First In Space [Paperback]

James Vining (Author, Artist)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Extensively researched, First in Space is based on the true-life adventures of Ham, a chimpanzee the Americans trained for the first sub orbital flight. The story follows his training and experiences through the launch, as well as those of the other chimps and trainers involved. Because it is Ham's exciting adventure, it is told primarily through his eyes, along with anecdotal information that provides a snapshot of that time in America's conquest of space.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4–6—In the 1960s, the U.S. decided to use monkeys, then chimps to collect their biological data in space. Eventually, the field was narrowed to one "lucky" chimp named Ham. The dangers he faced were great, but he made it up to space and back down alive, becoming a sort of hero. This graphic novel is The Right Stuff from his point of view. Ham was not always a willing participant in the testing, and many of his chimp colleagues died in painful ways on machines built to emulate the rigors of space. Though the black-and-white cartoons are like Sunday-morning comics, the subject matter can be scary. The authors have done their research, but clearly have an opinion. They take liberties with the story by drawing some of Ham's dreams, suggesting that NASA's animal testing program is cruel. Though there's a huge cast of characters, from scientists to politicians to chimps, the story is easy to follow. A paragraph about the Save the Chimps organization is included. The violence and occasionally graphic detail make this book most appropriate for older elementary students.—Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA
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Review

"... avoids the cheap manipulations endemic to that category, simply telling a fascinating story and with sincerity and intelligence." -- David Welsh - Precocious Curmudgeon, 2007

"I would definitely recommend, not only for a personal read, but ... as something you should give to your child." -- Ain't It Cool News, 2007

"This is truly an excellent read for all ages and a wonderful choice especially for schools and libraries." -- ComicsWorthReading.com, 2007

"This is well-researched, brave work, and easily recommendable." -- The Comics Waiting Room, 2007

"Vining presents up a surprisingly touching story..." -- Eye-On-Comics, 2007

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Oni Press (May 8, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932664645
• ISBN-13: 978-1932664645
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,130,820 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shooting for the stars!, July 3, 2007

By 

Eliaz McMillan "Z" (Greeley, Co) - See all my reviews

This review is from: First In Space (Paperback)

With 'First in Space' James Vining tells the true story of the first monkey shot into space with brilliant simplicity.
He manages to keep an overall upbeat, almost whimsical tone throughout the story's telling even as the chimp faces the physical, mental and emotional tests involved with his role in the space race and the narrative never falls into becoming didactic as many historical tales do, leaving the reader to their own conclusions as the story comes to a close.
The pictures reflect the heart of the words well with playful shape and line. It's not just got eye candy, but eye protein more importantly.
I found this a delightful and educational read; a must have for any adult or child interested in chimps, space or stories grounded in this nation's history.

4.0 out of 5 stars Not too glossed over for kids, July 10, 2008

By 

Dante Moretti - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: First In Space (Paperback)

James Vining did the cover art for the novel, Midnight in a Perfect World, a favorite of mine, so I wanted to check out his graphic novel. Impressive. The story of the NASA apes and much of the clinical way they were handled isn't all happy and smiley and the book reflects that. However, being aimed towards kids, it isn't too dark a look into the early "pioneers" of the space program that the young readers would be upset unless they're really sissy kids, which there seems to be a lot of these days. Nevertheless, I recommend it for the kids who are actually interested in learning about the space program. It might even be good for the ones that need some toughening up - an introduction to man's cruelty, but softened enough so they shouldn't be overwhelmed.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A story worth telling, but author tries to have it both ways, June 8, 2007

By 

BeeDub in A2 "Picky Eater" (Ann Arbor, MI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: First In Space (Paperback)

A sentimentalized account of NASA's Chimpanzee Astronaut training program from the early 1960s. The trauma to the animals is depicted too lightly in some cases, and the powerful epilogue depicting one chimp's tragic later days is softened by a "happy" flashback ending. The Chimps are presented as unique characters, drawn differently from each other, and overall the art is crisp and unique, with a retro feel. Scientific facts regarding their similarity to humans is dutifully presented, but the question of the ethical appropriateness of this program is glossed over. If, in fact, chimps are SO similar to humans, how do we justify subjecting them to treatment unfit for humans?