9780802721938

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Walker Childrens

On sale:

January 2011

Price:

$16.99

Format:

Hardcover

Size:

5.5 x 8.25 in

Pages:

352 pp

Ages:

12

Grades:

7-12


ISBN-13: 9780802721938

ISBN-10: 0802721931



Taking Off

By Jenny Moss

Book Description

A compelling novel woven around the 1986 Challenger tragedy, in time for the 25th anniversary

Reimagining the days surrounding this unforgettable event in history, readers are brought back to 1986 as the astronauts prepare for the Challenger mission, and Christa McAullife trains to be the first teacher in space. When a teen named Annie meets Christa, she is fascinated by Christa's courage. Truly inspired, Annie is determined to make it to Florida to see the Challenger launch, a trip that will forever change how she thinks about herself and her secret desire for her own future. Although she is devastated when tragedy strikes, Annie honors Christa by following her own dream, despite the obstacles. Bringing in her experience as a NASA engineer, Jenny Moss weaves a moving story that recaptures the inspiration teens must have felt years ago as they watched Christa McAuliffe reach for the sky.

“The novel paints a lovely portrait of a smart, strong, friendly McAuliffe. In fact, the author’s background as a NASA engineer makes all of the scenes based at Johnson or Kennedy Space Center grounded and intriguing. Moss’s descriptive language is almost poetic.” —School Library Journal

"[A] tender tribute to McAuliffe and her continuing inspiring impact on the youth of America. [Moss] beautifully portrays the timeless teen quest for identity."—Kirkus Reviews

"The story will resonate with teens who are struggling with self-discovery and those all-important decisions about their future."—VOYA