About the 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.

Awards

A Sydney Taylor Awards Notable Book

Praise

This is an engaging, informative, and highly recommended biography that showcases the personal story of a courageous combat pilot, astronaut, devoted husband, and father.

— The Midwest Book Review

This is an engrossing biography…

— Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter

…certain to inspire reverence and admiration for this fallen hero.

— Hadassah Magazine