Liftoff (Direct Mail Edition): A Photobiography of John Glenn

by Don Mitchell, John Glenn (Foreword)

War hero, test pilot, American astronaut, and U.S. Senator―for John Glenn, serving his country has always been a joyous adventure. How does a boy from a small Ohio town grow up to become one of the most enduring heroes in American history? Young readers find out as they follow his inspiring story from his schoolboy days in New Concord, Ohio, to his adventures as a highly decorated Marine Corps pilot in both World War II and the Korean War, a test pilot, one of the seven Mercury astronauts and the first American to orbit Earth, a successful businessman, a U.S. Senator, and, at the age of 77, the oldest human being in space. Don Mitchell skillfully weaves highlights from John Glenn's extraordinary life with inspirational quotes and dynamic images to create an intimate portrait of a man whose challenge to young people everywhere is to become dedicated "to a purpose larger than themselves." This superbly illustrated book follows the life trajectory of a very focused, highly competitive man, driven by a sense of duty to his country and an innate sense of obligation towards others. Readers will find themselves inspired to "liftoff" to new heights of achievement.

64 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 2006

Reviews

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liftoff (Direct Mail Edition): A Photobiography of John Glenn
Mitchell, Don
a great story of an America Pioneer who changed the world

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle grade readers [ages ten and up] discover how John Glenn, a boy from a small town in Ohio, grew up to become a hero. From his days as a Marine pilot to his adventures as a test pilot to his selection as a Mercury astronaut, the story of his life is told with narrative, inspirational quotes, and photographs.

Whether readers are interested in learning more about the life of the oldest human being to travel into space or of the political career of a beloved senator, there is much to inspire readers young and old alike.

Highly recommended.

[Junessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not so many pictures as would be expected but lots of narration.