"ROCKET MAN-The Mercury Adventure of John Glenn" by Ruth Ashby

Hardcover: $12.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-323-8

Rocket Man is an excellent book because it is informative, keeps the readers attention, and shows the persistence of a true hero.  The author, Ruth Ashby has drawn from a notable circle of information including Glenn’s own memoir. Also, throughout the book, there is an inside look at the tension of waiting to be the space program’s first man in orbit. 

Finally, there is an overarching theme of persistence in the way Glenn handles the difficult situations, problems, and setbacks that come his way.  Ashby’s book is well-written and entertaining as well as informative. (rev. A.Freeman)

About the book: A first-rate biography and true adventure story for young readers about one of modern America's greatest heroes and his contributions to our nation's fledgling space program.

On February 20, 1962, as millions of Americans waited anxiously, astronaut John Glenn blasted off in his rocket ship, Friendship 7, and became the first American to orbit the Earth. Although the risks of such a mission were well known, neither they—nor Glenn—knew the peril he was about to encounter.
John Glenn was one of the Mercury 7 astronauts, the early pioneers of manned space flight portrayed in the film The Right Stuff. His historic flight followed years of intensive physical training—and a devotion to the pursuit of a career in the exciting but risk-filled world of aviation.

Ruth Ashby's dramatic story of John Glenn's near-disastrous mission in Friendship 7 also takes young readers through his small-town Ohio boyhood, his extraordinary experiences as a fighter pilot in two wars, and his life as an astronaut in the prestigious and dangerous Mercury 7 program. The book concludes with Glenn's successful career as a U.S. senator and his triumphant return to space in 1998 at the age of 77.

Throughout, Ashby demonstrates how Glenn's love of flying and his steadfast commitment to both his family and the realization of his full potential was the foundation of all the great things he accomplished in his life.

About author & illustrator: 

Ruth Ashby is the award-winning author of dozens of nonfiction and fiction books for juvenile readers. She lives in New York.

Robert Hunt received a BA from the University of California and an MA from the Academy of Art in San Francisco. His work has appeared on the covers of books by many leading authors and has received numerous awards, including ten gold medals from the San Francisco Society of Illustrators. He lives in California.

DISCLOSURE:  A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Peachtree Publishers on behalf of the author for the purpose of our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those the reviewer. There was no obligation for a positive review.