Gus Grissom: A Space Biography (Countdown to Space) [Library Binding]

Carmen Bredeson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1998 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Countdown to Space

A biography of one of America's first seven astronauts, focusing on the training and career of Gus Grissom, who died in a fire aboard Apollo I in 1967.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8ABrief, well-written accounts of individuals who have participated in the NASA space program. Focusing primarily on astronaut training, career experience, and space flights, these easy-to-read texts are well documented and include quotes from the subjects. Black-and-white and full-color photos appear throughout. These are excellent introductory biographies that could easily be used for reports or recreational reading. While there are numerous titles available about the early U.S. space missions, there are few biographies for this audience on the original seven Mercury astronauts. Gus Grissom's achievements and tragic death make for compelling reading. Kramer's book is similar in coverage to June Behrens's Sally Ride (Children's Press, 1984; o.p.) and Carolyn Blacknall's Sally Ride (Dillon Press, 1984; o.p.). However, it has a more skillful balance of high-interest material with a scholarly objectivity consistent with its carefully cited text and list of sources.APhyllis Graves, Creekwood Middle School, Kingwood, TX
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

The ill-fated life of astronaut Virgil ``Gus'' Grissom is recounted in this latest entry to the Countdown to Space series aimed at less proficient readers. One of the original Mercury 7 astronauts, Grissom's mission- -the second space shot, following Alan Shepard--ended on a shocking note when the door to his one-man capsule blew off prematurely, nearly drowning Grissom during recovery. Later, as the first astronaut to pilot the two-passenger Gemini spacecraft (the Molly Brown), Grissom found glory. The sky no longer seemed the limit when Grissom was named to the crew of Apollo 1; his death, with his two crewmates, in a fire that swept through the command capsule, set the program back for years, forcing NASA to initiate more efficient safety measures. By including plenty of quotes from Grissom and his wife in the narrative, Bredeson adds immediacy and warmth to this history of one of the US's first space travelers-- the men who self-deprecatingly referred to themselves as ``spam in a can.'' (b&w photos, not seen, chronology, notes, glossary, further reading, index) (Biography. 9-14) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding: 48 pages
• Publisher: Enslow Publishers (January 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0894909746
• ISBN-13: 978-0894909740
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,565,270 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Kids book. No Meat and Potatoes, January 29, 2010

By 

Thomas Erickson (Lutz Fl and Felt Oklahoma) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Gus Grissom: A Space Biography (Countdown to Space) (Library Binding)

For an adult this is the wrong book.This is a kids book.

Only 48 pages and half of that is pictures. Pictures 4 stars. Did enjoy viewing the pictures. All info I already knew. Book geared for 8-12 year old.Good book for parents to read and show pictures to young children or an 8-12 year old to read and make a easy quick book report.

For adults wanting to learn as much research as possible about Gus Grissom save your money and get a better book with more meat and potatoes. My low 2 star rating based on an adult wanting detailed research information on Gus Grissom. In fairness as a kids book its probably a 4 or 5 star rated book.