The School the Aztec Eagles Built

By Dorinda Nicholson

A photo-illustrated book about the Aztec Eagles, Mexico’s World War II Air Force squadron interwoven with the story of Sergeant Angel Bocanegra, whose service was rewarded with the building of a school in his village.

Description

In May 1942, German U-boats torpedoed two unarmed Mexican oil tankers off the Gulf Coast, forcing Mexico to enter World War II. With the help of United States President Roosevelt, Mexican President Camacho arranged to send one Air Force squadron to fight in the war. Thirty-eight of Mexico’s top pilots, and about two hundred sixty additional military crew were carefully selected to form the 201st Air Force Squadron, also known as the Aztec Eagles. The squadron was the first unit in history to leave Mexico on a fighting mission.

To mark this historic event, President Camacho asked the men if they had any last minute requests before they went to war. Sergeant Angel Bocanegra, a former teacher and now squadron ground crewmember, stepped forward and made a request. He asked that a school be built in his small village of Tepoztlan.

The School the Aztec Eagles Built tells the exciting story of how a Mexican Air Force squadron and an unknown schoolteacher made their mark in history.

About the Creators

Dorinda Nicholson

Dorinda Makanaonalani Nicholson was born in Hawai’i and was an eyewitness to the attack on Pearl Harbor when she was six years old. She believes it is her mission to bring World War II history to life for children. Her works have received starred reviews and awards, including the IRA Children’s Book Award for nonfiction, Benjamin Franklin Award, and ALA Notable. The School the Aztec Eagles Built has also garnered an SCBWI Book Launch Award. In addition to being a writer, Nicholson is a Missouri Humanities Council member and an avid hula dancer. She and her husband live in Raytown, Missouri.

Awards

  • Américas Award Commended Title

    Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs

Reviews

  • * "The neatly designed account is accessible and well-organized, telling the story in a chronological series of double-page spreads... A stirring tribute to an unjustly overlooked group of heroes."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "This tribute to Mexico's war efforts complements other narratives of groups and individual aviators who aided the cause."

    - Booklist
  • "The intersection of military history, biography, and the power of community is unique. An additional purchase for those looking for a multifaceted work of history."

    - School Library Journal

Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781600604409
  • Publication Date Oct 01, 2016
  • Trim Size 8.75 × 10.5 in
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 40
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / History / Mexico
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / History / Military & Wars
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / People & Places / Mexico
  • Themes Biography / Memoir, Collaboration, Coping with Death, Courage, Cultural Diversity, Discrimination, Dreams & Aspirations, Education, Empathy / Compassion, Families, Friendship, Geography, Heroism, History & Civics, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Latinx / Latino / Hispanic, Leadership, Multiple Ethnicities Represented, Neighbors, Nonfiction, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence / Grit, Photographic Illustrations, Respect / Citizenship, Social Justice & Activism, Tolerance / Acceptance, United States History, War, World War II
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 8 - 12
  • Grade Range Grades 3 - 7
  • Guided Reading Z
  • DRA 80
  • Interest Level Grades 3 - 7
  • Lexile Code NC
  • Lexile Level 1170
  • Reading Level Grades 7 - 8
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
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