What is *A Smile as Big as the Moon* about?

*A Smile as Big as the Moon* chronicles the true story of special education teacher Mike Kersjes, who led a class of students with diverse disabilities—including Down syndrome, dyslexia, and emotional disorders—to compete at NASA’s Space Camp in 1989. The book highlights their nine-month preparation, societal skepticism, and ultimate triumph, showcasing the students’ resilience and ability to exceed expectations.

Who should read *A Smile as Big as the Moon*?

This book is ideal for educators, parents of children with disabilities, and advocates for inclusive education. It also appeals to readers seeking inspiring true stories about overcoming adversity. Fans of motivational narratives like *Wonder* or *The Freedom Writers Diary* will find its themes of perseverance and equity compelling.

Is *A Smile as Big as the Moon* based on a true story?

Yes, the book details Mike Kersjes’ real-life experience as a Michigan special education teacher. His class’s participation in NASA Space Camp—and their victory against academically elite schools—inspired a 2012 Hallmark Hall of Fame film adaptation starring John Corbett.

What challenges did Mike Kersjes and his students face?

The class encountered resistance from school administrators, NASA officials, and societal biases against students with disabilities. They also struggled with fundraising $50,000 for the trip and mastering complex STEM concepts. Despite these hurdles, the students earned top honors at Space Camp.

How does *A Smile as Big as the Moon* address inclusive education?

The book critiques systemic barriers faced by special needs students, advocating for equal access to opportunities like STEM programs. Kersjes emphasizes adaptive teaching methods, peer collaboration, and fostering self-confidence—principles that resonate in modern discussions about inclusive curricula.

What are the key takeaways from *A Smile as Big as the Moon*?

- **Belief in potential**: Students thrive when given trust and high expectations. - **Teamwork**: Collaborative problem-solving bridged ability gaps. - **Resilience**: The class turned societal underestimation into motivation. These lessons align with contemporary educational strategies for neurodiverse learners.

How does the *A Smile as Big as the Moon* movie compare to the book?

The Hallmark adaptation stays true to the book’s core narrative but simplifies some events for dramatic effect. It retains the focus on student triumphs, though critics note the book offers deeper insights into individual struggles and Kersjes’ teaching philosophy.

What awards did Mike Kersjes’ students win at Space Camp?

The class earned the **Right Stuff Award**, given to the top team for leadership and problem-solving. They also received accolades for engineering their space shuttle mission—an achievement that surprised NASA staff and rival schools.

A Smile as Big as the Moon Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

A Smile as Big as the Moon

Mike Kersjes

4.31 (518 Reviews)

Inspiration Biography Education

Überblick

Wichtige Erkenntnisse

Autor

Häufige Fragen

A special education teacher defies expectations, taking his class to NASA's Space Camp despite overwhelming odds. Adapted into a Hallmark movie starring John Corbett, this true story challenges how we view potential in those society often underestimates. What impossible dream could you help someone achieve?

Entdecke Deine Art zu Lernen

Kurzfassung8Min

Erlebe das Buch durch die Stimme des Autors

Vertiefung42Min

Verwandle Wissen in fesselnde, beispielreiche Erkenntnisse

Lernkarten9 Erkenntnisse

Erfasse Schlüsselideen blitzschnell für effektives Lernen

Spaß22Min

Genieße das Buch auf unterhaltsame und ansprechende Weise

Bestes Zitat aus A Smile as Big as the Moon

We're going to Space Camp!

Entdecke Deine Art zu Lernen

A Smile as Big as the Moon ist nicht nur ein Buch — es ist eine Meisterklasse in Inspiration. Um Ihnen zu helfen, die Lektionen auf die für Sie beste Weise aufzunehmen, bieten wir fünf einzigartige Lernmodi an. Ob Sie ein Tiefdenker, ein schneller Lerner oder ein Geschichtenliebhaber sind, es gibt einen Modus, der zu Ihrem Stil passt.

