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Ashlee Vance
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Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future Young Readers' Edition Paperback – January 24, 2017

by Ashlee Vance (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 497
See all formats and editions
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“Highly recommended for high school and ambitious middle school readers.” —School Library Journal

"A valuable addition to STEM-themed collections." —VOYA

An in-depth look into the extraordinary life of the world’s most important entrepreneur, Elon Musk

This fascinating and easily accessible paperback young readers’ adaptation of Ashlee Vance’s New York Times bestselling Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future features black-and-white photographs throughout and an epilogue.

The version for adults has been praised as “riveting” (The Financial Times), “spirited” (The Wall Street Journal), and “masterful” (Vice). Now younger readers can read about this innovative leader who is revolutionizing three industries at once: space, automotive, and energy.

There are few people in history who could match Elon Musk’s relentless drive and vision. A modern combination of famous inventors and industrialists like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Steve Jobs, Elon is the man behind companies such as SpaceX, Tesla Motors, SolarCity, and PayPal that are transforming the way we live.

Written with exclusive access to Elon, his family, and his friends, this book traces Elon’s journey from a kid in South Africa to a young man in the United States, his dramatic technical inventions, and his world-changing companies. Elon has sparked new levels of innovation in the world, and this book gives young readers a detailed but fast-paced look at his story.

A Junior Library Guild Selection!

Previous page
  1. Reading age
    8 - 13 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    288 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    3 - 6
  5. Lexile measure
    1150L
  6. Dimensions
    5.12 x 0.58 x 7.62 inches
  7. Publisher
    HarperCollins
  8. Publication date
    January 24, 2017
  9. ISBN-10
    0062463276
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0062463272
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Along with views of youth and early geekdom…[Vance] relates suspenseful accounts of technical and financial crises, conducts tours of Musk’s factories…and brings his story up to early 2016. Overall, the author offers a picture of a brilliant, driven man…A modern American success story, neither overly earnest nor unreservedly adulatory.” — Kirkus Reviews

“An informative and easy-to-follow biography of one of today’s top innovators for young readers.” — Booklist

“Vance maintains a lively pace and explains the groundbreaking technology in a way that is accessible and exciting....Highly recommended for high school and ambitious middle school readers for its insights into Musk, technology, and venture capitalism.” — School Library Journal

“Musk may not be as instantly recognizable to teens as Zuckerberg or Jobs, but given his work with PayPal, Tesla, and SpaceX, he should be. Vance delves into all of his work with detailed passion. — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“A valuable addition to STEM-themed collections.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

About the Author

Ashlee Vance is the New York Times bestselling author of Elon Musk and a feature writer at Bloomberg Businessweek. He's also the host of Hello World, a travel show that centers on inventors and scientists all over the planet. Previously, he worked as a reporter for The New York Times, The Economist, and The Register. 

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins; Young Readers' ed. edition (January 24, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062463276
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062463272
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 13 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1150L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 6
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.7 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.12 x 0.58 x 7.62 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 497

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Ashlee Vance

Ashlee Vance

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Ashlee Vance is an award winning feature writer for Bloomberg Businessweek magazine. Vance is also the host and writer of the Emmy-nominated "Hello World" TV series and producer of several upcoming documentary films. Previously, he worked for The New York Times and The Register. He's the author of the best-selling biography on Elon Musk and his most recent work is "When The Heavens Went on Sale" about the rise of the commercial space industry. HBO is currently developing a TV series and a documentary based on Vance's books.

Vance was born in South Africa, grew up in Texas and attended Pomona College. He has spent more than two decades covering the technology industry from San Francisco and is a noted Silicon Valley historian.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
497 global ratings
Amazing book (hardcoverver/paperback)
5 Stars
Amazing book (hardcoverver/paperback)
The book is amazing! I got the paperback about a year ago, but I decided to buy the hardcover too. I must say that I was unsure about buying the hardcover because there were very few (if any) reviews regarding it. The paperback is great, without a doubt, but I would definitely suggest you buy the hardcover version over any others.Another thing I want to mention is that the image on the back of the hardcover is not the same as the paperback's (All the images I posted were of the hardcover, just for the record). The hardcover's features a picture of Elon Musk, while I believe the others have a book description/book reviews in it's place.Lastly, I would like to say that the book is the perfect gift for Elon Musk fans and young engineers. As a thirteen-year-old, I would say that I thoroughly enjoyed it and I would definitely read it again. It is the first thing that I would suggest to someone who has similar interests and is by far the best nonfiction book I have ever read.
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Top reviews from the United States

