Book Review: 'Twenty-One Steps' by Jeff Gottesfeld

✰✰✰✰½ Back in 1921, an unknown, fallen soldier returned in a casket to lay in state in the U.S. Capitol. He represented the many who died nameless and faceless during World War I. After being laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, time went by and people began to forget. To stop the desecration, changes were made and sentinel guards installed. Never again would the Unknowns be alone. 

Without fail, a sentinel guard has been present at the tomb since July 2, 1937 to keep vigil. It's the most difficult post to earn in the United States Army, and the guards strive for perfection. Every single thing the sentinel guards do honors the unknown fallen. This book is an excellent reminder of the sacrifices our servicemen and women have made in the past and continue to make today.

The Bottom Line: This picture book tells the little known history of the sentinel guards and what they do. Respectfully written without politics, author Jeff Gottesfeld broaches a difficult topic with dignity and grace. Beautiful illustrations cover full page and two-page spreads and help convey this difficult topic with reverence. Highly recommended reading for children in grades 2 - 3. Also, a highly recommended addition to school and public libraries.

Details: Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier written by Jeff Gottesfeld & illustrated by Matt Tavares. Picture book published by Candlewick Press in 2021. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-5362-0148-2 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers Program at LibraryThing.] 

Book Review: 'Hero of the Empire' by Candice Millard

✰✰✰✰½ Leader. Power. Strength. And Optimism. These are all words associated with one of the world’s greatest leaders of all time, Winston Churchill. However, there was a time when words to describe him might have included: Arrogant. Conceited. Entitled. And spoiled rich kid.

When Churchill was just 24, he was completely convinced that he was destined to become the Prime Minister of England. But, no one else thought so. Although Churchill lost his first election by a landslide, he was not one to give up. He knew that in order to achieve his lofty goal, he must excel on the battlefield.

As a war correspondent, Churchill arrived in South Africa in 1899 to cover the Boer War. Only 2 weeks later, he was captured and held as a prisoner of war. While others simply accepted their fate, Churchill dreamed of freedom, and he pulled off a daring escape. All ALONE with just 4 slabs of chocolate, his wits, and lots of luck, Churchill crossed hundreds of miles of enemy territory to freedom.

Along the way Winston Churchill evolved from privileged, conceited youth to respected world leader. How was this possible? In the words of Winston Churchill, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a BIG difference.”

The Bottom Line: From the author of The River of Doubt and Destiny of the Republic comes the true story of Winston Churchill’s road to fame and heroism. Once again, Candice Millard has woven together an epic adventure filled with danger, courage, lucky breaks, and never-ending optimism. Highly recommended for history buffs and readers who enjoy biographies.

Details: Hero of the Empire: The Boer War, a Daring Escape, and the Making of Winston Churchill by Candice Millard. Hardcover published by Doubday in 2016. 416 p. ISBN: 978-0-385-53573-1