I am Neil Armstrong

Ordinary People Change the World

by Brad Meltzer, Christopher Eliopoulos (Illustrator)

Neil Armstrong's journey to the moon is the focus of the 15th picture book in the  New York Times bestselling series of biographies about heroes, for ages 5 to 8. (Cover may vary)

This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great--the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of one of America's icons in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers and that always includes the hero's childhood influences. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos. This volume tells the story of Neil Armstrong from his childhood on a farm to a career as an engineer and pilot and how he became the first person on the moon. All of the small steps he took in life—even his failures—led up to his steps on the moon.

This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big.

Included in each book     
  • A timeline of key events in the hero’s history  
  • Photos that bring the story more fully to life  
  • Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable  
  • Childhood moments that influenced the hero  
  • Facts that make great conversation-starters   
  • A virtue this person embodies : Neil Armstrong's teamwork will help kids see the value in working together 

You’ll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series!

Genres: Biography, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens, History, Space, Biography Memoir

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Brad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod, The Escape Artist, and eleven other bestselling thrillers. He also writes non-fiction books like The JFK Conspiracy, about a secret plot to kill JFK before he was sworn in – and the Ordinary People Change the World kids book series, which he does with Chris Eliopoulos and inspired the PBS KIDS TV show, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. His newest kids books are We are the Beatles, We are the Beatles, and I am Simone Biles. His newest inspirational book is Make Magic, based on his viral commencement address.

In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.

He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.

He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.

For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.

His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!

His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.

His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.

His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.

He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.

Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who

Reviews

[Jasmine from How Useful It Is · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Am Neil Armstrong – Review & Blog Tour

I wanted to read I Am Neil Armstrong for my son on 9/6/18 as a bedtime story but he decided to read it for me. I read it again for myself on 9/7/18. This book is fantastic! My son is happy to learn that Neil was in the Navy and the Korean War. My son likes learning that Neil is patient and likes to fly. I like the reading goal Neil has for his first grade because it will challenge my son to read more too. I love Neil’s climbing tree strategy and that he shares the secrets to success. The narrative has a voice of a determine and a go-getter kid and I like how history is made simpler and entertaining to read.

In this book, readers will follow the life of Neil Armstrong, from when he was little until the day he walks on the moon. The author introduces a hard worker Neil, having worked many small jobs when he was younger to buy toy airplanes and to saving up enough money for flying lessons. Then Neil joined the Navy and went on many flying missions during the Korean War before entering college to study Engineer. Readers will also learn the series of tests Neil took to become an Astronaut. There are steps taken for the space mission that readers will find it interesting to read as well as the timeline at the end of the book about Neil and the mission to the moon.

I Am Neil Armstrong is an excellent biography of history written for kids because it’s so easy to read and understand. It captures my son and I’s interest 100%. I like the definition to big words, such as Engineer so young readers could understand. My son likes how interactive this book is with the comic style bubbles. I’m glad a president is mentioned in this book because it helps to know another important figure is part of an important history success. My son likes the song Neil sing to mark time. Outer space trip is amazing and per president John F. Kennedy Jr.’s comment whether I can imagine because I still can’t. Back in 1969 when technology was not as comparable to today’s technology, people were able to walk on the moon. I thought today we should have more trips to the moon, but why is it not? 🙂 I love the words of encouragement near the end of the story. This book is an amazing read for kids and adults and I highly recommend everyone to read it.

Pro: fast paced, page turner, interactive, space mission, timeline, vocabulary, president, secrets to success, humor, astronaut, illustrations

Con: none

I rate it 5 stars!

***Disclaimer: Many thanks to the author Brad Meltzer and publisher Penguin Young Readers for the opportunity to read and review. I appreciate the invitation to host a blog tour for this book! Please be assured that my opinions are honest.

xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details

[Brad Meltzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Duh.
Seriously, can’t wait to share this one. One of our true favorites.

[Calista · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew Neil Armstrong was the 1st man to walk on the moon and his famous words. I knew little else about the man, until reading this wonderful book.

I learned:
- He loved heights
-He read over 100 books in 1st grade
-He was very patient as a child
-There was a large silver maple he fell out of as a kid he wanted to climb
-He worked jobs to pay for model airplanes in his room
-At age 15, he worked 3 jobs to pay for real flying lessons
-At 16 he got his pilots license before his drivers license
-He flew 78 missions in the Korean war
-He flew the X-15 rocket plane which is the fastest aircraft

I love that Brad gives Katherine Johnson, the mathematician a place in this story. Yeah!

