Children's book honors an American hero

We often see books highlighting celebrities and historical figures, but rarely do you see a book highlighting a true hero–somebody who served his country and fought for freedom. S.D. Nelson brings us an inspiring tale in Quiet Hero: The Ira Hayes Story.

For those who have heard of Ira Hayes or those who have not, both will find the book enlightening to say the least. Ira Hayes was a Pima Indian who grew up a quiet, shy boy who loved riding a horse bareback and twirling his younger brothers around in an old tire swing. Ira would eventually move from his remote reservation in the Sonoran Desert to a government-run boarding school for Native Americans. While he was there, the Second World War was being fought in Europe and Asia. Ira followed the war reports with growing interest and wanted to carry on the Pima tradition of being an honorable warrior.

So Ira enlisted and set out across the Pacific Ocean in March 1943. He did his best to be an honorable warrior, and became one of the brave soldiers who planted an American flag on top of Mount Suribachi in Japan. The moment was captured by photographer, Joe Rosenthal and would become an image forever implanted in Americans’ minds.

Although Ira died a lonely man, his courage would be forever etched in one of Washington’s premiere landmarks–an immense bronze statue that depicts six marines hoisting an American flag on the island of Iwo Jima. The landmark has become a cultural symbolism of patriotism and honors all of the servicemen and servicewomen who have fought for the United States.

Nelson’s story will bring chills to your arms as you learn about a man who fought for the U.S. in World War II. It’s refreshing to see America’s true heroes highlighted and a famous statue brought to life.

Additional Information:
Author: S.D. Nelson
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Lee & Low Books (May 30, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600604277
ISBN-13: 978-1600604270
Source of book: Publisher

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