One Giant Leap

Contents
 
 
 Title Page
 Accolades
 Also By
 Copyright
 Dedication
 Technical Illustrations
 Introduction
 Chapter 1
 Chapter 2
 Chapter 3
 Chapter 4
 Chapter 5
 Chapter 6
 Chapter 7
 Chapter 8
 Chapter 9
 Chapter 10
 Chapter 11
 Chapter 12
 Chapter 13
 Chapter 14
 Chapter 15
 Chapter 16
 Chapter 17
 Chapter 18
 Chapter 19
 Chapter 20
 Chapter 21
 Chapter 22
 Chapter 23
 Chapter 24
 Chapter 25
 Chapter 26
 Chapter 27
 Chapter 28
 Chapter 29
 Chapter 30
 Chapter 31
 Chapter 32
 Chapter 33
 Chapter 34
 Chapter 35
 Chapter 36
 Chapter 37
 Epilogue
 Author's Note: Fact v. Fiction
 Glossary
 About the Author
 Read More By This Author
 
 
 
 
 Guide
 
 Contents
 Start of Content
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ONE GIANT LEAP
 
 
 
 
 Ben Gartner
 
 
 
 
 Praise for One Giant Leap
 
 ⭐️ Editor’s Pick, BookLife by Publishers Weekly
 ⭐️ Gold Medal, Mom’s Choice Awards
 
 “Relatable characters ground a story that’s suspenseful, funny, and heartwarming.” —Kirkus Reviews
 
 “One Giant Leap provides a vivid first-person account of space travel in all its terrifying glory precisely because it comes from someone who hasn’t yet learned how to filter his unabashed wonderment. This exciting science fiction adventure is geared to readers looking to push their boundaries.” 
 —BookLife by Publishers Weekly, EDITOR’S PICK
 
 “One Giant Leap is an exciting science fiction title for young readers; it honors the history and future of space travel during its hero’s fantastic adventure.” 
 —Foreword Reviews
 
 “Gartner’s trademark cinematic writing makes you feel like you’re right there in the middle of the action. Mixed with humor and heart, kids will love this adventure!” 
 —Sam Subity, author of The Last Shadow Warrior
 
 “A heart-pounding, zero-g adventure, with kids who save the day, and a few mysteries thrown in for good measure. It’s like Gravity meets Space Case. I couldn’t stop reading!” 
 —Adam Perry, author of Ghosts Come Rising
 
 “Smart, fast-paced, an absolute must for anyone who dreams of space. STEM fans, take note! This thrillride is for you!” 
 —Katie Slivensky, author of The Countdown Conspiracy
 
 “Ben Gartner is the master of middle-grade voice. I was instantly hooked on this fast-paced space adventure. It’s the perfect blend of action, visual storytelling, and mystery.” 
 —Fleur Bradley, author of Daybreak on Raven Island
 
 “Space enthusiasts and newcomers alike will appreciate the attention to detail in this meticulously researched adventure story. In turns fascinating, hilarious, and terrifying, you won't be able to put this one down.” 
 —Kerelyn Smith, author of Mulrox and the Malcognitos
 
 “One Giant Leap is your next great sci-fi read! An authentic narrative voice, a cinematic tone that reels you in, and a perfect mix of action, mystery, and humor.” 
 —Lee Edward Födi, author of Spell Sweeper
 
 “Perfect for readers with their head in the stars, this STEM-rich space adventure grounds itself in real science, honest emotions, and the familiar challenges kids face.” 
 —Shawn Peters, author of The Unforgettable Logan Foster
 
 “One Giant Leap is a thrilling love letter to the past, present, and future of international space exploration, launching readers on a harrowing 
 
 
 Also By Ben Gartner
 
 The Eye of Ra series:
 The Eye of Ra
 Sol Invictus
 People of the Sun
 
 
 
 
 
 
 This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
 Copyright © 2023 Ben Gartner 
 BenGartner.com
 All rights reserved. 
 Published in the United States of America by Crescent Vista Press. Please direct all inquiries to crescentvistapress.com.
 Cover and illustrations by Anne Glenn Design
 Library of Congress Control Number: 2022918865
 ISBN: 9798987075302 (paperback)
 ISBN: 9781734155297 (hardcover)
 ISBN: 9798987075319 (ebook)
 
 First Edition, 2023
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 To my sons, who propel me to great heights.
 
 To the brave adventurers who blast off into space, and to the thousands of people who make that possible. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The International Space Station (ISS) travels about 250 miles (400 kilometers) above Earth at 17,500 miles per hour. That is 4.86 miles per second.
 The temperature up there fluctuates between 250 degrees Fahrenheit in the sunlight and -250 degrees Fahrenheit in the dark. And because the ISS circles Earth every ninety minutes, the station heats up or cools down every forty-five minutes. That’s a lot of wear and tear for a ship that started construction in 1998. It also means that every day, the ISS astronauts get 
 Chapter 1
 I’m pretty sure I’m about to die in space. And I just turned twelve and a half.
 The frayed end of my tether whips around like a lasso as I flip front over back and sideways. 
 I see the long blue smear of Earth hurtling past. The silver hull of my ship, the Aether, whizzes by in a blur before I gasp at the once-glorious International Space Station. Now, just wreckage. The ISS spits pieces that twinkle in the sunlight. Sparks sizzle and blink against the