Earthrise: Apollo 8 and the Photo That Changed the World

This compelling story describes the impact of the iconic photograph, Earthrise, and how it was taken. Captured by the Apollo 8 crew as they circumnavigated the Moon, it was the first picture of our planet taken from outer space showing Earth emerging beyond the Moon’s surface. Fifty years later, this image may be taken for granted, the excitement it provoked in December 1968, forgotten. Taken at the end of a year replete with assassinations, race riots and protests against the Vietnam War, in that instant, it united people in awe as the portrait of our beautiful, borderless planet flashed around the world.

The title, aimed at children aged 4-8 captures a moment in time. The mission’s purpose as a prelude to later moon-landings is explained, and readers learn that crew members Borman Lovell and Anders were the first astronauts to leave earth’s orbit and move into that of the moon. The riveting topic and attractive presentation will certainly encourage children to delve further into the history of the space race, Apollo 8, and the lives of the astronauts on board. Some further reading resources would have been helpful for this purpose.

The simplicity of the telling seems to highlight the drama of the moment, as does the use of mission transcripts to portray actual dialogue used by the astronauts. An onlooker, a young girl, represents the world view, witnessing and being part of the unhappiness at first and later of the “shining moment” provoked by the photo.

The artwork is a lovely complement to the story, the understated line drawings in muted colors capturing the flavour of the style of the era. The illustrations depicting life aboard Apollo alternate with views of people back on earth as they follow the mission’s progress, a device that is particularly moving.

This amazing photograph provided us with a new perspective of ourselves, our planet and its place in the universe and even inspired the first Earth Day. Earthrise captures an inspiring moment of space travel and should be included in all library and personal collections.