Subject
Space flight -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Harold L. (Harold Leland) Goodwin
Rip Foster Rides the Gray Planet
"Rip Foster Rides the Gray Planet" by Harold L. Goodwin is a young adult science fiction novel published in 1952. Newly commissioned Planeteer Lieutenant Rip Foster faces his first major assignment: retrieve a valuable thorium asteroid from the asteroid belt and deliver it to Earth. Already dealing with inter-service tensions aboard his Space Force vessel, Foster must now contend with hostile agents from the Consolidation of Peoples Governments who want the asteroid for themselves. A Cold War-era space adventure of rivalry, duty, and high-stakes competition.
Richard M. (Richard Mace) Elam
Young Visitor to Mars
"Young Visitor to Mars" by Richard M. Elam, Jr. is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story centers on siblings Ted and Jill Kenton, who embark on an adventurous journey to Mars aboard the rocket ship "Shooting Star". Accompanied by their parents, the children encounter various challenges and discoveries throughout their journey, setting the stage for a tale filled with wonder, sibling camaraderie, and the excitement of space exploration. The opening of the story introduces Ted and Jill as they travel through space, adjusting to life on the ship while facing the realities of their upcoming journey to Mars. As they marvel at the wonders of the universe, a playful yet dangerous incident occurs, showcasing their dynamic temperament and relationship. After a brief scare, they meet the spaceship's crew, learn about navigating through space, and, amidst all this, the reader witnesses the initial bond forming with a new character, Randy Matthews, who intends to join them on their Martian adventure. This portion of the book effectively sets up a mix of thrilling adventure and human emotion, establishing a colorful backdrop for their journeys, friendships, and future challenges on the red planet.
E. Everett (Edward Everett) Evans
The Planet Mappers
"The Planet Mappers" by E. Everett Evans is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around a young boy named Jon Carver, who embarks on a perilous journey with his family through deep space on a mission of exploration. Shortly into their voyage, a meteoroid strikes their ship, leading to a serious accident that injures Jon's father, thrusting the family into a challenging situation they must navigate together. At the start of the narrative, Jon experiences panic when a strike against the hull of their spacecraft causes a rapid loss of air. The family rallies to assist his injured father, who is knocked unconscious and has suffered a broken leg as well. As the boys, Jon and his older brother Jak, take on new responsibilities, they are faced with the reality of their father's incapacitation and must step up to ensure their mother's safety while managing the ship. The opening sets the stage for themes of bravery, resourcefulness, and the challenges of growing up in the harsh and unpredictable environment of space exploration.
Harold L. (Harold Leland) Goodwin
Rip Foster in Ride the Gray Planet
"Rip Foster in Ride the Gray Planet" by Harold L. Goodwin is a young adult science fiction novel published in 1952. Freshly commissioned Lieutenant Rip Foster must navigate inter-service rivalry while undertaking a dangerous mission: retrieve a pure thorium asteroid from the asteroid belt and bring it to Earth. But he's not alone in this quest. Enemy agents from the Consolidation of Peoples Governments will stop at nothing to seize control of this valuable resource first.
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