Ilan Ramon: Israel's First Astronaut Book

A biography of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon, who died in the explosion of the space shuttle Columbia on February 1, 2003.

Marcie Flinchum Atkins - Children's Literature

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.