History Smashers: The Space Race by Kate Messner

Myths! Lies! Failed satellite launches? Head to the launch pad with beloved educator and New York Times bestselling author Kate Messner, because the History Smashers are busting the biggest misconceptions about the Space-Race, and the facts are blasting off in 10-9-8…

On April 14, 1969, President John F. Kennedy announced that the U.S. would put a man on the moon kicking off the Space Race, right? WRONG! The Space Race was already well underway by 1969...and honestly, the U.S. was lightyears behind the Russians when it came to space exploration. 

Alright, but once the U.S. got going, it was smooth sailing to the stars, right? Not exactly. Space exploration always comes with risk, and the truth is to learn about our universe, it took the work of many scientists, politicians, and passionate everyday citizens like you.

Grab your helmet and join New York Times bestselling author Kate Messner as she leads the History Smashers to dispel the misconceptions and outright myths about tensions between the U.S. and Russia during the consequential Space Race.

Ready to bust new myths? Check out more titles in the History Smashers series: The Mayflower • The Titanic • The American Revolution • The Salem Witch Trials

Series Overview: Upcoming History Smashers Titles:
Summer 2026 - The Space Race
Summer 2027 - Wildfires
Spring 2028 - The Olympics (timed with the LA Olympic Games)

• Paperback
• ISBN: 9780593902363
• 224 pages
• Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
• Published on July 21, 2026