neil armstrong biography book

Book Review: First Man – The Life of Neil A. Armstrong

• April 1, 2008
• Book Reviews , Book Reviews: Non-Fiction
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Category: Non-Fiction Reviewed by: Leonard David Reprinted from Ad Astra Fall 2005 Title: First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong Author: James R. Hansen NSS Amazon link for this book Format: Hardbound / Paperback Pages: 784 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Date: 2005 / 2006 Retail price: $30.00 / $18.00 ISBN: 074325631X / 0743257510

Neil Armstrong’s historic first footfall—by an engineer, not a scientist—onto the Moon took place on July 20, 1969. It was a communal global event that underscored humanity’s ravenous quest to explore new horizons, while at the same time becoming the technological high-water mark for the 20th century. And as the future unfolds before us, the story behind the first landing of humans on the Moon remains a saga of human spirit, engineering expertise, and the gutsy risk-taking that paid off in the end.

That being said, Armstrong himself has long been enigmatic in recounting his most private of reflections regarding this seminal episode in space history, and the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding the most important “step” in human space exploration.

Arguably, Armstrong over the decades has been a cloistered superhero of space: his post-landing point of view has largely been MIA. There are many that for whatever reason, pigeonhole the moonwalker as an aloof, introverted Howard Hughes-like eccentric.

I was fortunate in the 1980s to have worked with Armstrong. He was a valued member of the National Commission on Space (NCOS), a U.S.-government sponsored futurist look at America’s ongoing commitment to pioneering the space frontier. As part of the staff for NCOS, I can testify that, yes, Armstrong is quiet, reserved and soft-spoken. But that demeanor is a soft shell for his passionate and intense professionalism, and above all his steadfast determination to tackle tough problems. Anybody who has a one-on-one rendezvous with Armstrong can see why he was anointed by NASA higher-ups as best suited for the First Man job. (In the interest of full disclosure, I add that Armstrong is on the board of lmaginova Corp., the parent company of SPACE.com, for which I am the senior space writer.)

First Man is a blunt and frank look into Armstrong’s personal trajectory that catapulted him into hero-astronaut status. This book is the first-ever authorized biography, masterfully written by James Hansen, a professor of history at Auburn University in Alabama. The volume is a product of new interviews with Armstrong himself, his immediate family—including his former wife of 38 years and his current wife—along with countless colleagues spread across the United States.

Don’t jump right into Apollo 11’s triumphant touchdown on the Moon because you’d only be cheating yourself as a reader. That section, roughly halfway into the volume, is spectacular in detail, and replete with viewpoints regarding the controversial “first out” decision concerning the Eagle lunar lander (Armstrong or Buzz Aldrin?), but you have to take your own walk back into Armstrong’s past to best understand the person who took that historic first step onto the Moon.

In a chapter titled “Amiable Strangers”—a term coined by Apollo 11’s Michael Collins—Hansen skillfully details the background of each crew member. The comparatively distant relationships of this famous trio, given the distance they covered to get to the Moon, is held in contrast to other Apollo crews. Armstrong, in tongue in cheek fashion, recalls it as simply a Navy guy getting along with his two fellow Air Force astronauts.

From a kid who took his first airplane ride at about 6 years of age to a test pilot, and then an astronaut—Armstrong is shown to be first and foremost an aeronautical engineer. Armstrong, in the mid-to-late 1950s flew some of the most hot-shot, high-performance and risk-laden aircraft the country had to offer. That roster of craft included the X-15 rocket plane, where he tackled that vehicle’s flight control system. Armstrong also served as a civilian consultant to the military’s hoped for—but later cancelled—DynaSoar space plane.

Hansen does a first-rate job of handling both the tragedies and triumphs of Armstrong’s life. In some cases, there is a drawing back of the curtain as to the astronaut’s own ability to cope with personal and not so personal issues. Still, there remains guarded insight that even Hansen could not extract from the moonwalker. The author delves into the heartbreaking loss of Armstrong’s infant daughter to a brain tumor, the death of fellow teammates in the horrific Apollo 1 on-the-pad accident, and his own close-call with death when he ejected from an out-of-control Lunar Landing Training Vehicle.

Ironically, Hansen writes, the first man on the Moon submitted his astronaut application a week late. Only through the intervention of some well-placed associates did the tardy application make its way into a pile of astronaut hopefuls. In fact, Armstrong says that the appealing part of becoming an astronaut was not so much shooting for the Moon. Rather, flying in a completely new medium was the attraction, he relates.

And as the Mercury single-seat space capsule program drew to a close, Armstrong made the astronaut cut, and was selected to be one of the “New Nine.” Three and a half years later, in March 1966, he commanded Gemini 8 with fellow astronaut David Scott.

That mission was cut short by spacecraft problems, which approached near calamitous proportions before it was finally aborted. A stuck thruster on the Gemini spacecraft had put them in a spin so fast that they could have lost consciousness, but Armstrong pulled out all the stops to regain control. It was a lifesaving action, but one that the future moonwalker now recalls having worried both Gemini 8 astronauts about jeopardizing their chances for future flights.

The fallout from the short-lived Gemini 8 flight is detailed by Hansen thanks to Armstrong’s recollections—including his counter to criticisms from other Apollo astronauts about his rapid decision-making that curtailed the Gemini 8 mission. As pointed out by Gemini and Apollo astronaut, Frank Borman, the public wasn’t privy to how close Gemini 8 came to out-and-out disaster—ranking as an Apollo 13-like crisis, but not as time consuming—with judgments made by Armstrong and Scott seen as justified given the situation.

While many books have been written about the Apollo program, and specifically the touchdown of Apollo 11’s Eagle on the Moon, Hansen has written a fresh, exciting and still finger-biting tale of how the first astronaut-landing on neighboring Luna was achieved. It remains an amazing story. Armstrong recounts his manual touchdown, drawing upon his piloting abilities while finding out in real-time that the lunar module flew better than he expected. In a cool, matter-of-fact tone, he relates eyeing a layer of curiously moving lunar dust—the product of Eagle ‘s thrusting decent engine—and not being panic stricken about rapidly diminishing fuel reserves.

Armstrong’s reminiscences add new vibrancy to an adventure that occurred over three decades ago, especially when he describes how he guided Eagle in for too light a landing. Later Apollo missions would purposefully land harder. The touchdown resulted in the Apollo 11 moonwalkers having to jump far up and down the ladder affixed to the lunar lander.

Furthermore, readers will be delighted to learn of just how that priceless one-liner—”That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”—truly came to be, with Armstrong still bemused about that apparent missing “a” that was seemingly lost in Moon-to-Earth translation. He admits that he’s not particularly articulate, hoping that history grants him a little leeway if he indeed did slip up!

Even as the dust settles on the retelling of the grand steps taken by Armstrong and Aldrin on the moon—while Collins remained in lunar orbit—the author moves quickly into the “astronaut as icon” years. Here the reader learns just how such fame plays havoc on the personal reentry into society of being the “First Man.”

Following the Moon landing and in departing NASA in 1971, Armstrong was offered plenty of private-sector opportunities—but remained hungry to stay in engineering, taking on a professorship at the University of Cincinnati that lasted some 8 years. Later he became engaged in several different corporate involvements, as well as promoting charitable causes in and around his state of birth, Ohio. Readers will find Armstrong’s recollection as vice chairman of the Rogers Commission that investigated the Challenger accident quite telling, given the subsequent Columbia mishap. The book closes with a look at Armstrong’s more recent years, including a heart attack, a rejuvenating remarriage, and a variety of outgoing and public activities into 2005.

In his acknowledgements, written in April 2005, author James Hansen wraps up First Man by first thanking Armstrong for his full and generous support, which was a key element in Hansen’s technically accurate, scholarly yet independent and accessible biography. This is a treasure trove of a book infused with new factoids and clarifications that deserves reading.

I found this book a delightful read. While there is a handy guide to abbreviations used—space history tales are filled with them—a general, not so sophisticated space cadet, should find the book a captivating journey. For the true space aficionado, there are meticulous notes for each chapter, showing Hansen’s careful research skills and attention to detail. Additionally, there is a bibliography of primary and secondary sources, archival collections, and other documents used to write First Man , as well as lists of interviews conducted. The book achieves what its author set out to do: provide a penetrating look into the most celebrated astronaut in history.

Hansen explains that he gave the “Armstrong project” his absolute best, for the reader, for posterity, as well as for Neil.

Indeed, mission accomplished and a perfect touchdown.

Note: In 2008, Universal acquired rights to this book and plans to make it into a film.

© 2005-2008 Leonard David

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First man : the life of Neil A. Armstrong

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Early life and career

Moon landing, timeline of the apollo program, later career.

What was Neil Armstrong’s childhood like?

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Why is Neil Armstrong famous?

Neil Armstrong is famous for being the first person to set foot on the Moon . He was a part of the Apollo 11 spaceflight alongside Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins . Apollo 11’s success in 1969 opened a new era of space exploration .

Neil Armstrong grew up in Wapakoneta, Ohio, as the eldest of three children. At age six he flew on an airplane for the first time, an experience that ignited in him a passion for aviation . He earned his pilot’s license on his 16th birthday and became a naval air cadet the following year.

How did Neil Armstrong get involved with NASA?

After earning a degree in aeronautical engineering from Purdue University in 1955, Neil Armstrong became a civilian research pilot for what would later become the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He flew more than 2,450 hours before joining the space program in 1962.

On July 20, 1969, some 600 million television viewers watched the Apollo 11 Moon landing. Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar soil and said, “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.” He and crewmate Buzz Aldrin departed after over 21 hours of scientific tests and sample collection on the Moon.

After their successful Apollo 11 mission in 1969, Neil Armstrong and his crewmates toured over 20 countries to celebrate a new era of space exploration . Armstrong received the Presidential Medal of Freedom that year. He resigned from NASA in 1971 and immersed himself in various academic and professional pursuits for the rest of his life.

Neil Armstrong (born August 5, 1930, Wapakoneta, Ohio , U.S.—died August 25, 2012, Cincinnati , Ohio) was a U.S. astronaut , and the first person to set foot on the Moon .

Neil Armstrong was the eldest of three children born to Viola Louise Engel and Stephen Koenig Armstrong, a state auditor. Neil’s passion for aviation and flight was kindled when he took his first airplane ride at age 6. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America and earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable. He became a licensed pilot on his 16th birthday and a naval air cadet in 1947. His studies in aeronautical engineering at Purdue University in West Lafayette , Indiana , were interrupted in 1950 by his service in the Korean War , during which he was shot down once and was awarded three Air Medals. He completed his degree in 1955 and immediately became a civilian research pilot for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), later the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He flew more than 1,100 hours, testing various supersonic fighters as well as the X-15 rocket plane.

In 1962 Armstrong joined the space program with its second group of astronauts. On March 16, 1966, Armstrong, as command pilot of Gemini 8 , and David R. Scott rendezvoused with an unmanned Agena rocket and completed the first manual space docking maneuver. After the docking, a rocket thruster malfunction sent the spacecraft into an uncontrolled spin and forced them to separate from the Agena. Armstrong then regained control of the Gemini craft and made an emergency splashdown in the Pacific Ocean .

On July 16, 1969, Armstrong, along with Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr. , and Michael Collins , blasted off in the Apollo 11 vehicle toward the Moon ( see Apollo program ). Four days later, at 4:17 pm U.S. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), the Eagle lunar landing module, guided manually by Armstrong, touched down on a plain near the southwestern edge of the Sea of Tranquility ( Mare Tranquillitatis ). At 10:56 pm EDT on July 20, 1969, Armstrong stepped from the Eagle onto the Moon’s dusty surface with the words, “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.” (In the excitement of the moment, Armstrong skipped the “a” in the statement that he had prepared.) Armstrong and Aldrin left the module for more than two hours and deployed scientific instruments, collected surface samples, and took numerous photographs.

On July 21, after 21 hours and 36 minutes on the Moon, they lifted off to rendezvous with Collins and begin the voyage back to Earth . After splashdown in the Pacific at 12:51 pm EDT on July 24, the three astronauts spent 18 days in quarantine to guard against possible contamination by lunar microbes. During the days that followed, and during a tour of 21 nations, they were hailed for their part in the opening of a new era in human exploration of the universe .

Between 1968 and 1972, 24 Apollo astronauts visited the Moon, and 12 of them walked on its surface. Scroll through the timeline of the Apollo missions that led the United States to land the first humans on the Moon, and see how Armstrong fits into this storied history.

Armstrong resigned from NASA in 1971. After Apollo 11 he shied away from being a public figure and confined himself to academic and professional endeavors. From 1971 to 1979 he was professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati (Ohio). After 1979 Armstrong served as chairman or director for a number of companies, among them Computing Technologies for Aviation from 1982 to 1992 and AIL Systems (later EDO Corporation), a maker of electronic equipment for the military, from 1977 until his retirement in 2002. He also served on the National Commission on Space (NCOS), a panel charged with setting goals for the space program, and on the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident, the group appointed in 1986 to analyze the safety failures in the Challenger disaster . He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969, the Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 1978, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2009.

Neil Armstrong

Astronaut, military pilot and educator, Neil Armstrong made history on July 20, 1969, by becoming the first man to walk on the moon.

(1930-2012)

Who Was Neil Armstrong?

Neil Armstrong was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio, on August 5, 1930. After serving in the Korean War and then finishing college, he joined the organization that would become NASA. Armstrong entered the astronaut program in 1962, and was command pilot for his first mission, Gemini VIII, in 1966. He was spacecraft commander for Apollo 11 , the first manned lunar mission, and became the first man to walk on the moon. Armstrong died shortly after undergoing heart surgery in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2012.

Military Service

Armstrong developed a fascination with flight at an early age and earned his student pilot's license when he was 16. In 1947, Armstrong began his studies in aeronautical engineering at Purdue University on a U.S. Navy scholarship.

In 1949, as part of his scholarship, Armstrong trained as a pilot in the Navy. He began seeing active service in the Korean War two years later and went on to fly 78 combat missions during this military conflict.

After earning his release from active duty in 1952, Armstrong returned to college.

Joining NASA

A few years later, Armstrong joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). For this government agency, he worked in a number of different capacities, including serving as a test pilot and an engineer. He tested many high-speed aircraft, including the X-15, which could reach a top speed of 4,000 miles per hour.

Astronaut Program

In 1962, Armstrong entered the NASA astronaut program. He and his family moved to Houston, Texas, and Armstrong served as the command pilot for his first mission, Gemini VIII. He and fellow astronaut David Scott were launched into the earth's orbit on March 16, 1966. While in orbit, they were able to briefly dock their space capsule with the Gemini Agena target vehicle. This was the first time two vehicles had successfully docked in space. During this maneuver, however, they experienced some problems and had to cut their mission short. They landed in the Pacific Ocean nearly 11 hours after the mission's start and were later rescued by the U.S.S. Mason .

Moon Landing

At 10:56 p.m., Armstrong exited the Lunar Module. He said, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," as he made his famous first step on the moon. For about two and a half hours, Armstrong and Aldrin collected samples and conducted experiments. They also took photographs, including their own footprints.

Returning on July 24, 1969, the Apollo 11 craft came down in the Pacific Ocean west of Hawaii. The crew and the craft were picked up by the U.S.S. Hornet , and the three astronauts were put into quarantine for three weeks.

Before long, the three Apollo 11 astronauts were given a warm welcome home. Crowds lined the streets of New York City to cheer on the famous heroes who were honored in a ticker-tape parade. Armstrong received numerous awards for his efforts, including the Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.

Later Contributions

Armstrong remained with NASA, serving as deputy associate administrator for aeronautics until 1971. After leaving NASA, he joined the faculty of the University of Cincinnati as a professor of aerospace engineering. Armstrong remained at the university for eight years. Staying active in his field, he served as the chairman of Computing Technologies for Aviation, Inc., from 1982 to 1992.

Helping out at a difficult time, Armstrong served as vice chairman of the Presidential Commission on the space shuttle Challenger accident in 1986. The commission investigated the explosion of the Challenger on January 28, 1986, which took the lives of its crew, including schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe .

Despite being one of the most famous astronauts in history, Armstrong largely shied away from the public eye. In a rare interview for the news program 60 Minutes in 2005, he described the moon to interviewer Ed Bradley: "It's a brilliant surface in that sunlight. The horizon seems quite close to you because the curvature is so much more pronounced than here on earth. It's an interesting place to be. I recommend it."

Even in his final years, Armstrong remained committed to space exploration. The press-shy astronaut returned to the spotlight in 2010 to express his concerns over changes made to the U.S. space program. He testified in Congress against President Barack Obama 's decision to cancel the Constellation program, which included another mission to the moon. Obama also sought to encourage private companies to get involved in the space travel business and to move forward with more unmanned space missions.

Taking this new decision, Armstrong said, would cost the United States its leadership position in space exploration. "America is respected for its contributions it has made in learning to sail on this new ocean. If the leadership we have acquired through our investment is simply allowed to fade away, other nations will surely step in where we have faltered. I do not believe that would be in our best interests," he told Congress.

'First Man' Book and Movie

The iconic astronaut's authorized biography, First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong , was published in 2005. It was written by James R. Hansen, who conducted interviews with Armstrong, as well as his family, friends and associates.

The book was later adapted for a biopic, with First Man hitting theaters in 2018. Directed by Damien Chazelle , the film starred Ryan Gosling as Armstrong, with Claire Foy, Jason Clarke and Kyle Chandler in supporting roles.

