The recent blockbuster Star Trek movies have created a new interest in the 1960s television show and the actor who originally portrayed alien science officer Spock. Leonard Nimoy, the son of Russian immigrants, grew up in Boston in the 1940s. Interested in performing theater from childhood, Leonard also developed an early love for photography and worked at odd jobs to earn money to support his hobby. Eventually he moved to Hollywood, where he was a movie usher, soda jerk, and taxi driver before getting his first small part in a movie. Hired by Gene Roddenberry to play Spock in 1965, Nimoy realized the parallels between his parents’ immigrant position as aliens in the USA and the role of an extraterrestrial being and worked to create the character of an outsider. Intriguing details, such as the origin of the Vulcan hand greeting in a ritual Jewish Nimoy observed in boyhood visits to temple, as well as the author’s clear affection for his subject, add depth to this accessible biography. (Ages 8–12)

A moving biography of the late Leonard Nimoy, the iconic Spock from Star Trek, whose story exemplifies the American experience and the power of pursuing your dreams.

"A wonderful new biography of Nimoy for children, and [...] one of the most unapologetically Jewish profiles for kids in ages. It made me cry."--Tablet Magazine

Once there was a boy named Leonard who loved to sing and to act. His parents were immigrants who felt like aliens in America, and certainly didn't understand Leonard's drive to perform. "Learn to play the accordion," his father told him. "Actors starve, but at least musicians can eke out a living."

But Leonard reached for the stars . . . and caught them. He moved to Hollywood, where he took acting lessons, and drove a taxi and took every role he could get. He worked hard, learned his lines, showed up on time, and studied his craft. Until one day he was offered the role of an alien science officer on a new TV show called Star Trek. Leonard knew what it felt like to be an alien. But did he want the role?

Fascinating is the story of how one boy followed his dreams to become one of the most beloved figures of our time.

"In Leonard's profound absence--it is so lucky that his dear friend Richard Michelson has thought to bring us this richly illustrated account of his inspiring life. Together with Edel Rodriguez they beautifully capture some of the highlights of Leonard's journey from immigrants' son in Boston's west end--to one of the most iconic and recognizable characters in the world."--Zachary Quinto