Space Cadet (Hardcover)

by Robert A. Heinlein (Author) "To Matthew Brooks Dodson," the paper in his hand read, "greetings: "Having successfully completed the field elimination tests for appointment to the position of cadet..." (more)
Key Phrases: youngster cadets, lefthand gate, jump bag, Terra Station, Captain Yancey, Uncle Bodie (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The lively story of a group of boys--Matt and Tex, from Terra; Oscar, from Venus; Pierre, from one of Jupiter's moons; and others--who train to uphold the peace of the solar system. This account of their training and their subsequent adventures is good, colorful fiction by an author who can write it ably and entertainingly."
--Chicago Tribune on Space Cadet

 

"Throughout the story there is a constant stream of Heinlein's noted wit and satire, superbly told . . . The Hugo Award committee need look no further."
--San Francisco Chronicle on Glory Road

"Heinlein...wrote adventure stories grounded in credible scientific speculation. Even the wonderful stories collected here feature his trademark cool reasoning. . . .Superb stories - old friends, really - that are well worth the book's price."
--Booklist on The Fantasies of Robert A. Heinlein

"Good, colorful fiction by an author who can write it ably and entertainingly." (Chicago Tribune )

Product Description
This is the seminal novel of a young mans education as a member of the Solar patrol, an elite, paternalistic non-military organization dedicated to preserving human civilization. Space Cadet is a provocative parallel to Heinleins famous later novel, Starship Troopers (which is about the military).Only the best and brightestthe strongest and most courageous ever become Space Cadets. At the Space Academy, they train to become part of the elite guard of the solar system. The patrol accepts missions others fear, takes risks no others dare, and upholds the peace of the solar system for the benefit of all.Before Matt Dodson can earn his rightful place in the ranks, his mettle will be tested in the most severe and extraordinary waysways that change him forever, from a midwestern American boy into a man of the Solar Patrol.

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Product Details Hardcover: 224 pages Publisher: Tor Books; 1st edition (November 29, 2005) Language: English ISBN-10: 0765314509 ISBN-13: 978-0765314505 Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.7 x 1 inches Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #803,953 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books) Popular in this category: (What's this?) #94 in  Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Authors, A-Z > ( H ) > Heinlein, Robert A.

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Inside This Book (learn more)

First Sentence:
"To Matthew Brooks Dodson," the paper in his hand read, "greetings: "Having successfully completed the field elimination tests for appointment to the position of cadet in the Interplanetary Patrol you are authorized to report to the Commandant, Terra Base, Santa Barbara Field, Colorado, North American Union, Terra, on or before One July 2075, for further examination. Read the first page

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
youngster cadets, lefthand gate, jump bag, three cadets, space marines, city mother

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Terra Station, Captain Yancey, Uncle Bodie, Aes Triplex, Lieutenant Thurlow, Des Moines, Hayworth Hall, Moon Base, Hog Alley, Lieutenant Wong, Cadet Sabbatello, Commodore Arkwright, Girard Burke, South Pole, Terra Base, Cadet Dodson, Commander Miller, Lieutenant Brunn, Matthew Dodson, Cadet Jensen, Ezra Dahlquist, New Auckland, Sublieutenant Peters, Heinlein Matt, North America

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Citations (learn more)

This book cites 2 books:

• Glory Road by Robert A. Heinlein in Front Matter
• The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein in Front Matter

 

48 books cite this book:

• Science Fiction for Young Readers: (Contributions to the Study of Science Fiction and Fantasy) by C.W. Sullivan on 11 pages
• Literature for Children: Contemporary Criticism by Peter Hunt on 5 pages
• Back in the Spaceship Again: Juvenile Science Fiction Series Since 1945 (Contributions to the Study of Science Fiction and Fantasy) by Karen Sands on 5 pages
• Decoding Gender in Science Fiction by Brian Attebery on page 5, page 119, and Back Matter
• Enlightened Office Politics by Michael S. Dobson on page 220, page 227, and Back Matter

See all 48 books citing this book

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	67% buy the item featured on this page: Space Cadet 4.2 out of 5 stars (18) $23.95
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Customer Reviews

