Flags of Our Fathers: Heroes of Iwo Jima (Young Reader's Abridged Edition)

Book Description

New York Times bestseller, now adapted for young readers, Flags of Our Fathers is the unforgettable chronicle of perhaps the most famous moment in American military history: the raising of the U.S. flag at Iwo Jima.
Here is the true story behind the immortal photograph that has come to symbolize the courage and indomitable will of America. In February 1945, American Marines plunged into the surf at Iwo Jima–and into history. Through a hail of machine-gun and mortar fire that left the beaches strewn with comrades, they battled to the island’s highest peak. And there, they raised a flag. The son of one of the flag raisers has written a powerful account of six very different men who came together in the heroic battle.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent insight into our Fathers.......2007-01-03

Great book showing how a major world event shaped the lives of a whole generation. I gained a lot of insight from reading this book.

A real eye-opener!.......2006-10-24

I consider myself knowledgeable about history, especially WW2. After reading just half of "Flags of our Fathers'" I realize how much I 'didn't' know about this part of the war. Most of my research was of the european theatre.
I am so glad I purchased this book. It makes me feel so humble as to my own time spent in uniform for I never had to endure or sacrifice what these young men did.
Anyone thinking of not voting should read this and be sure to vote for these young men gave everything so that we could have that right. Even more they went through hell before they did it.
Do yourself a favor and get this book.
Richard Neal Huffman - Author of Dreams In Blue: The Real Police

"Flags of Our Fathers" - A Timely Look at a Bloody Battle in Our History .......2006-10-20

Quite a while ago, Nick Olmsted, a graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy, recommended that I read "Flags of Our Fathers." I am glad that I finally got around to taking his advice. This story struck me on many levels at once, and this seems to be an opportune time to share some of my thoughts about this remarkable book, written by James Bradley, the son of one of the six Marines whose iconic picture of the raising of the flag over Iwo Jima riveted a war-weary nation.

The film based on this book is due to be released tomorrow. My friend, Nate Fick, former Marines Corps officer and author of "One Bullet Away," had invited me to attend a special screening of the film tomorrow evening in Boston. There will be many Marines present for this gala event to raise funds for a scholarship program for the families of Marines who have fallen in combat. Here is how Nate described to me the work of the scholarship committee:

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation will be showing a benefit premier of "Flags of Our Fathers" at the AMC Theater on Boston Common on Friday 20 October. Military guests of honor will include BGen John Kelly, legislative assistant to CMC, former ACMC's Generals Nyland and Neal, and perhaps others.

For those who don't know, the MCSF is committed to funding higher education for the children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen, especiallythose killed in action. It's a wonderful organization, and one I've been proud to be involved with during the past several years.

So, before I am influenced by the film's portrayal of the events on Iwo Jima and the stories of the six men - Harlon Block, James Bradley, Rene Gagnon, Ira Hayes, Frank Sousley, Mike Strank - whose picture became symbolic of a nation at war, I will share my take on the book. A review of the film will follow in a few days.

James Bradley was motivated to write "Flags of Our Fathers" after the death of his father. As the family sorted through the papers that John Bradley left behind, they found three cardboard boxes full of photos and documents related to Iwo Jima. Finding this secret stash shocked the Bradleys, since James had refused to discuss his role as a famous flagraiser.

"I hungered to know the heroic part of my dad. Try as I might I could never get him to tell me about it.

