  | Captured : an American prisoner of war in North Vietnam Author: Townley, Alvin | |
| Price: $6.50 | ||
Summary:
Naval aviator Jeremiah Denton was captured in North Vietnam in 1965. As a POW, Jerry Denton led a group of fellow American prisoners in withstanding gruesome conditions behind enemy lines. They developed a system of secret codes and covert communications to keep up their spirits. Jerry told his fellow POWs that they would one day return home together. Although Jerry spent seven and a half years as a POW, he did finally return home in 1973 after the longest, harshest deployment in U.S. history.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG+ Reading Level: 6.80 Points: 8.0 Quiz: 502544 | Reading Counts Information: Interest Level: 6-8 Reading Level: 5.70 Points: 14.0 Quiz: 76236 | |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (01/15/19)
School Library Journal (02/01/19)
Booklist (02/15/19)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 02/15/2019 This harrowing and inspiring account follows U.S. naval aviator Jeremiah Denton's incarceration as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam from July 1965 to February 1973. One of the first 12 POWs captured during the war, Denton endured severe torture and starvation. At one point, he was imprisoned for 554 days in solitary confinement, often in leg shackles with his hand shackled behind him. He broke under torture, yet while being televised saying North Vietnamese propaganda, still managed to blink the word torture in Morse code. Forbidden to speak, the POWs communicated and even played chess with each other using a secret tapping code. After being extricated from North Vietnam in February 1973, Denton was the first POW to publicly speak upon arriving in the Philippines. This book focuses on Denton's POW years and only briefly mentions his life pre- and post-captivity. Back matter includes a bibliography, endnotes, an index (not seen), photos, and maps. Denton's patriotism, courage, and unquenchable spirit to survive shines through in this engrossing account. - Copyright 2019 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 02/01/2019 Gr 9 Up—The author of several award-winning titles for adults has written a riveting tale for younger readers. On Sunday, July 18, 1965, navy pilot Jeremiah Denton took off from the aircraft carrier Independence on a bombing mission over North Vietnam. The mission was never completed, as Denton and his bombardier/navigator, Bill Tschudy, were shot down, captured, and transported directly to Hanoi. Since the United States had not declared war, the North Vietnamese claimed they did not have to abide by the Geneva Convention concerning the treatment of prisoners of war (POWs). They administered beatings, held captives in inhumane solitary confinements, and provided inadequate food rations. Denton, Tschudy, and most all other POWs were held at the Hanoi Hilton and Alcatraz at various times during their imprisonment. Since Denton was the highest ranking American captive, it was his responsibility to lead and encourage the more than 400 prisoners. The description of the solitary confinement and torture of the POWs is not for the faint of heart. Denton and his fellow POWs were released in February 1973 after almost eight years of captivity. Black-and-white photos are sprinkled throughout. Back matter contains an excellent epilogue and bibliography. Sensitive and young readers and those who have claustrophobia may find the content unsettling. VERDICT This excellent description of this episode of U.S. history should be among first purchases.—Eldon Younce, Anthony Public Library, KS - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
