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To the Moon and Back: My Apollo 11 Adventure
In celebration of the Apollo 11 Mission's 50th Anniversary, experience the awe and excitement of humankind's first steps on the moon! In this pop-up adventure, readers follow astronaut Buzz Aldrin's story as he encounters the "magnificent desolation" of Earth's only satellite firsthand.
Including Buzz Aldrin's firsthand accounts of the mission, historical context, images, and personal perspectives.
Including Buzz Aldrin's firsthand accounts of the mission, historical context, images, and personal perspectives.
- GenresNonfiction
16 pages, Hardcover
Published October 16, 2018
About the author
Buzz Aldrin
81 books250 followersBuzz Aldrin (born Edwin Eugene Aldrin, Jr., January 20, 1930) is an engineer and former American astronaut, and the second person to walk on the Moon. He was the lunar module pilot on Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing in history. He set foot on the Moon at 03:15:16 (UTC) on July 21, 1969, following mission commander Neil Armstrong. He is also a retired colonel in the United States Air Force (USAF) and a Command Pilot.
Aldrin was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, to Edwin Eugene Aldrin, Sr., a career military man, and his wife Marion (née Moon). He is of Scottish, Swedish, and German ancestry. After graduating from Montclair High School in 1946, Aldrin turned down a full scholarship offer from MIT, and went to the US Military Academy at West Point, New York. The nickname "Buzz" originated in childhood: the younger of his two elder sisters (Fay Ann) mispronounced "brother" as "buzzer", and this was shortened to Buzz. Aldrin made it his legal first name in 1988.
Buzz Aldrin graduated third in his class at West Point in 1951, with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force and served as a jet fighter pilot during the Korean War. He flew 66 combat missions in F-86 Sabres and shot down two Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 aircraft.
Subsequent to the war, Aldrin was assigned as an aerial gunnery instructor at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, and next was an aide to the dean of faculty at the US Air Force Academy. He flew F-100 Super Sabres as a flight commander at Bitburg Air Base, West Germany, in the 22d Fighter Squadron. In 1963 Aldrin earned a Doctor of Science degree in astronautics from MIT. His graduate thesis was "Line-of-sight guidance techniques for manned orbital rendezvous", the dedication of which read, "In the hopes that this work may in some way contribute to their exploration of space, this is dedicated to the crew members of this country’s present and future manned space programs. If only I could join them in their exciting endeavors!" On completion of his doctorate, he was assigned to the Gemini Target Office of the Air Force Space Systems Division in Los Angeles before his selection as an astronaut. His initial application to join the astronaut corps was rejected on the basis of having never been a test pilot; that prerequisite was lifted when he re-applied and was accepted into the third astronaut class, the first selection for which he was eligible.
Aldrin was selected as part of the third group of NASA astronauts selected in October 1963. After the deaths of the original Gemini 9 prime crew, Elliot See and Charles Bassett, Aldrin and Jim Lovell were promoted to back-up crew for the mission. The main objective of the revised mission (Gemini 9A) was to rendezvous and dock with a target vehicle, but when this failed, Aldrin improvised an effective exercise for the craft to rendezvous with a co-ordinate in space. He was confirmed as pilot on Gemini 12. Aldrin set a record for EVA, demonstrating that astronauts could work outside spacecraft.
On July 21, 1969, he became the second astronaut to walk on the Moon, keeping his record total EVA time until that was surpassed on Apollo 14. Aldrin's first words on the Moon were "Beautiful view. Magnificent desolation."
After leaving NASA, Aldrin was assigned as the Commandant of the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB, California. In March 1972, Aldrin retired from active duty after 21 years of service, and returned to the Air Force in a managerial role, but his career was blighted by personal problems. His autobiographies Return to Earth, published in 1973, and Magnificent Desolation, published in June 2009, both provide accounts of his struggles with clinical depression and alcoholism in the years following his NASA career. His life improved considerably when he recognized and sought treatment for his problems. Since retiring from NASA, he has continued to promote space exploration.
Aldrin was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, to Edwin Eugene Aldrin, Sr., a career military man, and his wife Marion (née Moon). He is of Scottish, Swedish, and German ancestry. After graduating from Montclair High School in 1946, Aldrin turned down a full scholarship offer from MIT, and went to the US Military Academy at West Point, New York. The nickname "Buzz" originated in childhood: the younger of his two elder sisters (Fay Ann) mispronounced "brother" as "buzzer", and this was shortened to Buzz. Aldrin made it his legal first name in 1988.
Buzz Aldrin graduated third in his class at West Point in 1951, with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force and served as a jet fighter pilot during the Korean War. He flew 66 combat missions in F-86 Sabres and shot down two Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 aircraft.
