Countdown

Countdown
Mikaelsen, Ben
978078681208

What would it feel like to be the first junior astronaut and train with real astronauts at NASA and go on an actual space shuttle mission. That is exactly what happens to fourteen year old Elliot Schroeder. He leaves his home on a ranch in Montana and begins training with alternate Mandy Harris. Elliot's desire to be the first junior astronaut clouds his judgment and he makes some choices that are not positive. Ultimately through his relationship with Mandy and their shared experiences Elliot learns to be a team player. A highlight of the story is Vincent Ole Tome, a Maasi herder from Maasiland, Africa. Vincent and Elliot share many connections that culmination with their communication and final face to face meeting. The dual storyline adds meaning to the emotional changes that are happening as each boy is growing older and more independent. This book is great for boys or girls, it is adventurous, introspective and has three strong characters.