A compelling introduction to the changes taking place in Earth's climate, written for the audience that matters most to our planet's future: young people. Beginning with Sally Ride's unique, astronaut's-eye view of Earth's fragile atmosphere, Mission: Planet Earth describes how water, air, and other climate systems shape our world, and how a disruption in one part of the system can spread through the entire planet. Pioneering astronaut Sally Ride and award-winning science writer Tam O'Shaughnessy draw on the latest scientific research and present a clear, even-handed account of the current state of climate studies. The book is illustrated with helpful diagrams and stunning photographs of and from the front lines of climate change, to celebrate Earth's natural complexity—and call to action a new generation.

Read the companion book to Mission: Save the Planet, to learn practical things you can do to lessen your impact on Earth and live a greener life.

For readers ages 9 and up.
Hardcover—9.3 x 7.7 x 0.5 inches
80 pages
Published by Roaring Brook Press/Sally Ride Science
1st edition (March 17, 2009)