Space Cadet

This is the seminal novel of a young mans education as a member of the Solar patrol, an elite, paternalistic non- military organization dedicated to preserving human civilization. Space Cadet is a provocative parallel to Heinleins famous later novel, Starship Troopers (which is about the military). Only the best and brightestthe strongest and most courageous ever become Space Cadets. At the Space Academy, they train to become part of the elite guard of the solar system. The patrol accepts missions others fear, takes risks no others dare, and upholds the peace of the solar system for the benefit of all. Before Matt Dodson can earn his rightful place in the ranks, his mettle will be tested in the most severe and extraordinary waysways that change him forever, from a midwestern American boy into a man of the Solar Patrol.

ROBERT ANSON HEINLEIN (1907-1988) is widely acknowledged to have been the single most important and influential author of science fiction in the twentieth century.

"The lively story of a group of boys--Matt and Tex, from Terra; Oscar, from Venus; Pierre, from one of Jupiter's moons; and others--who train to uphold the peace of the solar system. This account of their training and their subsequent adventures is good, colorful fiction by an author who can write it ably and entertainingly."
--Chicago Tribune on Space Cadet "Throughout the story there is a constant stream of Heinlein's noted wit and satire, superbly told . . . The Hugo Award committee need look no further."
--San Francisco Chronicle on Glory Road

"Heinlein...wrote adventure stories grounded in credible scientific speculation. Even the wonderful stories collected here feature his trademark cool reasoning. . . .Superb stories - old friends, really - that are well worth the book's price."
--Booklist on The Fantasies of Robert A. Heinlein