There is a really good book about the space race, just called Space by James A Michener. You get to know research sites like this, and insight into fictionalized stories, of how scientist solved problems.

Michener is one of my favorites, I am close to reading all of his books. This one is appropriate for high schoolers. It goes into what it takes to be a successful adult, and gets them interested in the science. Though, t is pretty long like the rest of his books.