Best Books About the Space Race (2026): 5 Picks Compared

For a history reader curious about how two rival nations raced to the Moon, the best books about the space race turn a crowded rivalry into a clear story. We compared the books by what each listing states.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	The Space Race by Hourly History	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Two Sides of the Moon by Leonov	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Beyond by Walker	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Apollo Expeditions by Cortright	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
5	The Last Man on the Moon by Cernan	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon

1

The Space Race by Hourly History

Hourly History·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A concise 1955 to 1969 overview for readers who want the whole race in one volume.

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Pros

• Covers early launches through the Moon landing
• Presents both American and Soviet sides
• Mentions a bonus inside

Cons

• No print length stated
• No reading age or grade level stated
• Covers fatalities on both sides, so preview it first

2

Two Sides of the Moon by Leonov

Alexei Leonov·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A dual memoir from David Scott and Alexei Leonov, telling the race from both sides.

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Pros

• Pairs American and Soviet programs side by side
• Runs 448 pages
• Draws on participants who flew the missions

Cons

• No reading age or grade level stated
• 2006 reprint edition is older
• Touches on tragedy in both programs

3

Beyond by Walker

Stephen Walker·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A history of the 1961 race and Gagarin's flight, from original research and eyewitness accounts.

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Pros

• Focuses on the flight that opened the race
• Draws on original research and eyewitness accounts
• Covers both American and Soviet efforts

Cons

• No print length stated
• No reading age or grade level stated
• Centers on the 1961 flight, not the full race

4

Apollo Expeditions by Cortright

Edgar M. Cortright·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Firsthand Apollo essays from engineers, astronauts and administrators, with color photographs.

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Pros

• Essays from Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin
• More than 160 color photographs and a chronology
• 368 pages in direct, jargon-free language

Cons

• No reading age or grade level stated
• Focuses on Apollo, not the whole race
• Reads as essays, not one continuous story

5

The Last Man on the Moon by Cernan

Eugene Cernan·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Cernan's account of a career spanning Gemini and Apollo, ending as commander of Apollo 17.

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Pros

• Follows one astronaut to commanding Apollo 17
• Written with Don Davis, covering Gemini and Apollo
• Covers US and Soviet competition alongside the flying

Cons

• No print length stated
• No reading age or grade level stated
• 2007 first edition is older

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More picks to compare

• Space Race 2.0 by BerganFor readers curious about private spaceflight todayCheck on Amazon
• Epic Rivalry by HardestyFor readers wanting both sides of the Cold War raceCheck on Amazon
• The Space Race by WoodFor middle school readers exploring the Cold War raceCheck on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 24 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. None of the 5 picks lists a reading age or a grade level, so that part stays at zero. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best books about the space race

Pick the scope

For the whole rivalry in one volume, try The Space Race by Hourly History. Beyond by Walker stays close to the 1961 flight, and Two Sides of the Moon by Leonov pairs an American commander with a Soviet cosmonaut.

Check edition and length

Apollo Expeditions by Cortright runs 368 pages and Two Sides of the Moon by Leonov 448 pages, so check the print length. The Last Man on the Moon by Cernan is a 2007 first edition, so confirm the edition. For younger readers, browse all children’s books about space instead, or see picture books about space.

Match the reader

For firsthand stories, look at Apollo Expeditions by Cortright and The Last Man on the Moon by Cernan. For a concise overview, start with The Space Race by Hourly History.

Before you buy

• Check the edition and publication date first.
• Confirm whether a reading age or grade level is stated.
• Check the print length on the listing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a reader new to the space race start?

Start with The Space Race by Hourly History, covering the rivalry from 1955 to 1969.

Which book tells the story from both sides?

Two Sides of the Moon by Leonov pairs Apollo 15 commander David Scott with cosmonaut Alexei Leonov.

Which edition of Apollo Expeditions to the Moon should a reader buy?

The listing here is the anniversary edition of April 17, 2019, with a new foreword and an Apollo chronology.

Still deciding? Our top pickThe Space Race by Hourly History

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