Astrotwins: Project Blastoff

Mark Kelly

ISBN 10: 148141545X / ISBN 13: 9781481415453

Published by Simon and Schuster, US, 2015

About this Item

A team of middle schoolers prepares for blastoff in this adventure from the author of the New York Times bestselling Mousetronaut, based on the childhoods of real-life astronauts Mark Kelly and his twin brother Scott.It's a long, hot summer and Scott and Mark are in big trouble for taking apart (aka destroying) their dad's calculator. As a punishment, they're sent to their grandfather's house, where there's no TV and they have to do chores. And Grandpa is less tolerant of the twins' constant bickering. "Why don't you two work together on something constructive. What if you built a go-kart or something?" Grandpa suggests.But it's not a go-kart the twins are interested in. They want to build a rocket. With the help of Jenny, nicknamed Egg, and a crew of can-do kids, they set out to build a real rocket that will blast off and orbit the Earth. The question soon becomes: which twin will get to be the astronaut?Written by a NASA astronaut with four space flights under his belt, this exciting story includes extensive back matter on the space program with fantastic facts and details. Read more Continue reading Read less FROM SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNALGr 4-6-When 12-year-old twins Mark and Scott Kelly ruin their parents' calculator after they take it apart (an expensive item in the mid-1970s), they are sent to spend some time with their grandfather at his Greenwood Lake home. He suggests that they channel their formidable energy into building a go-kart. They decide to pursue their interest in the space program instead and build a rocket ship. While they are admittedly indifferent students, the gregarious twins have smart friends. Soon, in finest NASA tradition, they have built a team that includes a math whiz, a science genius, and someone with a computer, among other terrifically skilled kids. They spend hours researching in the library, sharing, collaborating, and arguing. They convince the unsuspecting adults in their lives to chauffer, mentor, and supply, all with the promise that they aren't going to "blow anything up." This lively tale requires a huge suspension of disbelief; readers who can let go and enjoy the ride will find much to like in these spirited siblings pursuing their passion and negotiating egos as well as obstacles. Coauthored by retired astronaut and U.S. Navy Captain Kelly, this series opener is perfect for teachers and librarians looking for fiction embedded with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concepts. VERDICT The characters are likable, the dialogue is enlightening as well as snappy, and the adventure is grand; a fine purchase for middle grade collections.-Brenda Kahn, Tenakill Middle School, Closter, NJ REVIEWWith co-author Freeman, Kelly takes readers back to 1975, when long-distance telephone calls cost money, calculators were expensive luxuries, and Americans fizzed with excitement about the U.S. space program.Former astronaut Kelly takes a cool biographical fact-he and his identical twin brother, Scott, are th.

Seller Inventory # LU-9781481415453

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Astrotwins: Project Blastoff
• Publisher: Simon and Schuster, US
• Publication Date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 148141545X
• ISBN 13: 9781481415453
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: New
• Dimensions: 5.5W x 0.9H x 8.25D inches 5.5 inches width by 0.9 inches height by 8.25 inches depth

About this title

Synopsis

A team of middle schoolers prepares for blastoff in this adventure from the author of the New York Times bestselling Mousetronaut, based on the childhoods of real-life astronauts Mark Kelly and his twin brother Scott.

It's a long, hot summer and Scott and Mark are in big trouble for taking apart (aka destroying) their dad's calculator. As a punishment, they're sent to their grandfather's house, where there's no TV and they have to do chores. And Grandpa is less tolerant of the twins' constant bickering. "Why don't you two work together on something constructive. What if you built a go-kart or something?" Grandpa suggests.

But it's not a go-kart the twins are interested in. They want to build a rocket. With the help of Jenny, nicknamed Egg, and a crew of can-do kids, they set out to build a real rocket that will blast off and orbit the Earth. The question soon becomes: which twin will get to be the astronaut?

Written by a NASA astronaut with four space flights under his belt, this exciting story includes extensive back matter on the space program with fantastic facts and details.

About the Authors

Mark Kelly has served as the US Senator from Arizona since 2020. He was a captain in the United States Navy when he commanded the final mission of space shuttle Endeavour in May 2011. A veteran of four space flights to the International Space Station, he is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy and holds a master's degree from the US Naval Postgraduate School.

Martha Freeman worked as a reporter and teacher before becoming a full-time writer of books for young readers, including the Edgar Award-nominated Zap!, Born Curious, The Secret Cookie Club series, Who Stole Halloween?, and Effie Starr Zook Has One More Question, which School Library Journal called "accessible and exciting" in a starred review. She also collaborated with NASA astronaut Mark Kelly on the Astrotwins books. Martha lives in Oregon. Learn more at MarthaFreeman.com.