Souvenirs from Space — Judy Alter

This book, written for young people ages eight to twelve, tells readers in clear terms what meteorites are, where they come from, what kinds there are, how to look for them, what to look for if you find a rock you think might be a meteorite. It encourages scientific exploration, because the truth is anyone can find a meteorite. Souvenirs from Space also tells the story of Fort Worth lawyer Oscar Monnig who became known as the “Meteorite Man from Texas.” He spent many years searching for meteorites in Texas and Oklahoma, following stories of meteorites sightings, often running into dead ends, but just as often finding another gem for his collection. In his lifetime he collected almost 400 meteorites. He donated his collection to the geology department at TCU and provided for the establishment of the Monnig Meteorite Gallery, which is open to the public. Fort Worth school children frequently tour the gallery as part of their science study. Souvenirs from Space is designed for children who visit the gallery, to give them a lasting souvenir of their lesson about meteorites. But it's also for any child interested in astronomy or meteorites. It will make them, too, want to visit the gallery.