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Stephen Herek has been tapped to write and direct "Einstein's Children" for Gold Circle Films and Thunder Road Films based on Mike Kersjes' memoir "A Smile as Big as the Moon."

Kersjes, a special ed teacher in Michigan, thought his students could benefit from space camp where, with help from NASA, children compete in astronaut-training activities. The legendary camp was reserved for gifted students, but Kersjes convinced school officials and NASA to let the class in.

Gold Circle bought "Children" on a pitch from Herek.

Gold Circle topper Paul Brooks will produce with Thunder Road principal Basil Iwanyk. Gold Circle's Scott Niemeyer and Norm Waitt exec produce. Zak Kadison, who brought the project into his company, will co-produce with Thunder Road's Mary Viola and scribe Kersjes.

Herek's more recent credits include "Life or Something Like It" and "Rockstar." Gold Circle is currently shooting "White Noise 2." Thunder Road is producing "We Are Marshall" for Warner Bros.