Ilan Ramon: Jewish Star

By Devra Newberger Speregen

Book Overview

Black and White photographs A Sydney Taylor Awards Notable Book

Ilan Ramon was a hero in every sense of the word. As a bold fighter pilot, Air Force colonel in the Israeli army, and payload specialist on the Space Shuttle Columbia, he was a role model for many young Israelis. As Israel's first astronaut, he captured the hearts of Jews all around the world and was a national hero and a symbol of hope. Ramon's journey into space occurred as Israelis continued to suffer through a horrendous period of violence, and it helped lift the nation's spirits. For 16 exciting days, Ramon managed to bring a bit of Jewish culture, tradition, and history to the millions of people who followed the space mission. And then tragedy struck: on February 1, 2003 the Space Shuttle Columbia and all seven brave astronauts were destroyed during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said, "The day will come when we will launch more Israeli astronauts into space. I am sure that each and every one of them will carry in his heart the memory of Ilan Ramon, a pioneer in space travel." Young readers will be captivated by this biography--with its rich portrait of Ramon in words and photographs--it celebrates the life of an extraordinary man and pays tribute to his enormous courage.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0827607695
• ISBN13: 9780827607699
• Release Date: February 2004
• Publisher: Jewish Publication Society
• Length: 111 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.1" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

An engaging, informative and highly recommended biography

Ilan Ramon was Israeli astronaut who was part of the two-week, ill-fated voyage of the space shuttle Columbia. Ilan Ramon: Jewish Star is the biography of this genuine national hero specifically written by Devra Speregen for young adults and tells the story of a young boy who dreamed of becoming a pilot in the Israeli and as a member of the Israeli air force participated in top secret operations to defend his country. A colonel in the Israel air force, Ilan was the first Israeli to train with NASA. This is an engaging, informative and highly recommended biography that showcases the personal story of a courageous combat pilot, astronaut, devoted husband and father.