In the Shadow of the Moon: America, Russia, and the Hidden History of the Space Race by Amy Cherrix
Published by Balzer + Bray on February 9, 2021
ISBN: 0062888757
Pages: 336
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Nonfiction
Goodreads

I was excited to read this book because I really knew nothing about the Space Race other than the major historical events. Amy Cherrix filled me in with everything I could have possibly wondered about this period in American & Soviet history with this impeccably researched book. I had no idea about the Nazi connection, the former Gulag prisoner turned Sputnik scientist, or the many differences between missiles! Cherrix’s book is very detailed (although the chapter about Laika is mercifully short). It’s fun to read but dense and wouldn’t be one I’d recommend to a reluctant reader. It would be great for a middle grade to high schooler who is researching the Space Race, or someone who is interested in rockets, space technology or the relationship between America and Russia.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath