Countdown by Ben Mikaelsen

Elliot was surprised when he was chosen to be the first teenage astronaut in space, and began his nine month training. Mean while at training Elliot meet Mandy Jane Harris, and the two took an instant disliking to each other. When at the same time in Kenya, Africa Vincent a boy the same age as Elliot is being bullied and called a coward by the other boys of his village, and is asked by his own father to leave the village and llive the life of a coward, until Vincent can reclaim his family honor. When all of a sudden Elliot makes contact with Sambeke, Vincents friend and mentor. Elliot talks to Vincent, and the two realize how simmilar thier lives are, and Sambeke asks if he can take vincent to meet the space shuttle. But will they be in time? or will vincents father not let him go? Read Ben mikaelsens Countdown, and find out!!!