`The real heroes of Iwo Jima,' he said once, coming as close as he ever would, `are the guys who didn't come back.'" (Page 4)

My siblings and I had a similar experience. My father, who served in India with the U.S. Army Air Corps, hardly ever talked about his years of service that cost him four years of his life and compromised his health until he died at the relatively young age of 65. It was as if he had locked that part of his life away in some inaccessible vault. The closest he came to revealing that chapter of his life was to lead us in singing Army marching songs that seemed to play in his head like a continuous loop. Our frequent family drives in the country were filled with many hours of such songs. We whiled away the hours and the miles by singing "Someone's in the Kitchen with Dinah," "Alice Blue Gown," "Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder," and "I've Been Working on the Railroad." I felt as if Bradley had touched a special rewind button when he wrote these words about the memorial service the family held when they were able to visit Iwo Jima in 1998:

"When I was finished with my talk, I couldn't look up at the faces in front of me. I sensed the strong emotion in the air. Quietly, I suggested that in honor of my dad, we all sing the only two songs John Bradley ever admitted to knowing: `Home on the Range' and `I've Been Working on the Railroad.'" (page 14)

Bradley chose an epigraph for the second chapter of the book that is timeless and haunting:

"All wars are boyish, and are fought by boys." Herman Melville (Page 17)

Bradley lays out in clear terms why he chose to undertake the project of writing the book and sharing the stories of the Iwo Jima flagraisers:

"That was the point, I reminded myself, the point of my quest: to bring these boys back to life, or a kind of life, to let them live again in the country's memory. Starting with my father, and continuing with the other five.

That is how we always keep our beloved dead alive, isn't it? By telling stories abut them; true stories. It works that way with our national past as well. Keeping it alive by telling stories." (Page 17)

I have long been a strong believer in the power of narrative to capture our imaginations and our hearts. The job that James Bradley and Ron Powers have done in this book reaffirms my faith in the power of a well-told story. By Bradley bringing back to life the six Iwo Jima flagraisers and their comrades who fell in battle there, I felt as if he were also connecting me to a piece of my father's history and bringing him back to life, as well. As you can imagine, reading this book evoked powerful emotions.

This book does a very effect job of contrasting the sanitized view that civilians have of war with the messy reality experienced by those in the midst of the fighting:

"To the civilian noncombatants, war was `knowable' and `understandable.' Orderly files of men and machines marching off to war, flags waving, patriotic songs playing. War could be clear and logical to those who had not touched its barb.

But battle veterans quickly lost a sense of war's certitude. Images of horror they could scarcely comprehend invaded their thoughts tortured their minds. Bewildered and numbed, they cold not unburden themselves to their civilian counterparts, who could never comprehend through mere words.

Mike, Ira, and Harlon - these three boys back from the Pacific Heart of Darkness - now embraced death. Two were convinced that their next battle would be their last. And one lingered on for ten years before he was consumed by a living nightmare." (Page 90)

"Today, a battle-scarred Ira Hayes would be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress syndrome, and there would be understanding and treatment available to him. But in the late forties and early fifties, Ira had to suffer alone. Suffer daily with images of and misplaced guilt over his 'good buddies who didn't come back.'" (Page 333)

Post traumatic stress disorder - or PTSD - reared its ugly head over Iwo Jima and planted its flag in the hearts of those who fought there - and who have fought in every subsequent battle from Pusan and Pork Chop Hill to Khe Sahn and Hamburger Hill to Tikrit and Falujah. (I will return to the topic of PTSD in a series of articles in the coming weeks.)

Throughout the book, Bradley does justice to the legacy of the Iwo Jima flagraisers by addressing an issue that haunted each of them - the question of what it truly means to be a hero. The flagraisers felt that fate had singled them out for notoriety and the label of "hero," but each man felt in his heart that the real heroes were the ones who did not live to see the flag raised or the parades planned or the War Bond rallies held.

"And finally, I found a full-page newspaper ad from the Seventh Bond Tour, which he had participated in. It screamed: `You've seen the photo, you've heard him on radio, now in person in Milwaukee County Stadium, see Iwo Jima hero John H. Bradley!'

Hero. In that misunderstood and corrupted word, I think lay the final reason for John Bradley's silence.

Today the word `hero' has been diminished, confused with `celebrity.' But in my father's generation the word meant something.

