Let’s talk about something a bit off the beaten path around here… space! Those who know me closely have probably seen me share a meteorite or two from my collection. In fact, as the collection has grown, I’ve some of my space rocks around to schools and youth groups to teach them about the cosmos and let them hold objects older than the planet they’re standing on. This outreach pairs pretty well with the sorts of work we’re doing at the Rural Technology Fund.
As I’ve visited schools, I’ve been searching for a book about meteorites that was appropriate and engaging for elementary school-aged children. Nothing quite fit the need, so I wrote one! I paired with my good friend Nichole Ferguson, whose artistry brought the book to life. I’m excited to announce the release of Milo and the Midnight Meteorite!
Direct Purchase Link: http://milosmeteorite.com/
About the Book
One sleepless night, Milo spots a glowing object streaking across the sky from his bedroom window. With his loyal dog Rocket by his side the next day, he sets off to find where it landed. But with so many ordinary rocks around, how can he tell if he’s really found a piece of space?
Determined to solve the mystery, Milo visits the local observatory, where he meets Stella, an astronomer passionate about understanding the cosmos. Stella opens his eyes to the secrets of meteorites, from those formed deep within Earth-like worlds to rare treasures from Mars and the Moon. Armed with newfound knowledge, Milo sets out once again to see if he can find a rock with the features of a meteorite.
Milo and the Midnight Meteorite is an enchanting journey filled with wonder, exploration, and learning, ideal for young readers with curious minds and big dreams. Crafted by meteorite experts to be scientifically accurate, with each page, children will learn about the science of space and the magic that lies within the stones that fall from the heavens.
Perfect for space-loving kids and families, this story will inspire readers to look up and wonder: Where did these far-off visitors come from?
Why Did We Write It?
Simply put, there just aren’t any great kids’ books out there that introduce the wonder of meteorites in an accessible, engaging way. I wanted to create a book to help children learn about space through the lens of the meteorites that eventually make their way to Earth.
Meteorites are diverse, unique, and visually stunning. They provide the perfect gateway to several space topics, including the universe’s formation, planets’ creation and destruction, and planetary bodies’ geology. We can learn about our closest neighbors, like the Moon and Mars, along with more distant travelers like asteroids.
Every child is born curious, making Milo’s journey relatable for all young explorers. After witnessing a meteorite fall, who wouldn’t want to embark on their own space rock hunt? Milo’s adventure is a testament to curiosity and discovery, inviting readers to learn alongside him.
Scientific accuracy was a top priority for this project. The meteorite images in this book aren’t just random; they depict real meteorite types—like chondrites and pallasites—ensuring that the introduction to meteorites is both informative and thrilling. A visual glossary at the end helps young readers grasp key terms like fusion crust, regmaglypt, and chondrule.
You can learn more about the book and pick up your copy at http://milosmeteorite.com/. Some of the proceeds will be used to fund space, science, and tech education for kids.