GeneralZ
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most influential books on my thinking
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2021
Verified Purchase
Just wow, was a bit Tesla, SpaceX and Elon fan, but knowing all this puts so much light on what it means to run a successful tech business, and how to beat the crap out of everyone in an industry you are trying to disrupt and change. It puts so much context to this. I am an engineer, and this is perfect for anyone that has brains and likes to create stuff.
One person found this helpful
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NJ
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for STEM loving child/ young adult!
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2019
Verified Purchase
9 year old (has high school reading level) loves Elon Musk and saw this and thought it would be perfect for him. Great book about perseverance and great lessons along with biographical info presented in a fun way, son doesn't want to put it down he has read it multiple times. Talks about his young life as well, being bullied, which is so great for readers who may feel they are growing up in similar situations know that they can persevere and do great things. Love how many mistakes are talked about as well, because again, Musk could have given up a long time ago as these aren't cheap mistakes malfunctions.... (son has told me all about what is in it) He now is one of the world's most brilliant thinkers, inventors, and dreamers of our time. Think about it, we have a Tesla with a dummy driver floating across space right as you are reading this now because of this guy. He dreams big and gets stuff done. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. He doesn't give up, he keeps going, even with multiple failures under his belt, without which he likely wouldn't have had his successes either. Absolutely great book especially for STEM lovers, but really at this point he is a public figure kids should know as his ideas make big contributions to society. Great lessons for kids who feel like outcasts because they aren't neurotypical as well (or for any reason). Absolutely wonderful book, and keep those big ideas going Elon!
9 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book (hardcoverver/paperback)
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2021
Verified Purchase
The book is amazing! I got the paperback about a year ago, but I decided to buy the hardcover too. I must say that I was unsure about buying the hardcover because there were very few (if any) reviews regarding it. The paperback is great, without a doubt, but I would definitely suggest you buy the hardcover version over any others.
Another thing I want to mention is that the image on the back of the hardcover is not the same as the paperback's (All the images I posted were of the hardcover, just for the record). The hardcover's features a picture of Elon Musk, while I believe the others have a book description/book reviews in it's place.
Lastly, I would like to say that the book is the perfect gift for Elon Musk fans and young engineers. As a thirteen-year-old, I would say that I thoroughly enjoyed it and I would definitely read it again. It is the first thing that I would suggest to someone who has similar interests and is by far the best nonfiction book I have ever read.
Customer image
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book (hardcoverver/paperback)
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2021
The book is amazing! I got the paperback about a year ago, but I decided to buy the hardcover too. I must say that I was unsure about buying the hardcover because there were very few (if any) reviews regarding it. The paperback is great, without a doubt, but I would definitely suggest you buy the hardcover version over any others.
Another thing I want to mention is that the image on the back of the hardcover is not the same as the paperback's (All the images I posted were of the hardcover, just for the record). The hardcover's features a picture of Elon Musk, while I believe the others have a book description/book reviews in it's place.
Lastly, I would like to say that the book is the perfect gift for Elon Musk fans and young engineers. As a thirteen-year-old, I would say that I thoroughly enjoyed it and I would definitely read it again. It is the first thing that I would suggest to someone who has similar interests and is by far the best nonfiction book I have ever read.
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3 people found this helpful
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Clear Lake Man
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2019
Verified Purchase
Tells more about a modern revolutionary and the revolution in transit and energy. History will remember Elon like they do Henry Ford.
Helpful
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D. Zorrilla
5.0 out of 5 stars A Well-Needed Adaptation for Kids!
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2017
Verified Purchase
I read the adult version a couple years ago. It was a great and inspirational book for anyone, but especially someone younger aspiring to be an entrepreneur. The main issue with the book is that you couldn't really give it to a kid because it was riddled with F-bombs. It worked in the adult version because it gave you a sense of Musk's sharp character, but obviously not something you would want someone in elementary school reading. I bought two of these-one for my niece and one for my nephew. I read through part of the first chapter and the adaptation seemed good. Some of the concepts seemed a little above an 8-year olds' capacity, but I don't have any kids that old yet, so I may be setting the bar too low. I will update with my niece and nephew's impressions.
34 people found this helpful
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jacqueline
5.0 out of 5 stars buy it
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2018
Verified Purchase
My son is ten and an engineer at heart. He has read this over and over. Elon is his hero now, just the kinda guy a rich dude should be. Nobody is perfect but he takes his money and creates things to be in the new world. I wish he would knock it off with the self driving cars though cause he’s looking to put our truck driving breadwinner on the streets. Anyway this book is well written and interesting enough for a 10 year old to read a biography. More than once. I wish more people made their biographies for this age group especially scientists and engineers! Get on it people!
19 people found this helpful
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Kerry Blucker
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for tween/teen readers
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2021
Verified Purchase
Ordered for my 12 year old son that is space obsessed. Pretty quick read, very engaging.
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Teresa M Outward
5.0 out of 5 stars It was a nice mix of business and personal story
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2018
Verified Purchase
Although the book starts at a high level with the author meeting with Mr. Musk, it quickly settles into a story in which young readers 10 and above can follow. It was a nice mix of business and personal story. I appreciated that it showed celebrations for Mr. Musk as well as hardships. The book provided a sense of engineering feats as well as manufacturing and supply chain processes that broke traditional molds. Young readers will find inspiration in one or many areas of the book.
5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Muhammad Abdullah
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational :)
Reviewed in Germany on May 30, 2022
Verified Purchase
A must read for youth
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Javier
5.0 out of 5 stars Llego en un dia. Aconsejable 100%
Reviewed in Spain on September 12, 2021
Verified Purchase
Producto que llego muy rápido y bien embalado. Aconsejable al 100%.
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Luis Hernández
5.0 out of 5 stars Recomendado para quienes quieren tener una idea de la vida de Elon Musk, lectura amena.
Reviewed in Mexico on August 3, 2019
Verified Purchase
Está perfecto, debido a que es la versión para jóvenes lectores, viene menos pesada que la versión normal, en este caso, me pareció bien ya que la comparé con la versión completa, y no cambia mucho solo quita detalles que no tienen mucha relevancia en los capítulos.
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Julia
5.0 out of 5 stars Best idea ever
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 18, 2019
Verified Purchase
Elon Musk is today's most successful entrepreneur, and his story is worth telling. It is wonderful that this book is written in a language that kids can understand too and inspire them to dream big, follow their dreams.

I bought this in hopes that my slacker nephew might care about other things in life than smoking, drinking and ahem...physical interaction (he's 15...) but he's too far in his own millenial delusions about life to care about such a wonderful book. Heck I'm even surprised he didn't slap this book right back at my face. But other than that, this should be a must read for young entrepreneurs.
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Nishant Kumar Gupta
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book to read
Reviewed in India on November 24, 2017
Verified Purchase
Very nice book.
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