Some say courage lies in most people but only surfaces when the need arises. These heroes appear to have been in the right place at the right time. They didn't set out to be courageous; they just were. Although the Medal of Honor was established in 1861, the 25 people featured include soldiers who fought in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan, plus 3 citizen honorees. Some were recognized soon after the event, while others waited more than 50 years. The entries have a similar feel but are not cookie-cutter. Each includes an account of the event that precipitated the honor, captioned photographs, a dog-tag replica with quick facts, and a personal quote from the recipient. Interspersed, as needed, are explanations about individual conflicts, branches of service, and how parents and children dealt with death or caring for injured family members. An afterword looks at the past and future of the Medal of Honor. Best to be read in small bites, all the better to think about.

Gr 4-8 Collier takes readers on an emotional journey into the trenches, through prisoner of war camps to makeshift hospitals, conveying the bravery that compels certain individuals to rise above their fear to protect and save others. Published in collaboration with the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, the book devotes each chapter to a different tale of a medal recipient and is often followed by a page or two of background or historical information. Although the Medal of Honor was created in 1861, the book begins with stories from the battlefields of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. It includes a story from the attack on the World Trade Center, tales of heroism from Iraq and Afghanistan, Haiti, the Congo, and in the halls of an American middle school. Some of the 25 entries are told in the third person, while others are narrated by the hero in question. Most moving are the tales that are told by parents and children of the honorees. The book concludes with a note about the consequences of war and the history of the Congressional Medal of Honor. VERDICT Middle grade readers will appreciate the consistent format, short chapters, straightforward language, photos, and background information, and will benefit from the factual material and the underlying lessons of courage. MaryAnn Karre, West Middle School, Binghamton, NY