Quiet Hero

"Several spreads dynamically capture the fury of war, and the text is readable and informative. The author's note provides a bit more information about this well-known military moment."

"The writing is clear and avoids fictionalized thoughts or dialogue. Soft, well-composed acrylic paintings support the text. Nelson cleverly obscures the faces of the soldiers in battle, emphasizing their anonymity, conveying the fact that any one of them could have been in Hayes's position, and underscoring his struggle to accept attention that he believed to be undeserved. . . A satisfying read for those in search of background on the iconic photograph, families looking for a patriotic story, and students seeking material on minority Americans."

"Stationed in the Pacific, Ira, always 'an honorable warrior,' was nonetheless often frightened. He was also one of six men who raised the flag at Iwo Jima, an act that singularly thrust him into the popular imagination as Americans searched for heroes. Nelson captures this duality with a title that signals a private man and mural-like illustrations that honor an event that has taken on a mythic dimension."