83. I Am Neil Armstrong, by Brad Meltzer

 83. I Am Neil Armstrong, by Brad Meltzer


Meltzer, B. (2018).  I am Neil Armstrong. NY: Dial Books for Young Readers.

Brad Meltzer has written an excellent biography series for younger readers called Ordinary People Change the World.  This volume tells the story of Neil Armstrong from his childhood on a farm in Ohio to a career as an engineer and pilot in the Navy and through his trials at becoming one of America’s first astronauts and how he eventually became the first person on the moon.  This series not only tells about their successes, but also their failures and how they never give up on their dreams.  They always include the hero’s childhood influences.  The series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great—the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves.  At the back are an excellent timeline and photos. 

As a former elementary social studies teacher, I have to say these books are excellent for young readers.  The vocabulary is simple and there are not a lot of details that young students can’t understand.  They are simple and to the point.   I found a site on the whole series of books that I am including below.  I also found an activity guide on Teachers Pay Teachers.  It has vocabulary, STEM activities, discussion questions and writing prompts.

 https://www.ordinarypeoplechangetheworld.com/Books/

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/I-am-Neil-Armstrong-by-Brad-Meltzer-4345609?st=4edd2b316d7151d4d2a873b6becb9cc8

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