This book tells the story of the Apollo 13 mission, which was intended to be the third manned lunar landing but turned into a survival mission after an explosion occurred on board. The narrative shifts between the astronauts' desperate fight for survival and the engineers at Mission Control working tirelessly to find a solution. The book is a testament to the ingenuity and bravery of the crew and mission control, making it one of NASA's finest hours.
In Love and War is a compelling memoir co-authored by James B. Stockdale and his wife Sybil. The book recounts James' harrowing experiences as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam and Sybil's courageous efforts to raise awareness about the plight of American POWs. The narrative alternates between James' time in captivity and Sybil's battles with bureaucracy and her role in founding the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia.
Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
The Dragon Masters series, part of Scholastic's Branches line, is designed for newly independent readers. The series follows young dragon trainers like Drake, Ana, Rori, and Bo as they train with their dragons to battle against the evil wizard Maldred. Each book is fully illustrated with engaging black-and-white artwork and features easy-to-read text, high-interest content, and fast-paced plots. The series emphasizes themes of friendship, self-confidence, and the importance of trust and communication between the dragon masters and their dragons.
In 'Renegade,' Adam Kinzinger captures one of the most transformative periods in recent political history. The book is a riveting, personal account from inside Congress, including the January 6 attacks on the U.S. Capitol and his vote to impeach Donald Trump. Kinzinger takes readers through his journey from the small Illinois county board where he started, to his years in the Air Force flying tanker missions over Iraq, to his final tumultuous term in Congress. The book is both a searing examination of the rise of extremism and the GOP’s subsequent descent into a dysfunctional and destructive force, and a rousing call to return to unity.
Published in 1979, 'The Right Stuff' by Tom Wolfe is a seminal work of nonfiction that delves into the lives of the pilots and astronauts involved in the U.S. postwar research with experimental rocket-powered aircraft and the early human spaceflight program, Project Mercury. Wolfe's book is based on extensive research, including interviews with test pilots, astronauts, and their families. It focuses on the bravery, machismo, and the unspoken code of 'the right stuff' that defined these individuals. The book contrasts the Mercury Seven astronauts with other test pilots like Chuck Yeager and Scott Crossfield, highlighting their courage, skills, and the risks they undertook. Wolfe's narrative is characterized by its vivid descriptions and use of literary techniques to evoke the era and the people involved in the early days of American space exploration.
In 'Discipline is Destiny', Ryan Holiday explores the Stoic virtue of self-discipline, drawing on historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate its transformative power. The book emphasizes that discipline is the foundation upon which other virtues such as courage, justice, and wisdom depend. Holiday argues that self-control is essential for personal triumph and fulfillment, and he provides engaging stories and practical advice on how to cultivate discipline in a world filled with distractions and temptations. The book also cautions against the perils of extravagance and hedonism, stressing the importance of balance and self-mastery in achieving success and happiness[2][4][5].
Nelson, a typical nerdy kid, wakes up on his tenth birthday to find he has developed ninja powers. He must navigate his new abilities while saving the world from evil forces, aided by his cool granny's inventions. The book is part of the Ninja Kid series, known for its action-packed and light-hearted storytelling.
In 'Renegade,' Adam Kinzinger captures one of the most transformative periods in recent political history. The book is a riveting, personal account from inside Congress, including the January 6 attacks on the U.S. Capitol and his vote to impeach Donald Trump. Kinzinger takes readers through his journey from the small Illinois county board where he started, to his years in the Air Force flying tanker missions over Iraq, to his final tumultuous term in Congress. The book is both a searing examination of the rise of extremism and the GOP’s subsequent descent into a dysfunctional and destructive force, and a rousing call to return to unity.