Kurzfassung

Zusammenfassung von A Smile as Big as the Moon in 8 Minuten

Zerlegen Sie die Kernideen von A Smile as Big as the Moon in leicht verständliche Punkte, um zu verstehen, wie innovative Teams kreieren, zusammenarbeiten und wachsen.

00:00

Lernkarten

Top 9 Erkenntnisse aus A Smile as Big as the Moon auf einen Blick

Destillieren Sie A Smile as Big as the Moon in schnelle Gedächtnisstützen, die die Schlüsselprinzipien von Offenheit, Teamarbeit und kreativer Resilienz hervorheben.

Spaß

Lektionen aus A Smile as Big as the Moon erzählt in 22-Min Geschichten

Erleben Sie A Smile as Big as the Moon durch lebhafte Erzählungen, die Innovationslektionen in unvergessliche und anwendbare Momente verwandeln.

00:00

Personalisieren

Erleben Sie A Smile as Big as the Moon auf Ihre Weise.

Fragen Sie alles, wählen Sie die Stimme und erschaffen Sie gemeinsam Erkenntnisse, die wirklich bei Ihnen ankommen.

Von Columbia University Alumni in San Francisco entwickelt

BeFreed vereint eine globale Gemeinschaft von über 200.000 wissbegierigen Menschen

Erfahren Sie mehr darüber, wie BeFreed im Web diskutiert wird

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Von Columbia University Alumni in San Francisco entwickelt

BeFreed vereint eine globale Gemeinschaft von über 200.000 wissbegierigen Menschen

Erfahren Sie mehr darüber, wie BeFreed im Web diskutiert wird

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Starten Sie Ihre Lernreise, jetzt

Diese Zusammenfassung herunterladen

Erhalten Sie die A Smile as Big as the Moon-Zusammenfassung als kostenloses PDF oder EPUB. Drucken Sie es aus oder lesen Sie es jederzeit offline.

A Smile as Big as the Moon

Mike Kersjes

4.31 (518 Reviews)

Inspiration Biography Education

Überblick

Wichtige Erkenntnisse

Autor

Häufige Fragen

Entdecke Deine Art zu Lernen

Kurzfassung8Min

Erlebe das Buch durch die Stimme des Autors

Vertiefung42Min

Verwandle Wissen in fesselnde, beispielreiche Erkenntnisse

Lernkarten9 Erkenntnisse

Erfasse Schlüsselideen blitzschnell für effektives Lernen

Spaß22Min

Genieße das Buch auf unterhaltsame und ansprechende Weise

Bestes Zitat aus A Smile as Big as the Moon

We're going to Space Camp!

Mehr wie dieses

17 sources

Embracing Your Magic Against All Odds

The Science of Magnetic Charisma: Skills Anyone Can Master

25 sources

How to Build Magnetic Presence and Confidence

Wichtigste Erkenntnisse

When Dreams Defy Labels

00:00

Picture a teacher flipping through a magazine in a worn-out teachers' lounge, exhausted from a decade of managing behavioral crises and writing individualized education plans. He stumbles upon an article about Space Camp-NASA's elite program where gifted students build rockets and simulate space missions. Then comes the audacious thought: What if my special education students could do this? The immediate response from colleagues was brutal: "Are you out of your mind?" When he called Space Camp, administrators carefully explained their "rigorous curriculum designed for gifted children." His own principal laid out the harsh reality: IQs below 85, broken homes, fifth-grade reading levels. Yet Mike Kersjes saw something others missed. Watching his sons fold paper airplanes one evening, experimenting through trial and error, he recognized that hands-on learning could unlock potential that traditional academics couldn't measure. This wasn't just about Space Camp-it was about challenging a system that had written off twenty students before they'd even had a chance to prove themselves.

The Bureaucratic Gauntlet

Assembling the Unlikely Crew

Confronting Inner Battles

Triumph at Mission Control

The Ripple Effect of Believing

Entdecke Deine Art zu Lernen

Kurzfassung

Zusammenfassung von A Smile as Big as the Moon in 8 Minuten

Zerlegen Sie die Kernideen von A Smile as Big as the Moon in leicht verständliche Punkte, um zu verstehen, wie innovative Teams kreieren, zusammenarbeiten und wachsen.

