Liftoff: A Photobiography of John Glenn

Liftoff: A Photobiography Of John Glen by Don Mitchell. National Geographic.

The Plot: A biography of John Glenn, for ages 7 to 11, with lots of photos.

The Good: Wow, John Glenn doesn't know the meaning of retirement, does he? Always doing something, including a second trip into space.

What is most impressive is Glenn's continued dedication to serving; serving his country, serving the people of his country, at all stages of his life, from war hero to test pilot, astronaut to senator. He pushes himself; but for something that's more important than him. Kids will pick it up because he was an astronaut, but be intrigued (and perhaps inspired) to find out that there is much more to the man than those years.

But, of course, the most exciting part is the risks he took as an astronaut and the Mercury flights.

Liftoff is not just about liftoff into space; it's also about liftoff into a life that is about "what can I do for others" rather than "what can I do for me."

Links: The cynsations interview. The film The Right Stuff(Ed Harris plays Glenn.)