Ilan Ramon: First Israeli Astronaut

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-A brief introduction to the life and career of the Israeli astronaut who died in the February, 2003, Columbia disaster. Ramon's early years and family, his career as a pilot in the Israeli Air Force, and his selection as an astronaut are covered in a readable, but sometimes cursory style. There is information on his duties on board the space shuttle, but the text does not dwell on the details of Columbia's breakup. Two-page inserts add supporting details on the shuttle, astronauts' jobs, and food in space. The excellent-quality color photos show Ramon at work and in his private life, and the author's research is impeccably documented. Overall, an appealing and informative book that conveys sincere admiration for the man and his accomplishments.Jeffrey A. French, Euclid Public Library, OHCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Gr. 3-5. Stone recounts the life of Israel's first astronaut, born Ilan Wolferman, who died in February 2003 aboard the space shuttle Columbia. The son of an Israeli freedom fighter and a Holocaust survivor, Ramon became a top fighter pilot in the Israeli Air Force before obtaining degrees in electronics and computer engineering and being chosen as Israel's first astronaut. Stone emphasizes that although Ramon was not religious, he chose to take several Jewish mementos aboard the shuttle because he realized others would note the symbolism. Nearly half the text deals with Ramon's journey into space, and the descriptions of the wide variety of scientific experiments performed will be welcomed as that information was not generally reported in the aftermath of the Columbia tragedy. Appended with a chronology, a bibliography, and list of Web sites, this will be a solid addition to biography collections. Kay Weisman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


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When the spaceship Columbia attempted to return home from space on February 1, 2003, something went terribly wrong. The spaceship was destroyed on its way back to Earth killing seven brave heroes. Ilan Ramon was among them. Ramon was born in Israel to Jewish parents from Poland and Germany who had suffered for their faith during World War II. Ramon served as a fighter pilot in the Israeli Air Force, and then was asked if he wanted to become an astronaut. He didn't hesitate and moved his family to America where he would train. Ramon conducted experiments in space including experiments put together by students from all over the world. This biography not only includes information about Ilan Ramon and his contributions to the Columbia mission, but it also includes details about space shuttles, food in space, jobs in space, and full color pictures detailing Ramon's life on Earth and in space. This biography about this recent hero would be a great addition to any classroom or library. 2003, The Millbrook Press, Ages 8 to 12.


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