"Join Yuri Gagarin on his journey into space! This book examines the extraordinary life of the first astronaut in space, from his early life to his first trip aboard a Russian spacecraft. Discover what the space race was and other developments happening at the time. Find out about the rigorous training that astronauts undergo and how they prepare for a journey into the unknown."-- Provided by publisher.

Space pioneer -- Child of war -- Cosmonaut Gagarin -- Spacecraft -- Countdown begins -- April 1961 -- Most famous man in the world -- Gagarin's message.