Rocket Genius

by Charles Spain Verral

On March 16, 1926, history was made, for this was the day that Dr. Robert Goddard successfully tested the world’s first liquid-fuel rocket. Now Dr. Goddard is well known as the father of the space age; his work paved the way for all space exploration that came after. But before this remarkable achievement, he was just a boy with an impossible dream. Young Bob was raised by loving parents who supported his many interests, but he was not taken seriously by the scientific community or the newspapers that mocked his wild ideas. However, Bob refused to give up because he knew he was on the verge of an important discovery, one that would allow humankind to venture out into the vast universe beyond our earth.

Genres: Biography

67 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

A writer and illustrator, he wrote Street & Smith's Bill Barnes pulp series novels, among others. Among the most widely read of his books are the Brains Benton Mysteries, a six-book series published from 1959 to 1961. He also published many other children's works, including Rin Tin Tin, and Popeye.

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong and convincing arguments can be made for Robert Goddard having been the most underappreciated genius every produced by American society. He was the intellectual and experimental grandfather to the deadly V2 rockets launched by Germany in the last months of World War II. When U. S. military personnel interviewed the German rocket scientists immediately after the war was over, they were puzzled, almost literally answering questions about how they did it with, “Why don’t you ask Goddard?”
Although now dated regarding the use of rockets in the space programs, this book is still a valuable primer on the life of a true genius. Unfortunately, most of that recognition as a visionary took place long after his death.

[Elizabeth Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, quick biography about the father of rocketry. I had never heard of this man, despite having visited several flight museums in my life.

Goddard was amazing at perseverance! It was inspiring reading about him failing for years and people, including "experts" telling him that his theories were impossible. I love how he did his own research, despite a life full of health struggles, and ignored all the nay-sayers. And he was right! He succeeded.

This book was written for middle-graders, but I think any age can learn a lot from it.

[Izzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found in mom’s attic - a vintage Scholastic Book Services paperback from 1965. This was interesting from a historic standpoint - how far we’ve come! Good children’s biography of a man dedicated to a dream.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great intro to space and tickets for kids. My son is reading it and it wanted to be able to talk to him about it. It is short enough to keep even young readers engaged but is well written and covers topics that can easily be discussed and explored further for more advanced readers.
I love when I get to learn alongside my son