Mars Is: Stark Slopes, Silvery Snow, and Startling Surprises
Author: Suzanne Slade
Illustrator: NASA photos
1 April 2021
Peachtree Publishing
48 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Award-​winning author and former mechanical engineer Suzanne Slade (Countdown, A Computer Called Katherine) explores the remarkable beauty of Mars in this timely photo-​packed space extravaganza.

For young readers eagerly following NASA’s Mars Exploration Program and awaiting continued discoveries on the Red Planet.

For centuries, people have been intrigued by Mars, and over time, scientists have made exciting discoveries, such as the planet’s Earth-​like weather and seasons. But curious earthlings want to know more. Does Mars have deserts? Volcanoes? Or signs of life? Could people live there someday?

Scientists decided to take a closer look. They built a powerful camera called the HiRise (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) and loaded it onto a rocket. The rocket blasted off on August 12, 2005, and seven months later, the camera began orbiting Mars. It sent back astounding, revealing photos showing the world what Mars really is.

With elegant spare prose, award-​winning nonfiction author and former rocket engineer Suzanne Slade leads readers through some of these stunning photos taken by the most advanced camera ever sent to another planet. A visual feast for space enthusiasts and STEAM fans that will expand readers’ assumptions and understanding of Mars.”

Need some reviews of Mars Is?

• Always in the Middle
• Kirkus
• Publisher’s Weekly

Educational Activities inspired by Suzanne Slade’s Mars Is:

• Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
  • Do you think this will be a fiction or nonfiction book?
  • What do you already know about Mars?
  • What “startling surprises” are you hoping for?
  • Does Mars seem like an inviting place? 
    • If not, why not?
• After Reading–Now that you’ve read the book: 
  • Where are we getting our best pictures of Mars from?
  • What type of different weather does Mars have?
  • What kind of land features might we find on Mars?
  • Why does the author believe that Mars “is more amazing than anyone ever imagined”?
  • A lot of people are trying very hard to get to Mars. Would you like to visit Mars?
• Art–The nice people at NASA are as interested in Mars as you are! Get out your crayons and have fun with these coloring sheets that they’ve created: 
  • Follow Your Curiosity
  • Mars the Planet
  • Mars Helicopter
  • Perseverance
• Crafting–Try your hand at one or more of the following Mars- and space-​themed crafts. Ask an adult to help, and use recyclable materials when you can! 
  • Comet on a Stick–Easy and fun. What more do you want?
  • Galaxy Dough–It requires no cooking and can easily be made in just a few minutes.
  • No-​Bake Moon Cookies–Has a video to make sure you get this done right.
  • Paper Mars Helicopter–So cool, and based on NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover.
  • Toilet Roll Rocket–Do this in 10 minutes or less, guaranteed.
• Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about Mars have you read? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)