The story shows how Neil keeps his cool in stressful situations and he accepts failures as learning opportunities and he is always thinking of a way out of things.

There is a lovely full page fold-out in the story. The nephew loved that one. The book gives details how the spaceship worked and how it got them to the moon.

This has to be one of my favorite books that Brad has done. It seems a little better than the rest of this wonderful series.

The nephew had fun reading this too. He was amazed that we really went to the moon. We need to take him to the Science and Space Museum in DC sometime. It’s so interesting that keeping Neil as a little kid through the story, even with adults around him, lets the nephew relate to the character so much better. It’s a great idea Brad had for these. The nephew gave this 4 stars.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was a great read about perseverance and grit. The story is well done and the pictures are so fun!

[Azam Amir · Rating 5 out of 5]

از متن کتاب:
«این‌جا ماه است، جایی که نزدیک به ده سال، هدفم رسیدن به آن بود. این کار غیرممکن به نظر می‌رسید. ماه خیلی دور بود و ما خیلی کوچک بودیم. چه‌طور باید از پس این کار بر می‌آمدیم؟ »

پیش‌تر از مجموعه کتاب‌های «آدم‌های معمولی جهان را تغییر می‌دهند» به همراه برادرزاده‌ی کوچکم یک کتاب دیگر خوانده بودم. حتی به عنوان یک بزرگسال این مجموعه کتاب برای من بسیار جذاب است‌. این کتاب به طور خاص برای آموزش مشارکت جمعی، مایوس نشدن در راه رسیدن به خواسته‌ها، نترسیدن از شکست، تلاش و تلاش و تلاش بی پایان است‌.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This contains more content than I remembered from the "I am" books. I have a couple of quibbles with the text: I wouldn't say that the Command Module "would park" while the Eagle landed. Mentioning the circling in orbit was enough. And, from everything I know, Armstrong did not die in surgery; he died on August 25, 2012 after surgery on August 7. The first illustration is a bit misleading as well. While Armstrong walked on the moon, he never did a spacewalk.

I met Armstrong a few times, having been a fellow Purdue Boilermaker, and I've read many of the things written about him. I do think Meltzer did a good job of capturing his curiosity and humility.

[Dawn Fielder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that the spin on this story is that Armstrong was a calm problem solver. If we could help all kids become calm problem solvers so much other learning would fall into place. I think the book has a good balance of story and technical info. I really enjoyed it. Love the series.

[Mr. Danny Arévalo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the style that this book is written in with many pictures and even some comic-type pages. If your children love space, this book is definitely one to add to their collection!

[lllapoklyak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never reviewed kids book in this account. But this book is truly astonishing! With the very right idea: to be patient and work hard, go small steps, test and fail and learn from the failures - is the only way to succeed. I would highly recommend this book for every kid, but even being an adult I feel really impressed and inspired by this little book.

[Åmîrö ghaderi (≡^∇^≡) · Rating 3 out of 5]

برام خیلی جالب بود که زندگینامه فضانورد مورد علاقم توی این کتاب شرح داده شده بود .
کتاب من نیل آرمسترانگ هستم نوشته«برد ملستر» به ترجمه خانم « شبنم حیدری پور » در مورد زندگینامه نیل آرمسترانگ نوشته شده که چطور به ماه سفر کرد 🌕🌘🧑🏻‍🚀

[Edwin Escobar-Padilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This narrative biographic nonfiction gives much information in a small space. It succinctly details in first-person voice key events and qualities of the life of the Apollo Eleven Commander, Neil Armstrong, who walked on our moon in 1969. Personal qualities highlighted include calm purposeful concentration under peril and the humility to acknowledge the contributions of thousands of people resulting in achievements attributed primarily to Neil. The illustrations smoothly integrate cartoon simplicity with technical detail. Every achievement begins with the first step. Reading this book, or having it read and shown is a helpful first step for many students as we all benefit from such role models. For imaginative readers, there are opportunities for bodily movement and sound effects.

[Amber Fitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! I was able to learn many new things about Neil Armstrong, and even space, from reading this adorable and enjoyable book! This book follows Armstrong from his childhood of living on a farm with no electricity through his time in the Navy and also his time studying to be an engineer in college. Then, into the space race under President Kennedy. Eventually, Armstrong would become the first man on the moon and utter his most famous words, “That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”I love the lesson that

I would use this biography book in kindergarten to third grade as supplemental reading to history or science. This could be a fun read aloud to share with the class, I think the students would really enjoy the story as well as the illustrations. There is also a great message to never give up as well, an important message that is great to teach any age! I could also see using this book as a resource for a research project of some sort where students have to research somebody and then write about them. The way that Metzler and Eliopoulos tell the story of Neil Armstrong is a fun and new way to engage children and adults in pieces of history!

