Alan Shepard: Higher and Faster

Heroes of History #18

by Janet Benge, Geoff Benge

Alan Shepard's boyhood fascination with flight led him from constructing model airplanes in his grandfather's basement to attaining national hero status in the race to space. Rooted in hard work and education, this pioneer's dreams of flight came true as he became not only the first American launched into space but, later, one of the privileged few to walk on the moon.

When he wasn't soaring above the clouds, astronaut Alan Shepard used his expertise to benefit others, raising money to fuel the dreams of science students and guiding NASA missions. The achievements of this high flyer -- America's "Lindbergh of Space" -- inspire all who dare to live their dreams (1923-1998).

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Childrens, History

228 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

Janet and Geoff Benge are a husband and wife writing team with twenty years of writing experience. They are best known for the books in the two series Christian Heroes: Then & Now series and Heroes of History. Janet is a former elementary school teacher. Geoff holds a degree in history. Together they have a passion to make history come alive for a new generation. Originally from New Zealand, the Benges make their home in the Orlando, Florida, area.

Reviews

[Daniel Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Alan Shepard, a navy pilot and the first American astronaut to leave the earth’s atmosphere and enter outer space in 1961. The story briefly takes you through the space race with Russia during the 60s.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this for a few days and then set it aside because of health issues due to a diagnosis of Meniere's disease. I picked this book up again the next day and was surprised to learn of Alan Shepard's own experience with Meniere's, which took him out of the running for the moon landing. Was excited to hear that he did an experimental surgery that cured his hearing problem and vertigo! Life is funny sometimes. Of the thousands of books from which to choose, I opted to read this one, which was uniquely encouraging at an unusual time.
Another good biography by Janet & Geoff Benge.

[Erin Cartwright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't even know who Alan Shepard was until I read this with my mom. He has a really amazing story of being the first American in space and walking on the moon. Not only is his story unique and full of extreme adventure and determination, but this book is also fairly well written. Descriptive words are used frequently as well as much suspense. If you want to learn more about Alan Shepard while enjoying an action-filled story, read this book.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting life. The fight Alan put up to reach his goals is inspiring

[Lj Shurpik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well told

[Allyson Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been fascinated by NASA and loved learning all about it that I could. So reading this book was so much fun and getting to read the story behind the man who went to the moon was so inspiring.

[Mary Sasala · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read and I learned a lot about the early astronauts and the space race.