Subsequent to the war, Aldrin was assigned as an aerial gunnery instructor at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, and next was an aide to the dean of faculty at the US Air Force Academy. He flew F-100 Super Sabres as a flight commander at Bitburg Air Base, West Germany, in the 22d Fighter Squadron. In 1963 Aldrin earned a Doctor of Science degree in astronautics from MIT. His graduate thesis was "Line-of-sight guidance techniques for manned orbital rendezvous", the dedication of which read, "In the hopes that this work may in some way contribute to their exploration of space, this is dedicated to the crew members of this country’s present and future manned space programs. If only I could join them in their exciting endeavors!" On completion of his doctorate, he was assigned to the Gemini Target Office of the Air Force Space Systems Division in Los Angeles before his selection as an astronaut. His initial application to join the astronaut corps was rejected on the basis of having never been a test pilot; that prerequisite was lifted when he re-applied and was accepted into the third astronaut class, the first selection for which he was eligible.
Aldrin was selected as part of the third group of NASA astronauts selected in October 1963. After the deaths of the original Gemini 9 prime crew, Elliot See and Charles Bassett, Aldrin and Jim Lovell were promoted to back-up crew for the mission. The main objective of the revised mission (Gemini 9A) was to rendezvous and dock with a target vehicle, but when this failed, Aldrin improvised an effective exercise for the craft to rendezvous with a co-ordinate in space. He was confirmed as pilot on Gemini 12. Aldrin set a record for EVA, demonstrating that astronauts could work outside spacecraft.
On July 21, 1969, he became the second astronaut to walk on the Moon, keeping his record total EVA time until that was surpassed on Apollo 14. Aldrin's first words on the Moon were "Beautiful view. Magnificent desolation."
After leaving NASA, Aldrin was assigned as the Commandant of the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB, California. In March 1972, Aldrin retired from active duty after 21 years of service, and returned to the Air Force in a managerial role, but his career was blighted by personal problems. His autobiographies Return to Earth, published in 1973, and Magnificent Desolation, published in June 2009, both provide accounts of his struggles with clinical depression and alcoholism in the years following his NASA career. His life improved considerably when he recognized and sought treatment for his problems. Since retiring from NASA, he has continued to promote space exploration.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 24, 2018
This incredible book about Apollo 11, features the most amazing pop-ups I have ever seen in my life!!!
Every time I turned the page, I was oohing and aahing over the beautiful graphics and the intricacy of the pop-ups. There is a pop-up of the Apollo 11 rocket that is at least a foot long, and it blasts up from the page!
As if the gorgeous pictures and pop-ups weren't enough, the story of the moon landing is also marvelous and full of interesting details. If you can tear your eyeballs away from the exquisite photos long enough to actually read the story, it is a delightful and easy to read history of the entire moon landing journey from start to finish. I loved how Buzz Aldrin tells the story from his own perspective!
And as if the interesting story AND pictures AND pop-ups weren't enough, there is ALSO an insert with a paper model of the Eagle lunar module complete with assembly instructions for putting it together!
I'm going to give this book to my niece as a Christmas gift, and hope it inspires her to do amazing things! It sure inspired me!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
Every time I turned the page, I was oohing and aahing over the beautiful graphics and the intricacy of the pop-ups. There is a pop-up of the Apollo 11 rocket that is at least a foot long, and it blasts up from the page!
As if the gorgeous pictures and pop-ups weren't enough, the story of the moon landing is also marvelous and full of interesting details. If you can tear your eyeballs away from the exquisite photos long enough to actually read the story, it is a delightful and easy to read history of the entire moon landing journey from start to finish. I loved how Buzz Aldrin tells the story from his own perspective!
And as if the interesting story AND pictures AND pop-ups weren't enough, there is ALSO an insert with a paper model of the Eagle lunar module complete with assembly instructions for putting it together!
I'm going to give this book to my niece as a Christmas gift, and hope it inspires her to do amazing things! It sure inspired me!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
November 7, 2018
Our children were very young when America landed men on the Moon, and I remember as they journeyed through their school years they would get excited about anything to do with the Moon Landing, space exploration, rockets, etc. That fascination has not left and the children of today's classrooms still have some excitement about the early space exploration.
It is great that Buzz Aldrin has collaborated with the folks at National Geographic Kids and produced this fascinatingly interactive book that touches on the magnificent event - Man's Landing and Stepping on the Moon - the Apollo 11 Adventure!
The book is beautifully made and the binding makes for easy opening and laying flat. Designed and written for kids age 8-12, it provides enough information to whet their interest and grabs their attention with the pop-ups. There is a separate sheet with punch-out shapes for the reader to create a Luna module providing hands on creativity.
The text is presented in bits and pieces or short paragraphs that interest rather than overwhelm the reader. The personal touch of Aldrin and his family lend connection and realism to the information being presented in the book
A special book to gift to that precocious child interested in space history or exploration.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.
