From the Bookshelf: Rocket Ship Galileo

It seems to be "conventional wisdom" among science fiction fans that the very first "juvenile" novel Robert A. Heinlein wrote is more or less the least of that series. In some ways, when I look at how the very first paragraph of "Rocket Ship Galileo" refers to the "chums" of the first character named, I can wonder if there's something to that general opinion... but, while I can also wonder if this might offend the pricklier Heinlein fans, I can read it and enjoy it by not taking it completely seriously.
( Plot specifics within... )