“I floated toward one of the windows as Atlantis sailed high over the coast of Africa, unprepared for the incredible view that was about to unfold right before my eyes.” Being an astronaut wasn’t enough. Dr. David C. Hilmers has launched into space four times as part of NASA space shuttle crews. But God had more planned for Dr. Hilmers. The beauty of the Earth from orbit reminded Hilmers of his first dream to become a doctor. He went to medical school, became a pediatrician, and has since launched into countless missions and disaster relief trips around the world. Dr. Hilmers’ extraordinary life and work as a missionary will inspire you to reach even higher than the stars. Gr 4-7-The title of this autobiographical profile is a triple entendre, as Hilmers not only relates experiences both as a crew member on four space-shuttle flights and a post-NASA career as a pediatrician in multiple poverty-stricken and war-torn countries, but also promotes the central role his Christian faith has played in guiding him through doubts, dangers, and significant life decisions. Interspersing frequent ruminations on his "faith journey," but only rarely even mentioning his family, he takes readers from his Iowa upbringing through his military and astronaut training, flights before and after the Columbia disaster (two of which he coyly notes were classified, but curious readers can consult Wikipedia for details), medical school, and overseas relief missions to, among other locales, Botswana, Haiti, Pakistan, and even North Korea. The stingy assortment of small, murky black-and-white photos depicts Hilmers in a wide variety of settings, and though his steadfastly positive outlook gives the narrative a bland cast, his eventful life and his watchwords-"Did I make a difference?"-make worthy models.-John Peters, Children's Literature Consultant, New York Cityα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. The story of an astronaut who dreamed of becoming a doctor, this book doesn’t advertise its religious content on its front cover. Instead the photo features a smiling Hilmers in the orange “launch and entry” suit that was designed to protect astronauts after the Challenger explosion. But Hilmers’ Christian faith is apparent from the first chapter, as he remembers (via author Houston) that an awe-inspiring view from the shuttle made him aware of “how small I really am, and how big God was, is, and always will be.” Writing in an accessible, often conversational style, Houston emphasizes Hilmers’ hard work and humility. After college, he became an aviator in the Marine Corps and a NASA astronaut before tackling the “flat-out grind” of medical school. The book doesn’t paint Hilmers as a saint—he blames himself for the end of his 30-year marriage, for instance—but as someone who felt the need to be useful to other people. Occasional photos from his life and career finish off this fine package of an extraordinary life. Grades 5-8. --Abby Nolan Dr. David Hilmers is a four-time shuttle astronaut who became a medical doctor after his NASA career. Dr. Hilmers has been on countless mission trips all over the world. Rick Houston planned to become a minister before he discovered journalists have delete keys at their disposal! In more than 20 years as a full-time writer, Rick has written five books and covered everything from NASCAR to NASA. He’s also a deacon in his church and regularly contributes to Stand Firm, a men's devotional magazine published by LifeWay. While writing a book on the space shuttle program, Rick interviewed Dr. Hilmers, and together they launched their own book project. Man on a Mission By David Hilmers, Rick Houston ZONDERKIDZ Copyright © 2013 Dr. David Hilmers with Rick Houston All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-310-73613-4 Contents 1. Just Another Sunset.....................................................72. Midwest Moderation......................................................133. College Life, Poison Ivy, and a Choice..................................194. I Dare You..............................................................265. Dream Delayed for Now...................................................316. Planes, Trains, Automobiles and the Space Shuttle.......................367. David Hilmers, NASA Astronaut...........................................438. Blastoff!...............................................................489. Challenger..............................................................5310. Return to Flight.......................................................5911. The Best Flight Ever (Maybe)...........................................6912. Medical School, Anyone?................................................7413. The Unexpected Flight..................................................7914. Second Thoughts and a Great Rebound....................................8715. To the Ends of the Earth............