Ronald McNair/Challenger Astronaut (Junior World Biographies)

Part of Chelsea Publishing's Junior World Biographies Series, this book tells the story of Ronald McNair, America's second black astronaut, who was onboard the space shuttle 'Challenger' when it exploded on January 28, 1986, killing the entire crew. Born in South Carolina in 1950, McNair overcame prejudice and racism to grow from a smart, gifted boy and a disciplined athlete into a man of extraordinary intelligence and commitment. After graduating with high honors from North Carolina A & T, he attended the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned a doctorate in physics. In 1978, out of 10,000 applicants, McNair was selected to join the NASA astronaut training program. McNair's passion for life and fierce determination continue as an example for young people everywhere. "You're eagles," McNair told a group of young people following his first flight into space. "Stretch your wings and fly to the sky."