THE BEST BOOKS SELECTION, 2024 Meet Ham, Minnie, Enos, Roscoe, Tiger, and Rocky. In 1958, when the United States was scrambling to catch up... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Vividly portrayed, meticulously researched picture - Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD GOLD STANDARD SELECTION AWARD
CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST OF THE BEST BOOKS SELECTION, 2024

Meet Ham, Minnie, Enos, Roscoe, Tiger, and Rocky.

In 1958, when the United States was scrambling to catch up to the Soviets after their successful launch of Sputnik, they didn't first turn to Mercury Seven astronauts Alan Shepard and John Glenn. Rather, they began bringing chimpanzees to Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico for a top-secret program. The goal? To do everything America needed to make space travel safe for humans and beat the Soviets.

Based on extensive research and interviews with living members of the team of veterinarians, handlers, and psychologists who worked with the animals, The Astrochimps offers a fresh perspective on animal intelligence and the rise of the space age. Detailed back matter provides resources, space mission stats, and calls to action for young readers to honour the astrochimps' legacy and advocate for the humane treatment of chimpanzees today.

At work, at play, in and out of spacecrafts, these chimps played an under-appreciated part in helping the United States win the Space Race.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780897334143

Publisher: Chicago Review Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 February 2025

Country: United States

Imprint: Chicago Review Press

Illustration: Illustrations

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 12.0mm

Width: 139.0mm

Height: 215.0mm

Weight: 308g

Pages: 216

About the Author

Dawn Cusick is the author of Animal Eggs, Bug Butts, and Get the Scoop on Animal Poop, among many titles aimed at young activists, reluctant readers, and animal lovers. Her books have been named Best Children's Book of the Year by Bank Street College of Education, Outstanding Science Trade Book by the NSTA, Kids' Book Choice Award finalist by the Children's Book Council, and more. She lives in Clyde, North Carolina, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where she teaches biology at Haywood Community College.

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