Space: Canada in the Twentieth Century

Donavon L. Porter is a public-school teacher in Haileybury, Ontario.

This book is of particular interest to teachers and pupils of the intermediate level. The author has given a brief overview of Canada’s contributions and successes (and failures) in the exploration of the final frontier. The book is written in a clear and easily understood fashion. Technical jargon is kept to the minimum, and that which is necessary is clearly defined within the text and in the glossary.

Each short chapter covers a particular segment of Canada’s role in the history of space exploration. Throughout, the author offers interesting reflections and anecdotes to capture the young reader’s attention. Each chapter ends with a series of specific and open-ended research questions.

The book is unabashedly positive, promoting a continuation of Canada’s participation in the exploration of space and throwing in a few jabs at governmental policies which restrict or limit research funding in this area.

Space should provide the young reader with a solid introduction to the study of this fascinating field.