Celebrities seek fame. They take actions to get attention. Most often, the actions they take have no particular moral content. Heroes are heroes because they have risked something to help others. Their actions involve courage. Often, those heroes have been indifferent to the public's attention. But at least, the hero could understand the focus of the emotion. However he valued or devalued his own achievement, it did stand as an accomplishment.

The moment that saddled my father with the label of `hero' contained no action worthy of remembering. When he was shown the photo for the first time, he had no idea what he was looking at. He did not recognize himself or any of the others. The raising of that pole was as forgettable as tying the laces of his boots.

The irony, of course, was that Doc Bradley was indeed a hero on Iwo Jima - many times over. The flagraising, in fact, might be seen as one of the few moments in which he was not acting heroically. In 1998 Dr. James Wittmeier, my father's medical supervisor in Iwo, sat beside me silently contemplating my request for him to explain, or speculate on, why my dad never talked about that time. Finally, after many long minutes, he turned to me and softly said, `You ever hold a broken raw egg in your hands? Well, that's how your father and I help young men's heads.' The heads of real heroes, dying in my father's arms.

So, he knew real heroism. He could separate the real thing from the image, the fluff. And no matter how many millions of people thought otherwise, he understood that this image of heroism was not the real thing." (Pages 260-261)

"Flags of Our Fathers" is a moving and loving tribute to heroes - real and perceived. I am glad that Nick Olmsted pointed the way to it. I hope that Clint Eastwood and Stephen Spielberg's translation of the story to the screen will honor the spirit of the men who fought on Iwo Jima.

Al

1/400th of a second in time.......2006-10-19

"It's funny what a picture can do": 1/400th of a second in time.

I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie. Will Eastwood respect the book?, I believe it is in his nature to do so.

The true story surrounding the flag raising on Mt. Suribachi in Iwo Jima. Well written, with tales of heroism; hard not to shed a tear.

We will learn the names of the marines who made famous that one day in time; who they were, their hometowns, their progression from training, to individual deployment, to the forming of the squad. Finally progressing to the day they meet and each individuals final fate.

The Japanese were as phantoms, fighting to the very last man. Our marines had to fight for every square inch on a volcanic wasteland. The initial fight was for Mt. Suribachi. But at the raising of the flag (the second one to be raised) the battle was not over. The horrific losses were just beginning. Why could they have not just starved the island out?

"The heroes of Iwo Jima are the guys who didn't come back"

Lets thank those who were "just doing their duty".

Wish you well
Scott

The real story of Iwo Jima.......2006-09-20

A remarkable tribute to ordinary soldiers accidentally thrust into an extraordinary situation by one of the best known wartime photographs in WW 2 history. A loving tribute from a son to his humble father, a young man who did his duty as he had been trained, and who came back home to do what thousands of servicemen did-try to pick up 'normal' lives and put the horrors of war behind them.
This book in paperback is an important read for everyone who questions the decisions made by soldiers and their commanders under fire, against an enemy with no real regard for human life and dignity as Americans have come to expect. Especially now, as our troops are involved in an effort to keep the enemy from bringing terror to our homeland, just as they did back in 1945. In every generation, there are ordinary people who are called upon to do extraordinary things, as we witnessed on 9/11/01 (this generations 'Pearl Harbor'). Bradley has done an excellent job, both with this book and 'Flyboys' to describe the Pacific war effort and to make it very real to the reader. I hope that his research and writing with regard to what is now termed 'the Greatest Generation' continues.