18 Reviews 5 star:  (8) 4 star:  (8) 3 star:    (0) 2 star:  (1) 1 star:  (1)           Average Customer Review 4.2 out of 5 stars (18 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 20 of 21 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars This book got me through Calculus, February 10, 2006 By  OAKSHAMAN "oakshaman" (Algoma, WI United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)       _I have heard this book dismissed as "just another space cadet story." Check the date of publication (1948), this is THE first space cadet story. It started the genre. I've also heard it dismissed as a "kid's book." A "kid's book" would not have stuck in my memory for four decades now and provided me with inspiration and a model when I most needed it. A "kid's book" wouldn't have inspired me to stick out high school and college physics and mathematics instead of just throwing in the towel. It was remembering the example of this book, and _Starman Jones_, that got me through Calculus. I just wish the rest of the world would have lived up to the high ideals expressed in these books.... _I recently reread this tale after many years. I was amazed at how "nondated" it was. Heinlein has a perfect description of cell phones and cell towers. Something else finally hit me too- this is where Gene Roddenbury got most of his ideas for Star Trek. Heinlein actuallly uses the term "the Federation." His Interplanetary Patrol is obviously the inspiration for Star Fleet with it's noble ideals, multi-cultural make-up (in 1948), it's commitment to keeping the peace, and it's 100 year record of keeping the peace (a phrase right out of Trek.) The importance of the Academy and its naval style of organization came from Heinlein, the Annapolis graduate. The way that the organization is entirely composed of officers and officers in training- that's also pure Star Trek. Heinlein wrote of all this almost 20 years before the television show aired.... _It used to bother me that the Heinlein that wrote this book and the Heinlein that wrote _Stranger in a Strange Land_ and all that came afterward seemed like two different men. I now think that I understand that too. 7 of 8 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Matthew Dodson, Space Cadet!, October 31, 2006 By  Lonnie E. Holder "The Review's the Thing" (Columbus, Indiana, United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)       This review is from: Space Cadet (Paperback) My title does not have the ring that "Tom Corbett: Space Cadet" had, which was based on this Robert A. Heinlein book, but it is more accurate. Matthew Dodson sounds like a plain, ordinary person, and that was Heinlein's intent. Heinlein's belief always was that the backbone of America was the everyday person doing their job. Matt Dodson has joined the elite Solar Patrol. Before Matt and his friends can be officers in the Patrol they must endure rigorous, multi-part training. They begin their training on Earth in a process that eliminates many would-be Space Patrol candidates. As their training continues, Matt and his friends become members of a small group of students that have passed one test after another. Finally, the remaining students leave Earth to continue their training on a school ship. The training on the school ship starts with the mundane and ends with the complexities of calculus and nuclear physics. At long last the students move on to an operational ship where their training will help them to overcome the challenges of an actual mission on Venus, where death awaits their first wrong step! Many people call Heinlein preachy in his books. While there is probably some truth in that comment, if you think Heinlein's viewpoints had merit, you probably like the supposed preachiness. Regardless of which side you fall on, this book has little of Heinlein's explanations of the woes of the world is focuses primarily on the story. The story in this book is excellent. There is practical science in this book, but Heinlein blended the science into the story so naturally that I hardly noticed it. Those who have been through basic training and technical school in the military will recognize features of both in this book. Robert A. Heinlein was a member of the U.S. Navy for a time, which I think must have helped him to create an extremely believable story regarding the training of the members of the Space Patrol. It has been many years since I first read "Space Cadet." I wondered whether I would enjoy the story as much now as I did decades ago. The answer is yes. I must admit that some of my enjoyment is nostalgia, but part of my enjoyment was how much Heinlein got right. There are cell phone equivalents, flat screen monitors and more. The only thing Heinlein failed to predict was the increasing lack of enthusiasm for space exploration. Heinlein wrote many good books. This one is one of his best. I recommend this book for every person who thinks of themselves as a fan of science fiction. This book is a winner from an author who won four Hugo awards during his life and the first Nebula Grand Master Award. Enjoy! 