Rocket Man: The Mercury Adventure of John Glenn

by Ruth Ashby

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 for Friendship 7 were well known, no one including Glenn knew the peril he was about to encounter in space. John Glenn was one of the Mercury 7 astronauts, the early pioneers of manned space flight. His historic flight followed years of intensive physical training and a devotion to 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 childhood, 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.

Genres: Science, Middle Grade

105 pages, Hardcover

First published October 30, 2004

Reviews

[Sue Poduska · Rating 4 out of 5]

This exciting and informative book highlights one of our space heroes. This is a great tool for getting all kids interested in space and science.

[Dewehrer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was kind of fun to relive those glory days of NASA. Easy read

[American Mensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The nonfiction book is about the extraordinary life of John Glenn who became the first United States astronaut to orbit Earth. This historical achievement happened on February 20,1962. The space rocket named Atlas was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. John Glenn piloted the Mercury-Atlas 6 “Friendship 7” spacecraft for three orbits of Earth, reaching and orbital velocity of 17, 500 mph (approximately 28,000 kilometres per hour). The total mission time was four hours, 55 minutes and 23 seconds in space. The book further explores John Glenn's career as a United States senator from the state of Ohio and and his historic return to space in 1998 at the age of 77. John Glenn made history again on October 29,1998, by becoming the oldest man to fly in space aboard the space shuttle named Discovery. One of my favorite parts of reading the inspirational book was learning how John Glenn became an astronaut. No astronauts could be older than thirty nine years of age or weigh more than 180 pounds. Astronauts were also required to have a college degree. I recommend all readers of all ages to read the fascinating Rocket Man and give a rating of five stars.
Reviewed by Cyrus S., age 9, Greater New York Mensa

[ACS Book-finder · Rating 5 out of 5]

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)

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.