This book is we researched and readable.  Clear, focused photographs and/or artist’s conceptions accompany every page.  Elaine Scott shares a brief history of what astronomers have learned since Ptolemy (100-175) to present and from looking through telescopes to landing on the planet’s surface.  Photographs from several spacecraft (Mariner(s) and Viking(s)) illustrate scientists’ observations and speculations.  With the successful landing of Spirit and Opportunity on Mars in 2004, scientists have been able to gather further data over the years to determine more about the red planet and its similarity to Earth.  The book includes an extensive glossary and index, an author’s note and bibliography, additional books to read and websites for further up-to-date information.