Available:*
Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... Hardwood Creek Library (Forest Lake) | J 921 GLENN | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... R.H. Stafford Library (Woodbury) | J 921 GLENN | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Stillwater Public Library | E 629.45 KRU | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
The inspiring, deeply patriotic true story of John Glenn, a true hero who not only changed America's contribution to space exploration but also spent his life proudly serving his country in many ways.
This is a gorgeous picture book to introduce younger readers to John Glenn, from award-winning author Kathleen Krull and illustrator Maurizio A. C. Quarello. This nonfiction picture book was named one of Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year.
John Glenn wasn't just the first American to orbit Earth. He was a family man, a soldier, a United States senator, and a national hero. He laid the groundwork for future star voyagers--and dreamers--everywhere.
From the time he was a child, John Glenn loved flying. Later he did so by flying airplanes for the U.S. military, and then when space travel became a possibility, he trained for years to become an astronaut. John had to push his mind and body to the brink.
But he loved his country more than anything and wanted to serve--including flying into the great unknown.
Reviews (3)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--5--Krull's picture book biography is a patriotic tribute to an American hero. John Glenn's passion for planes and flying is made abundantly clear, starting with his days as a boy in small-town Ohio, to his time as a fighter pilot during World War II, followed by his career as a test pilot for the military, and finally as an astronaut. The extensive text includes many details that will appeal to children, like the rigorous testing and training that Glenn endured in order to earn a place in Project Mercury, NASA's official human spaceflight program. The text and illustrations highlighting Glenn's orbit are breathtaking and showcase a little bit of Earth's geography as viewed from space. Krull consistently emphasizes the importance of family to Glenn; many of the drawings exemplify the love and support that helped Glenn chase his dreams. Quarello beautifully depicts Glenn in flight--both in planes and rocket ships. The author's note provides additional information about Glenn's life, including his service in the U.S. Senate from 1974 to 1999. Back matter features a time line and a bibliography. VERDICT A highly recommended purchase that will have wide appeal for young readers and would be useful in the classroom to teach a variety of lessons.--Theresa Muraski, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Library
Publisher's Weekly Review
A passion for flight is the through-line in this straightforward picture book biography of astronaut John Glenn. Krull narrates the key events of Glenn's life, from his childhood in "small-town Ohio" and lifelong partnership with his childhood sweetheart, Annie, to his storied career as a pilot--fighting in WWII, testing military planes, and voyaging in NASA's Friendship 7, becoming "the first American to orbit Earth, majestically circling it three times." Krull's narrative spends the most time on his first historic space flight (Glenn returned at age 77, becoming the oldest person to fly in space), carefully relating extensive preparation details ("He was also tested mentally, with 566 questions to determine his steadiness") and the dramatic details of the mission: "Then, suddenly, the radio cut out for five long minutes. Everyone feared the worst." Quarello's detailed, painterly illustrations complement the text's meticulous, laudatory tone. Ages 4--8. (Feb.)
Kirkus Review
What makes a hero?This lively and informative selection presents a thorough overview of Glenn's life: his childhood; attempts to learn to fly; support from his wife, Annie, who herself dealt with stuttering and became a speech pathologist; the thousands of flying hours he clocked; military service during World War II; life as an astronaut; subsequent political career; and flight at age 77 as the oldest man to fly in space. With all this, Krull focuses on his accomplishments as an astronaut, in particular on his Project Mercury mission on the Friendship 7, when he became the first American to orbit the Earth during the United States' space race with the former Soviet Union. The energetic text thoroughly describes Glenn's experiences while flying while realistic, sweeping oils offer a sense of space and capture some of the bliss Glenn must have experienced. Tales of his less-than-successful endeavors (his failed presidential bid, for example) are not mentioned, which seems a lost opportunity to discuss how setbacks are an inevitable part of success. Regardless, this vivid portrayal is full of exhilaration and suspense and will doubtlessly create new fans and inspire or increase a love of space exploration.Captures the excitement of space travel while creating a warm portrait of an innovative explorer. (timeline, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 5-9) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