[Nathan Albright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whether or not Neil Armstrong can qualify as heroic for being an astronaut, it is at least clear that he made one small step for a man but one giant step for mankind.  It is also clear that there are several agendas going on here on this book that are worth noting as well because if they are transparent they are also evidence of the author's point of view when it comes to questions of taxes and policy and political correctness.  For one, this particular book makes specific praise of one of the notable people in Hidden Figures, demonstrating the author's intention to spend time talking not about Neil Armstrong but about someone connected to him that should also be remembered in the point of view of the author.  In addition to this, the author plugs for human exploration of space towards the end of the book, a reminder that space exploration is certainly popular for children but an issue of considerable more controversy when it comes to the expense of doing so when it comes to tax policy.  NASA is a big draw for kids but more often a big drain on the budget of the nation as a whole.

This particular book focuses on the childhood of the subject, which is pretty typical, and contains surprisingly little about his adult life other than his military service, which includes an ejection from a plane that had been shot at but no shooting enemy jets, a lot of work for NASA.  Indeed, the author spends most of this book talking about his love of flying, whether it was planes or rockets, and the skills in mathematics that allowed him to do so.  The author even recounts, or invents, a childhood story about taking a plane trip which the subject enjoyed but his father did not, which perhaps sets up Armstrong's father as a bit of a coward, which gives yet another jab against manhood that would follow the author's modus operendi in such matters.  Yet the author is strangely silent about what Armstrong did after the parades ended when he returned to earth, and what other than rocketry was the subject of his adult life and his efforts at exploration.  Like it is with some people, the author simply has little interest in the subject outside of what made them famous and what prepared them for that moment of fame.

And in a book like this, the politics of the author take on an oversize importance.  The author frames the lack of training on Armstrong's part when it came to being shot down in the Korean War as a methodical ability to read instructions and find his way to safety.  It attacks the heroism of his father in overcoming the primitive conditions of early passenger flight as a way to bolster the subject's own heroism.  And the author's politics when it comes to the hidden figure referred to briefly within its pages as well as its strident defense of human exploration of space seem to be done in order to engage in a political worldview that is far from neutral or far from carefully explained.  Why, out of all the people in NASA that the author could work for, does the author pick the most politically correct choice?  And why does the author view space exploration as such a key priority, or at least why does the author view NASA as the appropriate model for space exploration when SpaceX does a good job at providing space exploration without taxpayer funding, something to keep in mind in an age of austerity and when NASA itself has often been wasteful and inefficient in its budgeting?

[Barbara Kaaikala · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful children's book that explains how Neil Armstrong grew up and became an astronaut, then walked on the moon. The book explains some of Armstrong's childhood experiences and the traits he developed that enabled him to succeed as an adult. The US space program is explained, as is what an engineer is and does. The book leaves readers with a "can-do" feeling and also includes the skills necessary to succeed. The drawings, pictures, and letter fonts are colorful and attractive.

I do believe that the book would be better if Neil was shown in clothing he would have worn during that time period on the pages prior to him becoming an astronaut (rather than drawn wearing a spacesuit throughout the book), and drawn as an adult after he became an adult instead of being drawn as a child throughout the book.

As two other reviewers mentioned, the introductory page and back cover show Neil floating outside the space ship, which he did not do in real life, and President Kennedy's name is incorrectly listed as John F. Kennedy, Jr. (who was the President's son). I would like to see these things corrected in future editions so that the book is historically correct, as correct facts are very important when teaching or writing about history, and this is such a fabulous book otherwise.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore these books not only for their illustrative qualities but because the series itself "ordinary people change the world" is inspiring and leaves a wonderful message (conveyed throughout the biography) at the end that warms your heart and inspires greatness in adults as well as the kids it targets.

As always in nonfiction I like to exclaim at least once to anyone within earshot a new thing I learned and this one passed the test. I didn't know the names of the two dogs that were sent into space through the Russian program (Strelka and Belka) and how 15Gs makes your eyeballs flatten and therefore unable to see. Totally. That's my kind of science and I love it. But for whatever reason there was a beautiful message about patience and attitude. For Neil, he was always a calm individual and it paid off when he was playing board games with his brother when they were kids or when he had to read the instructions on the deployment of his parachute after he was shot down during the Korean War AS HE WAS CRASHING because he hadn't practiced that.