Personal Life

Armstrong married Janet Shearon on January 28, 1956. The couple soon added to their family. Son Eric arrived in 1957, followed by daughter Karen in 1959. Sadly, Karen died of complications related to an inoperable brain tumor in January 1962. The following year, the Armstrongs welcomed their third child, son Mark.

Following his divorce from Janet in 1994, Armstrong married his second wife, Carol Held Knight.

Death & Controversy

Armstrong underwent a heart bypass operation at a hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, in August 2012. Two weeks later, on August 25, 2012, the 82-year-old Armstrong died of complications from the operation.

Shortly after his death, his family released a statement: "For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink."

News of Armstrong's death quickly spread around the world. President Obama was among those offering tributes to the late space pioneer, declaring: "Neil was among the greatest of American heroes — not just of his time, but of all time."

Aldrin added: "I know I am joined by millions of others in mourning the passing of a true American hero and the best pilot I ever knew. My friend Neil took the small step but giant leap that changed the world and will forever be remembered as a landmark moment in human history."

In July 2019, shortly after celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, The New York Times reported on a previously unknown controversy surrounding the astronaut's death. According to The Times , after Armstrong checked into Mercy Health — Fairfield Hospital with symptoms of heart disease in August 2012, doctors made a questionable decision to immediately perform bypass surgery. Afterward, when the removal of temporary wires for a pacemaker resulted in internal bleeding, another questionable move was made to bring Armstrong to a catheterization lab instead of directly to an operating room.

The hospital eventually reached a $6 million settlement with Armstrong's surviving family, with the stipulation that the details surrounding the medical care and settlement remain private.

QUICK FACTS

• Name: Neil Armstrong
• Birth Year: 1930
• Birth date: August 5, 1930
• Birth State: Ohio
• Birth City: Wapakoneta
• Birth Country: United States
• Gender: Male
• Best Known For: Astronaut, military pilot and educator, Neil Armstrong made history on July 20, 1969, by becoming the first man to walk on the moon.
• Space Exploration
• Science and Medicine
• Astrological Sign: Leo
• University of Cincinnati
• Purdue University
• Death Year: 2012
• Death date: August 25, 2012
• Death State: Ohio
• Death City: Cincinnati
• Death Country: United States

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• It's a brilliant surface in that sunlight. The horizon seems quite close to you because the curvature is so much more pronounced than here on earth. It's an interesting place to be. I recommend it. [Describing the moon.]
• That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.
• America is respected for its contributions it has made in learning to sail on this new ocean. If the leadership we have acquired through our investment is simply allowed to fade away, other nations will surely step in where we have faltered. I do not believe that would be in our best interests.
• The exciting part for me, as a pilot, was the landing on the moon.
• A century hence, 2000 may be viewed as quite a primitive period in human history. It's something to hope for.
• There are great ideas undiscovered, breakthroughs available to those who can remove one of truth's protective layers. There are places to go beyond belief.
• I think we're going to the moon because it's in the nature of the human being to face challenges. It's by the nature of his deep inner soul. We're required to do these things just as salmon swim upstream.
• Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.

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The Story of Neil Armstrong: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers (The Story of Biographies) Paperback – August 4, 2020

Discover the life of Neil Armstrong―a story about working hard and achieving the impossible for kids ages 6 to 9

Neil Armstrong became the first person ever to step foot on the moon. Before he flew space missions and made history with his moon landing, Neil was a curious kid who loved putting together model airplanes. He dreamed about pushing the boundaries of flight and studied hard in school to achieve his goals.

Explore how Neil went from being a young boy growing up in Ohio to one of the most famous astronauts in the entire world (and beyond!). How will his can-do attitude and strong dedication inspire you?

• Independent reading ―This Neil Armstrong biography is broken down into short chapters and simple language so kids 6 to 9 can read and learn on their own.
• Critical thinking ―Kids will learn the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Neil's life, find definitions of new words, discussion questions, and more. 
• A lasting legacy ―Find out how Neil Armstrong went from curious kid to famous astronaut.

How will Neil Armstrong's story inspire you?

Discover activists, artists, athletes, and more from across history with the rest of the Story Of series, including famous figures like: Leonardo da Vinci, the Wright Brothers, Amelia Earhart, Albert Einstein, and Marie Curie.

• Part of series The Story of Biographies
• Print length 64 pages
• Language English
• Grade level 1 - 2
• Lexile measure 810L
• Dimensions 5.83 x 0.16 x 8.27 inches
• Publisher Callisto Kids
• Publication date August 4, 2020
• ISBN-10 1646115309
• ISBN-13 978-1646115303
• See all details

From the Publisher

Learn more about the life of Neil Armstrong:

Editorial Reviews

About the author.

