Space Crusaders

The Space Crusaders series highlights some of the key individuals whose contributions have expanded our understanding of space and Earth's place in the universe. This diverse group includes astronauts, engineers, and astronomers. Each title focuses on the life of the featured individual, including his or her childhood, education, career, and the impact the individual made on his or her scientific field. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

Buzz Aldrin: Pioneer Moon Explorer

Meet Buzz Aldrin, part of the first moon landing! Follow Aldrin's story as he graduates from West Point, served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, develops a rendezvous…

Carl Sagan: Celebrated Cosmos Scholar

Meet Carl Sagan, known for his research on extraterrestrial life! Follow Sagan's story as he theorizes on the temperature of Venus's surface, works with NASA to build the Mariner 2, Viking I,

Ellen Ochoa: Dynamic Space Director

Meet Ellen Ochoa, history's first Hispanic female astronaut! Follow Ochoa's story as she works at NASA's Ames Research Center while attempting to become an astronaut. Her persistence pays off

Sally Ride: Trailblazing Astronaut

Meet Sally Ride, the first American woman in space! Follow Ride's story as she develops a robotic arm for space shuttles, investigates the Challenger and Columbia disasters, and founds Sally…

Scott Kelly: Remarkable Space Resident

Meet Scott Kelly, who lived for a year in space! Follow Kelly's story as he moves from a career as a volunteer Emergency Medical technician to his service in the United States Navy and on to…

Wernher von Braun: Revolutionary Rocket Engineer

Meet Wernher von Braun, who developed the booster rocket that won the Space Race for the United States! Follow von Braun's story from his early work developing the V-2 ballistic missile to…