Absolutely one of my favorites so far in the series because of it's message and the man himself! It only takes one step...

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cute cartoon illustrations bring the story of Neil Armstrong to life. The details and colors incorporated throughout the book bring history back to life for elementary students.

Summary: In this book, readers will follow the life of Neil Armstrong, from when he was little until the day he walks on the moon. It begins and ends with him learning that all missions, big or small, need bravery, intelligence, and patience.

Response: This book is an excellent biography of history written for kids because it’s so easy to read and understand. It captures the interest of a child at any age up to 4th or 5th grade. Absolutely one of my favorites so far in the series because of its message and the man himself! It only takes one step!

Classroom Usage: rst or second grade classroom, I could use this book for science to encourage the interest in space. I would follow up with an activity on the planets. This would create a base at a young age for interest in science and space.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favorite book in the "I Am" series. Lots of excellent research goes into the writing of the story. The presentation is friendly for readers (and non-readers) of all ages. Superbly illustrated by the very talented Christopher Eliopoulos.

I Am Neil Armstrong hits close to home because for my entire life I have been fascinated with both aircraft and space. In addition to highlighting an ordinary individual we now remember as extraordinary because of his accomplishments, the message is clear that by taking action (steps) and learning from failures and continuing in action we can do/become whatever/whomever we strive for. Very powerful message. Also some very memorable motivational quoted on the last few pages.

The I Am collection is something no personal library should be without, and Neil Armstrong is an excellent addition to this series.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Neil Armstrong, a boy who loved airplanes and who, with courage and perseverance, took many small steps that led to the one giant leap of man’s first step on the moon.

The fifteenth offering in the “Ordinary People Change the World” series from Dial Books for Young Readers, this biography will inspire youngsters to dream . . . and to work to make their dreams come true. Filled with delightful illustrations to accompany the many facts related to space exploration and the historic Apollo 11 mission, this book encourages young readers to explore, to work hard, to be brave and patient . . . because every journey begins with a first step.

Following the narrative, readers will find a timeline of events accompanied by selected photographs, a listing of source materials, and further reading suggestions for kids.

Highly recommended.

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ordinary People Change the World is a biographical picture book series from Brad Meltzer, best known as a bestselling author of adult thrillers. Positive and inspiring for preschoolers. Christopher Eliopoulos’ cute illustrations just add another layer of appeal! Introducing young readers to these ordinary people who fought against stereotypes and/or injustice, the books have tackled various well-known people and their causes. In this title, Neil Armstrong's accomplishments- no matter how daunting- all start with one step!

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the coolest things I learned from this story about Neil Armstrong is that he earned his pilot's license before he got his driver's license. Coming from a family of pilots (me as well), our son also earned his pilot's license before he was legally able to get his driver's license. I've also had the opportunity to meet Brad Meltzer, and I'm a huge fan of all his books. It's so important for our children to learn to love reading at an early age, and I believe he helps promote reading for our youth by making reading fun through his "I Am" series.

[Fergie · Rating 5 out of 5]

** 4 1/2 stars ** Another great children's biographic study of a hero worth our attention. My ONLY complaint was the wordiness around the actual moon landing which, to me, came across as rather technical for a children's book. With that said, Brad Meltzer should be commended for inspiring young readers to reach for the stars in this wonderfully written & illustrated book.

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another installment of Brad Meltzer's Ordinary People Change the World series, this time the subject is Neil Armstrong. Has there been a bad book in this series yet? Answer: no!

Keep up the good work Mr Meltzer and Mr Eliopoulos!

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with the other mini-bios in this series, I find the text interesting, and I always learn something, but the tiny bodies with giant heads simply irritate me and detract from the authenticity. At least there are photos and sources in the back.

[Tranylle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. My 7 year old especially enjoyed this one because he loves space. It had great details about how the launch worked, and even mentioned Katherine Johnson, who we learned about earlier in the year.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid biography, even if I can't quite put the virtue being explored into one word. It's mostly perseverance, but the narration also talks about learning from mistakes, not just trying again. Not really sure.

At any rate, it's a fine entry in the series.

[E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our son really enjoys this series (he now has six of them). And they do a very good job of educating him in some key figures and social movements. My only complaints with these books is they often have too much in them and lose focus. This one in particular could have used some better editing.

[Alysia Trujillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book for this series. Love the positive message in this book! Can’t wait for more books in this series!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read everything in this series, please. And please keep them coming-

[Jenny Savage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great little book for learning about a humble national hero.