Hitler's War Against the Jews: A Young Reader's

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Hitler's War Against the Jews: A Young Reader's
David A. Altshuler
Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding

General | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0613989732

The New York Times: A Nation Challenged, Young Reader's Edition

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The New York Times: A Nation Challenged, Young Reader's Edition
Staff Of The New York Times
Manufacturer: Scholastic Reference
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0439488036

Book Description

In an intimate and moving portrait of the occurrences of September 11, 2001 and its aftermath, A Nation Challenged is a tragic, yet ultimately reassuring record of the most pivotal event in modern American history. After witnessing such monumental acts of destruction and violence, America's children were inundated with new fears. Some of them grieve for lost loved ones, some of them grieve out of sheer confusion and anxiety, and some of them cannot grieve at all, unable to comprehend the enormity of what happened. This book will answer their questions about how and why these acts occurred in

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A Powerful and Poignant Novel
The French Resistance from a young girls's point of view

Resistance
Janet Graber
Manufacturer: Marshall Cavendish Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Customer Reviews:

A Powerful and Poignant Novel.......2006-09-23

Fifteen-year-old Marianne can't understand why her mother has put Marianne and her brother at risk by joining the Resistance, an underground movement organized to fight the German occupation of France. There is plenty of emotional conflict as she has to deal with the English soldier her mother is concealing, a German commandant who attempts to molest her, and the young German soldier who is temporarily billeted in her home. It is a story of war but also a story of inner conflicts and struggles as Marianne works through issues of trust and loss and the realization that people are individuals and can not always be easily categorized as "enemy" or" friend" . Highly Recommended!

The French Resistance from a young girls's point of view.......2005-06-10

I really enjoyed this little novel and didn't want it to end! It is about the complexities of war from a young girl's perspective added with the complexities of her changing relationship with her mother. Very interesting twists and turns to the plot. All that and an ending that got me all choked up. What more could you ask for!
A very good story. Engrossing and thought provoking.

Righteous Smuggler (Holocaust Remembrance Book for Young Readers)

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THE RIGHTEOUS SMUGGLER

Righteous Smuggler (Holocaust Remembrance Book for Young Readers)
Debbie Spring
Manufacturer: Second Story Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Holocaust | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

During World War II, when Hendrik, the young son of a fisherman in Amsterdam, notices his Jewish friends being barred from school and ostracized by their other classmates, he is determined to stand by them. His parents have always told him to fight injustice. So when Hendrik realizes what Hitler's policies ulitmately mean for his Jewish friends and their families, he hatches a daring plan to help smuggle them out of the country by boat. This latest addition to the award-winning Holocaust Remembrance Series teaches young readers the value of compassion, courage, and sticking to one's convictions -- even in the face of unthinkable evil.

Customer Reviews:

THE RIGHTEOUS SMUGGLER.......2006-10-05

In 1940, Hendrik is a typical 12-year-old Dutch boy. The son of a fisherman, Hendrik loves the sea. His life revolves around family, school, and friends, until the Nazis step in. The Righteous Smuggler offers a child's perspective of the Nazi invasion of Holland. Through Hendrik's eyes, readers learn how the Nazis infiltrate every part of the Dutch community. Young Hendrik's sense of dismay is evident as he sees the mistreatment of his Jewish friends. Hendrick is a fully developed character, a boy whose values are tested as he responds to the evil in his world. Hendrik's emotions are genuine and believable. He seeks not to be a hero, but to help his friends.

Ultimately, Hendrik and his father risk their own lives to smuggle Jews out of Holland on their fishing boat. There is a fair amount of suspense and adventure, which will appeal to both boys and girls. The author has carefully crafted this historical fiction, with a satisfying ending, including photos that bring the story to life.

Like Lois Lowry's Number the Stars, this book honors non-Jews who saved lives during the Holocaust. The Righteous Smuggler can provide a springboard for discussions about the Holocaust, as well as other themes such as peer pressure, loyalty, and choosing good over evil. This book belongs in every school library. Highly recommended for ages 8 - 12. Reviewed by Debbie Spring

World History Series - Viking Conquest (World History Series)

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The Vikings possessed many skills and talents that helped them make a lasting contribution to the world, but they are legendary for their raiding and pillaging. Their ventures and conquests in Europe during the Viking era are major events in world history.

The Young Readers' Encyclopedia of Jewish History

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Terriffic resource!

