Virgil L. Grissom: Boy Astronaut, Childhood of Famous Americans, 1971, Hardcover

Virgil I. Grissom: Boy Astronaut by Carl L. Chappell. Illustrated by Robert Doremus. Copyright 1971 by The Bobbs-Merrill Company, Inc. This book explores the childhood of Virgil “Gus” Grissom, tracing his early curiosity, determination, and interest in flight and engineering that eventually led him to become one of America’s pioneering astronauts.

The Childhoods of Famous Americans series introduces young readers to notable historical figures through engaging, accessible biographies that focus on their early years. Written primarily for middle-grade readers, these books emphasize character, perseverance, and the real-life challenges faced in childhood, offering inspiring stories that blend history with relatable storytelling. The series has been widely used in homes, classrooms, and libraries since its debut in the 1950s.

This book is in good vintage condition. The cloth cover shows light wear consistent with age and use, and the interior pages are clean with some library markings, including a school property stamp, as visible in the photos. No dust jacket is present.