00:00

Lernkarten

Top 9 Erkenntnisse aus A Smile as Big as the Moon auf einen Blick

Destillieren Sie A Smile as Big as the Moon in schnelle Gedächtnisstützen, die die Schlüsselprinzipien von Offenheit, Teamarbeit und kreativer Resilienz hervorheben.

Spaß

Lektionen aus A Smile as Big as the Moon erzählt in 22-Min Geschichten

Erleben Sie A Smile as Big as the Moon durch lebhafte Erzählungen, die Innovationslektionen in unvergessliche und anwendbare Momente verwandeln.

00:00

Personalisieren

Erleben Sie A Smile as Big as the Moon auf Ihre Weise.

Fragen Sie alles, wählen Sie die Stimme und erschaffen Sie gemeinsam Erkenntnisse, die wirklich bei Ihnen ankommen.

Von Columbia University Alumni in San Francisco entwickelt

BeFreed vereint eine globale Gemeinschaft von über 200.000 wissbegierigen Menschen

Erfahren Sie mehr darüber, wie BeFreed im Web diskutiert wird

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Von Columbia University Alumni in San Francisco entwickelt

BeFreed vereint eine globale Gemeinschaft von über 200.000 wissbegierigen Menschen

Erfahren Sie mehr darüber, wie BeFreed im Web diskutiert wird

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Starten Sie Ihre Lernreise, jetzt

Diese Zusammenfassung herunterladen

Erhalten Sie die A Smile as Big as the Moon-Zusammenfassung als kostenloses PDF oder EPUB. Drucken Sie es aus oder lesen Sie es jederzeit offline.

A Smile as Big as the Moon by Mike Kersjes Summary

Overview of A Smile as Big as the Moon

Similar books to A Smile as Big as the Moon

Bestes Zitat aus A Smile as Big as the Moon

Kurzfassungs-Modus - Lesen oder hören Sie die Zusammenfassung von A Smile as Big as the Moon in 8 Minuten

Lernkarten-Modus - Top 9 Erkenntnisse aus A Smile as Big as the Moon auf einen Blick

Spaß-Modus - Lektionen aus A Smile as Big as the Moon erzählt in 22-Min Geschichten

Personalisieren-Modus - Lesen oder hören Sie die Zusammenfassung von A Smile as Big as the Moon in 0 Minuten

A Smile as Big as the Moon PDF herunterladen

A Smile as Big as the Moon EPUB herunterladen

A Smile as Big as the Moon by Mike Kersjes Summary

Overview of A Smile as Big as the Moon

Similar books to A Smile as Big as the Moon

Bestes Zitat aus A Smile as Big as the Moon

Mehr wie dieses

Wichtigste Erkenntnisse

When Dreams Defy Labels

The Bureaucratic Gauntlet

Assembling the Unlikely Crew

Confronting Inner Battles

Triumph at Mission Control

The Ripple Effect of Believing

Kurzfassungs-Modus - Lesen oder hören Sie die Zusammenfassung von A Smile as Big as the Moon in 8 Minuten

Lernkarten-Modus - Top 9 Erkenntnisse aus A Smile as Big as the Moon auf einen Blick

Spaß-Modus - Lektionen aus A Smile as Big as the Moon erzählt in 22-Min Geschichten

Personalisieren-Modus - Lesen oder hören Sie die Zusammenfassung von A Smile as Big as the Moon in 0 Minuten

A Smile as Big as the Moon PDF herunterladen

A Smile as Big as the Moon EPUB herunterladen

Mehr wie dieses

Wichtigste Erkenntnisse

When Dreams Defy Labels

The Bureaucratic Gauntlet

Assembling the Unlikely Crew

Confronting Inner Battles

Triumph at Mission Control

The Ripple Effect of Believing