It is great that Buzz Aldrin has collaborated with the folks at National Geographic Kids and produced this fascinatingly interactive book that touches on the magnificent event - Man's Landing and Stepping on the Moon - the Apollo 11 Adventure!
The book is beautifully made and the binding makes for easy opening and laying flat. Designed and written for kids age 8-12, it provides enough information to whet their interest and grabs their attention with the pop-ups. There is a separate sheet with punch-out shapes for the reader to create a Luna module providing hands on creativity.
The text is presented in bits and pieces or short paragraphs that interest rather than overwhelm the reader. The personal touch of Aldrin and his family lend connection and realism to the information being presented in the book
A special book to gift to that precocious child interested in space history or exploration.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.
September 8, 2019
I really enjoyed the pop-up graphics.
Read
December 20, 2018I am the co-author if this book. From the publisher:
In celebration of the Apollo 11 Mission's 50th Anniversary, experience the awe and excitement of humankind's first steps on the moon! In this exclusive, exquisite pop-up adventure, readers follow astronaut Buzz Aldrin's story as he encounters the "magnificent desolation" of Earth's only satellite firsthand.
Preeminent paper engineer Bruce Foster brings to life what it was like to blast off into space and take the first steps on the moon through intricate pop-ups and paper folds.
Including Buzz Aldrin's firsthand accounts of the mission, historical context, stunning images, and unique personal perspectives, this book is an informative and collectible work of art--perfect for budding astronauts and grandparents hoping to share their memories of the moon landing with the young explorers in their lives.
In celebration of the Apollo 11 Mission's 50th Anniversary, experience the awe and excitement of humankind's first steps on the moon! In this exclusive, exquisite pop-up adventure, readers follow astronaut Buzz Aldrin's story as he encounters the "magnificent desolation" of Earth's only satellite firsthand.
Preeminent paper engineer Bruce Foster brings to life what it was like to blast off into space and take the first steps on the moon through intricate pop-ups and paper folds.
Including Buzz Aldrin's firsthand accounts of the mission, historical context, stunning images, and unique personal perspectives, this book is an informative and collectible work of art--perfect for budding astronauts and grandparents hoping to share their memories of the moon landing with the young explorers in their lives.
September 5, 2021
In celebration of Apollo 11’s 50th Anniversary of its mission, Buzz Aldrin retells the story of his adventure to the moon with Neil Armstrong. But this is no everyday book, it is an interactive journey with personal stories, pop-ups, paper folds, and personal anecdotes. There is even an Apollo 11 Eagle paper model to build.
Buzz Aldrin gives a behind-the-scenes look of his time as an astronaut. His story is full of emotion, sharing the scary, the sad, and even funny moments during his time as an astronaut. When he tells about losing his best friend during Apollo 1 and then the scary moments of Apollo 13 I felt his sadness and disappointment for his friends not getting their trip to the moon. But this book is written for kids and he doesn’t spend a lot of time on any one event. His stories are brief but full of detail.
The photography and pop-ups on the pages are phenomenal. This photo of the rocket doesn’t even do it justice. It’s just so cool. My college-aged son was sitting next to me while I was looking through the book and even he thought this book was cool.
There is something to do on nearly every page whether it is a pop-up or a slide-out with extra details or lift-the-flap. This book is interactive and informative. I can’t imagine any kid not being interested in this book. But, for kids that have a passion for space, this is one of those “WOW” books.
One of the personal details comes from Aldrin’s daughter about his homecoming that I thought was really sweet. This book is part informational, but also a celebration of Aldrin’s journey 50 years ago and something no man has done for 46 years after Apollo 17. That really is quite interesting that we haven’t had any humans on the moon since the year I was born!
Space fans young and old would really love this book. Adults that remember watching Apollo 11’s journey or kids that hope to become an astronaut would find much to enjoy from Buzz Aldrin’s Apollo 11 adventure story.
Buzz Aldrin gives a behind-the-scenes look of his time as an astronaut. His story is full of emotion, sharing the scary, the sad, and even funny moments during his time as an astronaut. When he tells about losing his best friend during Apollo 1 and then the scary moments of Apollo 13 I felt his sadness and disappointment for his friends not getting their trip to the moon. But this book is written for kids and he doesn’t spend a lot of time on any one event. His stories are brief but full of detail.
The photography and pop-ups on the pages are phenomenal. This photo of the rocket doesn’t even do it justice. It’s just so cool. My college-aged son was sitting next to me while I was looking through the book and even he thought this book was cool.
There is something to do on nearly every page whether it is a pop-up or a slide-out with extra details or lift-the-flap. This book is interactive and informative. I can’t imagine any kid not being interested in this book. But, for kids that have a passion for space, this is one of those “WOW” books.