Sarah L. Thomson has published more than 30 books, including prose and poetry, fiction and nonfiction, picture books, and novels. She worked as an editor at HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster before becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Portland, Maine. Learn more about her work at SarahLThomson.com.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Callisto Kids (August 4, 2020)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 64 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1646115309
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1646115303
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9 years, from customers
• Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 810L
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 1 - 2
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.99 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.83 x 0.16 x 8.27 inches
• #49 in Children's Science Biographies (Books)
• #73 in Children's Historical Biographies (Books)

About the author

Sarah l. thomson.

Sarah L. Thomson has written over thirty books for young readers, including poetry, prose, fiction and nonfiction. Her recent books include Cub's BIG World, which School Library Journal called “a big must-have" and Deadly Flowers: A Ninja's Tale, which Booklist called “genuinely thrilling." She lives in Portland, Maine.

Customer reviews

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 85% 9% 3% 1% 2% 85%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 85% 9% 3% 1% 2% 9%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 85% 9% 3% 1% 2% 3%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 85% 9% 3% 1% 2% 1%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 85% 9% 3% 1% 2% 2%

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Customers say

Customers find the book informative and easy to read. They also say it has content for every interest.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the book has content for every interest and that kids enjoy reading it. They also say they learn about history and don't get bored with it.

" Kids loved the book . We read it for our One Giant Leap leap day." Read more

"Very easy read. Informative and my daughter really enjoyed it ." Read more

" Great book for my 8 year old!" Read more

"Kids enjoyed reading. Learned about history , didn’t get bored with it. Small test in back for comprehension. History is always a plus." Read more

Customers find the book informative, easy to read, and mention that there is a small test in the back for comprehension.

" Very easy read . Informative and my daughter really enjoyed it." Read more

"...Learned about history, didn’t get bored with it. Small test in back for comprehension . History is always a plus." Read more

"informative and easy to read ..." Read more

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The Story of Neil Armstrong: A Biography Book for New Readers (The Story Of: A Biography Series for New Readers): An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers Kindle Edition

Discover the life of Neil Armstrong—a story about working hard and achieving the impossible for kids ages 6 to 9 Neil Armstrong became the first person ever to step foot on the moon. Before he flew space missions and made history with his moon landing, Neil was a curious kid who loved putting together model airplanes. He dreamed about pushing the boundaries of flight and studied hard in school to achieve his goals. Explore how Neil went from being a young boy growing up in Ohio to one of the most famous astronauts in the entire world (and beyond!). How will his can-do attitude and strong dedication inspire you?

• Independent reading —This Neil Armstrong biography is broken down into short chapters and simple language so kids 6 to 9 can read and learn on their own.
• Critical thinking —Kids will learn the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Neil's life, find definitions of new words, discussion questions, and more.
• A lasting legacy —Find out how Neil Armstrong went from curious kid to famous astronaut.

How will Neil Armstrong's story inspire you? Discover activists, artists, athletes, and more from across history with the rest of the Story Of series, including famous figures like: Leonardo da Vinci, the Wright Brothers, Amelia Earhart, Albert Einstein, and Marie Curie.

• Reading age 6 - 8 years
• Part of series The Story of Biographies
• Print length 66 pages
• Language English
• Publication date 21 July 2020
• Page Flip Enabled
• Word Wise Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting Enabled
• See all details

Shop this series

• First 3 ₹1,039.00
• First 5 ₹1,937.00
• First 10 ₹3,557.00
• All 47 available ₹18,334.40

This option includes 3 books.

This option includes 5 books., this option includes 10 books., this option includes 47 books..

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Product description

About the author, product details.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08C72SSGG
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rockridge Press (21 July 2020)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 5265 KB
• Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 66 pages
• #1,592 in Biographies for Children (Books)
• #244,431 in Kindle eBooks

About the author

Sarah l. thomson.

Sarah L. Thomson has written over thirty books for young readers, including poetry, prose, fiction and nonfiction. Her recent books include Cub's BIG World, which School Library Journal called “a big must-have" and Deadly Flowers: A Ninja's Tale, which Booklist called “genuinely thrilling." She lives in Portland, Maine.

Customer reviews

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 82% 12% 4% 1% 2% 82%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 82% 12% 4% 1% 2% 12%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 82% 12% 4% 1% 2% 4%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 82% 12% 4% 1% 2% 1%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 82% 12% 4% 1% 2% 2%
• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

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