A Journal for Christa: Christa McAuliffe, Teacher in Space
In 1986, Christa McAuliffe, a New Hampshire high school teacher of history and social studies, died in the Challenger explosion, along with six astronauts. Her mother here presents a journal-like account--much of it drawn from letters--of her daughter as the "girl next door," married to her high school sweetheart, mother of two children. In her introduction, Corrigan blames the tragedy on NASA "and its egos, marginal decisions, ignorance and irresponsibility." However, the author also dwells on the heady period of her daughter's selection, the 114 hours of preparation for the flight and the quantities of mail, awards, tributes and memorials in McAuliffe's honor. All of these have inspired the bereaved but proud parents to continue telling their daughter's story so that her role "might inspire students to dream, might draw public attention to the worthy contribution of teachers." Photos not seen by PW.Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.