4 of 4 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars The master of sci-fi will never stop being reprinted!, October 31, 2006 By  Detra Fitch (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)       This review is from: Space Cadet (Paperback) Follow young Matt Dodson as he enters the academy in hopes of becoming a Space Cadet. Matt makes friends with Tex, who always has amusing tales about his Uncle Bodie, and a few others, as lessons are learned ... usually the hard way. Space Cadets are the elite guard of the solar system. They accept missions others fear, take risks no others dare, and uphold the peace of the solar system for the benefit of all. (Much like the Jedi Order!) This novel will take you from Earth, to Mars, to Venus, and beyond. Matt and his friends are tested in the most severe and extraordinary ways that will change them forever, but still not prepare them for the alien treacheries that await. **** If you have never read a novel by Robert A. Heinlein, then please keep in mind that this was written in the year 1948. The author renewed the copyright in 1975. I stress this because even though the story begins in July 2075, there are a few references to events that supposably happened in OUR past, such as the notation of the person who created the Patrol's Tradition who lived 1969 - 1996. The fact that Robert A. Heinlein's novels are still being published today clearly expresses how outstanding readers find his science fiction novels. Once you read this, or any other novel by Heinlein, you will have no doubt as to how the man came about being crowned "The Master of Science Fiction". **** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 1.0 out of 5 stars Teenage boys in space Matt Dodson joins the Space Patrol, whose work is not just fight and glory but to make sure peace is retained; the war would be too devasting to all nations. Read more Published 3 months ago by Jari Aalto 4.0 out of 5 stars SF Classic Writer Written for Younger readers in the early years of his career it hits the bases and is an enjoyable read. Fun for fans of hard SF. Read more Published 3 months ago by Sandra A. Mccord 5.0 out of 5 stars This book means more to me than any other I've ever read! This book means more to me than any other I've ever read! That might sound a little strong but it was the first full length novel I ever read and I was in the second grade, 1974... Read more Published 6 months ago by mary ann locke 5.0 out of 5 stars This is Heinlein's best Juvenile SF novel. "Space Cadet" is Robert Heinlein's best Juvenile SF novel. It was quite a while ago when I first read it and enjoyed it. Read more Published 8 months ago by Norman Strojny 5.0 out of 5 stars The original space cadet story I make it a point to include at least one unread Heinlein story on my summer reading list and I couldn't have made a better choice with this one. Read more Published 11 months ago by Rory M. Christian 4.0 out of 5 stars Timeless military SciFi In 1948, Heinlein wrote a book based on his (limited) military experience that pinpointed underlying cultural issues in the U.S. military that are still plaguing the Dept. Read more Published 17 months ago by E. M. Van Court 4.0 out of 5 stars Coming of Age in Deep Space Ah, yes. We have plenty of stories about the Space _Patrol_... but not so many stories that focus on the Space _Academy_. Read more Published 18 months ago by Paul Camp 5.0 out of 5 stars A step back in time Great book. Good read. Terribly dated by today's standards...it was written for kids to read and enjoy and maybe hoped to emulate at another time. Read more Published 19 months ago by lefty frizzell 4.0 out of 5 stars One of the first from one of the best Heinlein practically invented the sf juvenile novel (deliberately "juvenile," that is), and they still read pretty well. Read more Published on June 2, 2007 by Michael K. Smith 5.0 out of 5 stars A classic novel by one of Science Fiction's finest authors I have often been asked on what would be a good science fiction novel to introduce new readers to the genre, and "Space Cadet" is usually one of my top picks. Read more Published on November 30, 2006 by Edward Alexander Gerster Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Tor Books; 1st edition (November 29, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765314509
• ISBN-13: 978-0765314505
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #803,953 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #94 in

  Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Authors, A-Z > ( H ) > Heinlein, Robert A.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book got me through Calculus, February 10, 2006

By	OAKSHAMAN "oakshaman" (Algoma, WI United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

_I have heard this book dismissed as "just another space cadet story." Check the date of publication (1948), this is THE first space cadet story. It started the genre. I've also heard it dismissed as a "kid's book." A "kid's book" would not have stuck in my memory for four decades now and provided me with inspiration and a model when I most needed it. A "kid's book" wouldn't have inspired me to stick out high school and college physics and mathematics instead of just throwing in the towel. It was remembering the example of this book, and _Starman Jones_, that got me through Calculus. I just wish the rest of the world would have lived up to the high ideals expressed in these books....

_I recently reread this tale after many years. I was amazed at how "nondated" it was. Heinlein has a perfect description of cell phones and cell towers. Something else finally hit me too- this is where Gene Roddenbury got most of his ideas for Star Trek. Heinlein actuallly uses the term "the Federation." His Interplanetary Patrol is obviously the inspiration for Star Fleet with it's noble ideals, multi-cultural make-up (in 1948), it's commitment to keeping the peace, and it's 100 year record of keeping the peace (a phrase right out of Trek.) The importance of the Academy and its naval style of organization came from Heinlein, the Annapolis graduate. The way that the organization is entirely composed of officers and officers in training- that's also pure Star Trek. Heinlein wrote of all this almost 20 years before the television show aired....

_It used to bother me that the Heinlein that wrote this book and the Heinlein that wrote _Stranger in a Strange Land_ and all that came afterward seemed like two different men. I now think that I understand that too.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Matthew Dodson, Space Cadet!, October 31, 2006

By	Lonnie E. Holder "The Review's the Thing" (Columbus, Indiana, United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Space Cadet (Paperback)

My title does not have the ring that "Tom Corbett: Space Cadet" had, which was based on this Robert A. Heinlein book, but it is more accurate. Matthew Dodson sounds like a plain, ordinary person, and that was Heinlein's intent. Heinlein's belief always was that the backbone of America was the everyday person doing their job.

Matt Dodson has joined the elite Solar Patrol. Before Matt and his friends can be officers in the Patrol they must endure rigorous, multi-part training. They begin their training on Earth in a process that eliminates many would-be Space Patrol candidates. As their training continues, Matt and his friends become members of a small group of students that have passed one test after another. Finally, the remaining students leave Earth to continue their training on a school ship. The training on the school ship starts with the mundane and ends with the complexities of calculus and nuclear physics. At long last the students move on to an operational ship where their training will help them to overcome the challenges of an actual mission on Venus, where death awaits their first wrong step!

Many people call Heinlein preachy in his books. While there is probably some truth in that comment, if you think Heinlein's viewpoints had merit, you probably like the supposed preachiness. Regardless of which side you fall on, this book has little of Heinlein's explanations of the woes of the world is focuses primarily on the story.

The story in this book is excellent. There is practical science in this book, but Heinlein blended the science into the story so naturally that I hardly noticed it. Those who have been through basic training and technical school in the military will recognize features of both in this book. Robert A. Heinlein was a member of the U.S. Navy for a time, which I think must have helped him to create an extremely believable story regarding the training of the members of the Space Patrol.

It has been many years since I first read "Space Cadet." I wondered whether I would enjoy the story as much now as I did decades ago. The answer is yes. I must admit that some of my enjoyment is nostalgia, but part of my enjoyment was how much Heinlein got right. There are cell phone equivalents, flat screen monitors and more. The only thing Heinlein failed to predict was the increasing lack of enthusiasm for space exploration.

Heinlein wrote many good books. This one is one of his best. I recommend this book for every person who thinks of themselves as a fan of science fiction. This book is a winner from an author who won four Hugo awards during his life and the first Nebula Grand Master Award.

Enjoy!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The master of sci-fi will never stop being reprinted!, October 31, 2006

By	Detra Fitch (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Space Cadet (Paperback)

Follow young Matt Dodson as he enters the academy in hopes of becoming a Space Cadet. Matt makes friends with Tex, who always has amusing tales about his Uncle Bodie, and a few others, as lessons are learned ... usually the hard way.

Space Cadets are the elite guard of the solar system. They accept missions others fear, take risks no others dare, and uphold the peace of the solar system for the benefit of all. (Much like the Jedi Order!) This novel will take you from Earth, to Mars, to Venus, and beyond. Matt and his friends are tested in the most severe and extraordinary ways that will change them forever, but still not prepare them for the alien treacheries that await.

**** If you have never read a novel by Robert A. Heinlein, then please keep in mind that this was written in the year 1948. The author renewed the copyright in 1975. I stress this because even though the story begins in July 2075, there are a few references to events that supposably happened in OUR past, such as the notation of the person who created the Patrol's Tradition who lived 1969 - 1996.

The fact that Robert A. Heinlein's novels are still being published today clearly expresses how outstanding readers find his science fiction novels. Once you read this, or any other novel by Heinlein, you will have no doubt as to how the man came about being crowned "The Master of Science Fiction". ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.