Fly High, John Glenn: The Story of an American Hero

by Kathleen Krull (Author) Maurizio A C Quarello (Illustrator)

Fly High, John Glenn: The Story of an American Hero
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

The inspiring, deeply patriotic true story of John Glenn, a true hero who not only changed America's contribution to space exploration but also spent his life proudly serving his country in many ways. This is a gorgeous picture book to introduce younger readers to John Glenn, from award-winning author Kathleen Krull and illustrator Maurizio A. C. Quarello.

This nonfiction picture book was named one of Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year.

John Glenn wasn't just the first American to orbit Earth. He was a family man, a soldier, a United States senator, and a national hero. He laid the groundwork for future star voyagers and dreamers everywhere. From the time he was a child, John Glenn loved flying. Later he did so by flying airplanes for the U.S. military, and then when space travel became a possibility, he trained for years to become an astronaut. John had to push his mind and body to the brink. But he loved his country more than anything and wanted to serve, including flying into the great unknown.

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Hardcover
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School Library Journal

Starred Review

Gr 1-5--Krull's picture book biography is a patriotic tribute to an American hero. John Glenn's passion for planes and flying is made abundantly clear, starting with his days as a boy in small-town Ohio, to his time as a fighter pilot during World War II, followed by his career as a test pilot for the military, and finally as an astronaut. The extensive text includes many details that will appeal to children, like the rigorous testing and training that Glenn endured in order to earn a place in Project Mercury, NASA's official human spaceflight program. The text and illustrations highlighting Glenn's orbit are breathtaking and showcase a little bit of Earth's geography as viewed from space. Krull consistently emphasizes the importance of family to Glenn; many of the drawings exemplify the love and support that helped Glenn chase his dreams. Quarello beautifully depicts Glenn in flight--both in planes and rocket ships. The author's note provides additional information about Glenn's life, including his service in the U.S. Senate from 1974 to 1999. Back matter features a time line and a bibliography. VERDICT A highly recommended purchase that will have wide appeal for young readers and would be useful in the classroom to teach a variety of lessons.--Theresa Muraski, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Library

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Publishers Weekly

A passion for flight is the through-line in this straightforward picture book biography of astronaut John Glenn. Krull narrates the key events of Glenn's life, from his childhood in "small-town Ohio" and lifelong partnership with his childhood sweetheart, Annie, to his storied career as a pilot--fighting in WWII, testing military planes, and voyaging in NASA's Friendship 7, becoming "the first American to orbit Earth, majestically circling it three times." Krull's narrative spends the most time on his first historic space flight (Glenn returned at age 77, becoming the oldest person to fly in space), carefully relating extensive preparation details ("He was also tested mentally, with 566 questions to determine his steadiness") and the dramatic details of the mission: "Then, suddenly, the radio cut out for five long minutes. Everyone feared the worst." Quarello's detailed, painterly illustrations complement the text's meticulous, laudatory tone. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"This vivid portrayal is full of exhilaration and suspense and will doubtlessly create new fans and inspire or increase a love of space exploration. Captures the excitement of space travel while creating a warm portrait of an innovative explorer." — Kirkus Reviews

"Krull's picture book biography is a patriotic tribute to an American hero. The text and illustrations highlighting Glenn's orbit are breathtaking. A highly recommended purchase that will have wide appeal for young readers." — School Library Journal (starred review)

Kathleen Krull
Kathleen Krull (1952-2021) was the author of over 100 books, including No Truth Without Ruth: The Life of Ruth Bader; A Woman for President: The Story of Victoria Woodhull; Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought); The Only Woman in the Photo; and other acclaimed biographies for young readers. Visit her website at KathleenKrull.com.

Alexandra Bye is a freelance illustrator specializing in fun, colorful illustrations for a variety of media such as editorial and children's publications. Her work is constantly inspired by her flourishing New England community and reflects the energy and dynamic personality of hometown pride. In her free time, she enjoys mountain biking, Nordic ski racing, Jiu Jitsu, studying nutritional therapy, and hiking in the White Mountains with her dog, Oliver.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780062747143
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
HarperCollins
Publication date
February 04, 2020
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF025210 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | United States/20th Century
JNF007090 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Science & Technology
JNF051010 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Technology | Aeronautics, Astronautics & Space Science
Library of Congress categories
United States
Astronauts
Legislators
Glenn, John

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