A smile as big as the moon

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

Some reviewers note uneven pacing and a focus on Kersjes’ perspective over student voices. However, most praise its uplifting message and relevance to disability advocacy. The book has a 4.2/5 average on platforms like Goodreads.

As a football coach and special education teacher, Kersjes applied teamwork and discipline to prepare his class. His later work with NASA and founding of the nonprofit Space Is Special further reflects his commitment to inclusive STEM education.

• “These kids weren’t disabled—they were differently abled.”
• “We didn’t just go to Space Camp; we rewrote the rules.”

These lines underscore the book’s themes of redefining limitations and celebrating unconventional success.

The book’s message aligns with ongoing debates about educational equity, neurodiversity acceptance, and STEM accessibility. Its success story is frequently cited in teacher training programs and disability advocacy workshops.