One of the personal details comes from Aldrin’s daughter about his homecoming that I thought was really sweet. This book is part informational, but also a celebration of Aldrin’s journey 50 years ago and something no man has done for 46 years after Apollo 17. That really is quite interesting that we haven’t had any humans on the moon since the year I was born!
Space fans young and old would really love this book. Adults that remember watching Apollo 11’s journey or kids that hope to become an astronaut would find much to enjoy from Buzz Aldrin’s Apollo 11 adventure story.
October 30, 2018
To The Moon and Back: My Apollo 11 Adventure: A Pop-Up Book by Buzz Aldrin with Marianne J. Dyson. National Geographic, 2018. $32. 9781426332494
BUYING ADVISORY: GIFT - ESSENTIAL; EL - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Buzz Aldrin and friends have put together a fascinating interactive book about the Apollo 11 mission that finally got men to land and walk on the moon. While Armstrong is the most famous (we do love our “firsts” don’t we?), Aldrin, and their crewmate Collins were with him every step of that dangerous journey.
The text feels just right – any space hungry child will feel like they know enough from the reading. The pop-ups are spectacular! Of course I would be worried about this in a school setting – circulating it would be nail-biting. But if you have a class that talks about going to space and the moon, it would be great as a supplement. It also includes a 3-D model of the Lunar Module for assembly.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: GIFT - ESSENTIAL; EL - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Buzz Aldrin and friends have put together a fascinating interactive book about the Apollo 11 mission that finally got men to land and walk on the moon. While Armstrong is the most famous (we do love our “firsts” don’t we?), Aldrin, and their crewmate Collins were with him every step of that dangerous journey.
The text feels just right – any space hungry child will feel like they know enough from the reading. The pop-ups are spectacular! Of course I would be worried about this in a school setting – circulating it would be nail-biting. But if you have a class that talks about going to space and the moon, it would be great as a supplement. It also includes a 3-D model of the Lunar Module for assembly.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
November 4, 2018
Would you like to build your very on Apollo 11 Eagle Lunar model? Well you can with this cool kit. That’s not all. This cool guide has plenty of pages filled with pop-up images for even more interactive learning.
Buzz Aldrin’s career started in 1963 when the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) chose him to become an astronaut. It was his goal to become the first man to the moon. Of course, at the beginning of this program things did not always go well. There were several missions to the moon before NASA got it right.
Young readers and space enthusiasts will learn all about the various missions, dates and times, successes and failures. Readers will see stunning photos that pop-up so readers can get a real sense of the adventure. Readers will also learn about others that accompanied Buzz Aldrin on these missions. Parents and teachers will love this short guide full of information about the preparation and success of America’s journey to the moon.
Buzz Aldrin’s career started in 1963 when the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) chose him to become an astronaut. It was his goal to become the first man to the moon. Of course, at the beginning of this program things did not always go well. There were several missions to the moon before NASA got it right.
Young readers and space enthusiasts will learn all about the various missions, dates and times, successes and failures. Readers will see stunning photos that pop-up so readers can get a real sense of the adventure. Readers will also learn about others that accompanied Buzz Aldrin on these missions. Parents and teachers will love this short guide full of information about the preparation and success of America’s journey to the moon.
December 7, 2018
I am so excited to work through this book with my kiddos. What makes this book so cool is that it is SO different than other books. You will find the pop-up pictures to take your imagination to the next level, but there is more...lots more. There is information on the Apollo 11 crew and everything you ever wanted to know about the first humans on the moon. This book is filled with pictures, stories and so much more. I am always looking for ways to keep the learning going over the winter months. This book is going to be a HUGE hit! It is a super interactive and engaging book and has bright and colorful photos that literally pop off the page. Adults and kids alike will get lost looking at the pictures and learning so much cool and interesting information. So awesome!!! 5 HUGE stars
November 11, 2018
This new book from National Geographic is a wonderful twist on learning about the Space Race. Told by Buzz Aldrin, it gives fascinating details about space missions....What really sets this book apart are the pop-up diagrams.
For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...
For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...
May 18, 2022
I did not realize this is a pop-up book when I put it on hold at the library! :) Very cool. The science of space travel and the lunar missions are explained well, and the book is interspersed with testimonials and pictures of Buzz Aldrin's family. This is an awesome book to give to any space lovers!
October 28, 2018
Beautifully crafted pop up book about the Apollo missions, chiefly Apollo 11.
November 15, 2019
November 2019 - the pop-ups are fantastic, but we kind of skimmed the story. It may have been too much detail for Ben, but it also didn't flow particularly well as a story.
April 11, 2020
Buzz's pop up book is delightful!
December 24, 2020
We are all in with rockets and space. This is a fun pop up book that C and I can both enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews