The Astrochimps America's First Astronauts

"Vividly portrayed, meticulously researched picture” — Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

Meet Ham, Minnie, Enos, Roscoe, Tiger, and Rocky.

When the United States was scrambling to catch up to the Soviets after their successful launch of Sputnik, they didn’t turn to Mercury Seven astronauts Alan Shepard and John Glenn. Rather, they began bringing chimpanzees to Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico for a top-secret program. The goal? To do everything America needed to make space travel safe for humans and beat the Soviets.

Based on extensive research and interviews with living members of the team of veterinarians, handlers, and psychologists who worked with the animals, The Astrochimps offers a fresh perspective on animal intelligence and the rise of the space age. Detailed back matter provides resources, space mission stats, and calls to action for young readers to honor the astrochimps’ legacy and advocate for the humane treatment of chimpanzees today.

At work, at play, in and out of spacecrafts, these chimps played an under-appreciated part in helping the United States win the Space Race.

Dawn Cusick is the author of Animal Eggs, Bug Butts, and Get the Scoop on Animal Poop, among her many titles aimed at young activists, reluctant readers, and animal lovers. Her books have been named a Best Children’s Book of the Year by Bank Street College of Education, an Outstanding Science Trade Book by the NSTA, a National Children’s Choice finalist, and more. She lives in Clyde, North Carolina, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where she teaches general biology and zoology courses at Haywood Community College.

Cast of Characters
Preface
Chapter One: Wild Lives
Chapter Two: Astrochimps in Space
Chapter Three: Racing to Deeper Space
Chapter Four: Battle of the Astronauts
Chapter Five: Astrochimps on the Moon?
Chapter Six: Final Flights
Epilogue: Looking Back…
Glossary
Author’s Note
Rest in Peace
Chimpanzee Sanctuaries
Ways to Honor, Ways to Care
Space Centers & Museums
More to Explore
Space Race Stats