The Young Readers' Encyclopedia of Jewish History
Ilana Shamir , and Shlomo Shavit
Manufacturer: Viking Juvenile
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General | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Customer Reviews:

Terriffic resource!.......2005-02-17

I've used by copy over and over for years-- its for children but I use it myself. This is a giant oversized book gives an excellent visual overview of Jewish history, beginning approximately 5,000 years before the birth of Christ and ending with the present time. A time line summarizes the text and places Jewish history in the context of general world history. Includes 300 photographs, maps, charts, and drawings.

1492: The Debate on Colonialism, Eurocentrism, and History (Young Readers)

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Essential, thoughtful, short "mega history"
New World Views

1492: The Debate on Colonialism, Eurocentrism, and History (Young Readers)
James M. Blaut
Manufacturer: Africa World Press
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Customer Reviews:

Essential, thoughtful, short "mega history".......2004-02-01

Blaut's "1492" is the quickest way to get "up to speed" on the issues of Eurocentrism and falsely reading history backwards. It thoughtfully and convincingly argues that Europe was no more advanced or likely to develop hegemony or capitalism in 1491 than many other areas. New World precious metals, extreme profitability of capital accumulation aided by depopulation from new diseases and Europe's weapons technology (terror and depopulation) was an accident of history resulting from relative ease of nautical proximity and conquest. The implications for rewriting and understanding world history, before 1492, and after are staggering and properly humbling for Eurocentric triumphalists claiming unique superiority from and for all times. Some 40% of the short book is critiques from other scholars two largely in support and two who differ. One may choose to read these or not. In any case there is an introduction to much of the key literature on the subject.It is a stumulating and thoughful work that should be familiar to anyone interested in European or World History.

New World Views.......2001-09-08

Dr. James M. Blaut's book, 1492 - The Debate on Colonialism, Eurocenterism and History is a much-needed, thought-provoking addition to the analysis of world history. Blaut challenges the notion that the rest of the world was sleeping when Western Europe "burst forth" with technology, economic vigor and curiousity to explore and colonize other nations.

Instead, Blaut states that many countries and societies in Asia, Africa and some parts of the Americas were at the same socio-economic level as Western Europe prior to 1492. He also states that many of these countries were actively engaged in exploration and global trade relations.
He poses 3 profound questions: 1) Why did Western Europe embark on its campaign of conquest and exploitation of Africa, Asia and the Americas at the time that it did? 2) Why did Western Europe choose to conquer these other societies rather than simply establish equal trade relations as was done by other countries? 3) What global situation was Western Europe responding to that led to the political decision to conquer other nations?

The slim volume not only provides Dr. Blaut's views but it includes perspectives from 5 other global historians and takes the form of a rich debate. Blaut's book has two omissions that could enrich this analysis. First, there is ample historical evidence that several West African nations such as Mali had active trade relations with the Americas as early as the 11th century. This fact can help fortify the point that many countires were at the same or higher socio-economic level as Western Europe.

Second, the role of the medieval Islamic empire is a critical element in the global geo-political and economic trends. It is my suspicion that the competitive pressure on Western Europe that engendered the Crusades, was also a major factor in Western Europe's decision to become a world conqueror rather than a world trader. This factor is yet to be explored.

For all truth seekers and persons with non-Western European roots, this book provides important validation for the significance of the rest of the world in the rise of capitalism and the modern era.

Book Description

Designed especially for beginning readers, First-Start Biographies trace the childhood years of famous men and women who overcame obstacles and achieved greatness. Illustrated in full color.

Customer Reviews:

Great for Younger Students.......2003-05-13

This book gives a nice, organized view of Columbus' achievements. I especially liked how the book made the point that Columbus did not land in what is now the United States, but rather on the island of San Salvador. There are lots of illustrations, and the vocabulary is simple enough that younger students would be able to comprehend the information.

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