Mars and the Search for Life by Elaine Scott Ages 9-12 64 pages Clarion Books October 2008 Hardcover     Elaine Scott brings us a captivating journey of exploration in her book Mars and the Search for Life. Written for readers aged 9 to 12 years old, this comprehensive story of the red planet and human efforts to learn more about our nearest neighbor is filled with solid information, entertaining sidebars, and breathtaking photographs that will delight any reader. She begins with the story of Orson Welles’ famous radio play about Martians invading Earth, a drama so well-produced that it created panic in the streets. Young readers will probably be puzzled by such a concept, but it effectively sets up the story of discovery that follows. The human need to explore foreign worlds is explained as much by the images as by the words in this beautifully designed book. From the early black-and-white photos to the most recent computer enhanced images returned by rovers Spirit and Opportunity, the Martian landscape captivates the imagination as thoroughly now as it did when prehistoric man gazed into the night sky. But is there evidence that life could or ever has existed on Mars? Scott details the intricate and often frustrating attempts to answer that question in simple language that is never condescending. Questions that may be asked by perceptive readers are addressed, as well: What happens to the garbage left behind by space exploration? Where do the rovers get their names? Can humans live on Mars? NASA’s role is clearly explained, from the most basic challenges (“There are only a few weeks every two years or so when Mars is relatively close to the Earth, during which spacecraft can be launched toward the Red Planet”) to the unimaginably difficult goals set for the future and how those might be accomplished. With the inclusion of a glossary and bibliography, Mars and the Search for Life is ideal for budding astronomers and astronauts.     web reviews   Deborah Adams/2008 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)