From Bunker Hill to Baghdad: True Stories of America's Veterans

Gr 9 Up—In this noteworthy collection of 20 stories about veterans from various wars, author and storyteller Mendoza (who died in 2012) relates the courageous and inspiring accomplishments of individuals—mainly ordinary citizens—who heeded the call of duty to serve their country. Arranged in chronological order by war, starting with the American Revolution and ending with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, these highly readable and informative stories expose the ugliness of war and highlight military tactics, but mainly pay tribute to the supreme valor and sacrifices of various veterans. Mendoza has given war a human face. A Vietnam War veteran, he illustrates how individual actions can impact history. His empathy for veterans shines through in this engaging book, as he relates personal and intimate details that students won't get from textbooks, such as the story of the Veterans' Bonus March. A strong and unique take on the subject.—Jeanette Lambert, Nashville-Davidson County Schools, TN