Pocket Bios: Neil Armstrong
Pocket bios Series
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
A colorfully illustrated, pocket-size picture book biography of the first man to walk on the Moon, astronaut Neil Armstrong. Neil Armstrong is an American astronaut most famous for being the first person to walk on the moon, famously saying 'One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.' Before joining NASA in 1962, Armstrong served as an officer in the U.S. Navy and participated in the Korean War. This book covers his life and achievements from childhood to space exploration and beyond. Pocket Bios series introduces readers to historical figures with simple storytelling and cheerful illustrations, covering diverse personalities from various fields.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think inspired Neil Armstrong to become an astronaut and explore space?
How do you feel about Neil Armstrong's journey to the moon? What would you have felt if you were in his place?
Why do you think teamwork was important for Neil Armstrong and his crew during their space mission?
What qualities do you admire in Neil Armstrong, and why?
If you had the chance to ask Neil Armstrong one question about his journey, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about space exploration, relating them to Neil Armstrong's experiences in the book.
Use the book's illustrations and photos to help visualize Neil's journey; ask your child what they see and how it makes them feel.
Draw parallels between Neil Armstrong’s perseverance and challenges in everyday tasks that require dedication and teamwork.
Discuss the historical context of the moon landing and its significance, connecting it to the importance of setting and achieving monumental goals.
Recognize and validate your child's viewpoints to foster a deeper understanding and connection to the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Neil Armstrong's journey to becoming the first person to walk on the moon showcases his determination and perseverance. Despite the challenges and failures he faced along the way, Armstrong never gave up on his dreams.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persisting through difficulties to achieve their goals, whether it's mastering a new skill or completing a challenging school project.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: The book highlights Armstrong's curiosity about flying and space from a young age, which ultimately led him to his historic space exploration.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to explore subjects they are interested in can lead to meaningful learning and possibly spark a lifelong passion or career.
Example Lesson: Bravery
Explanation: Neil Armstrong's courage to pilot a spacecraft to the moon, a feat never before accomplished, is a testament to his bravery.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of facing their fears and taking risks, even when the outcome is uncertain.
Example Lesson: Humility
Explanation: Despite his monumental achievement, Armstrong was known for his humility, always sharing credit with his team.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of humility and teamwork, recognizing that many successes are collective efforts and not just individual achievements.