About the Author

Tom Brokaw is the author of seven bestsellers: The Greatest Generation, The Greatest Generation Speaks, An Album of Memories, Boom!, The Time of Our Lives, A Long Way from Home, and A Lucky Life Interrupted. A native of South Dakota, he graduated from the University of South Dakota, and began his journalism career in Omaha and Atlanta before joining NBC News in 1966. Brokaw was the White House correspondent for NBC News during Watergate, and from 1976 to 1981 he anchored Today on NBC. He was the sole anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw from 1983 to 2005. He continues to report for NBC News, producing long-form documentaries and providing expertise during breaking news events. Brokaw has won every major award in broadcast journalism, including two DuPonts, three Peabody Awards, and several Emmys, including one for lifetime achievement. In 2014, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He lives in New York and Montana.

Reviews

"A moving scrapbook...a tribute to the members of the World War II generation to whom we Americans and the world owe so much."
-- The New York Times Book Review

"Full of wonderful, wrenching tales of a generation of heroes. Tom Brokaw reminds us of what we are capable of as a people. An inspiring read for those who wish their spirits lifted."
-- General Colin L. Powell (ret.)

"Entirely compelling."
-- The Wall Street Journal

"Written with love and grace ... a book I will keep forever on my shelves."
-- Frank McCourt, author of 'Tis

"Heartfelt ... A sweeping tribute to Americans who saved the world. It offers welcome inspiration."
-- The Washington Times

"A moving scrapbook...a tribute to the members of the World War II generation to whom we Americans and the world owe so much."
-- The New York Times Book Review

"Full of wonderful, wrenching tales of a generation of heroes. Tom Brokaw reminds us of what we are capable of as a people. An inspiring read for those who wish their spirits lifted."
-- General Colin L. Powell (ret.)

"Entirely compelling."
-- The Wall Street Journal

"Written with love and grace ... a book I will keep forever on my shelves."
-- Frank McCourt, author of 'Tis

"Heartfelt ... A sweeping tribute to Americans who saved the world. It offers welcome inspiration."
-- The Washington Times

YA-Brokaw defines "the greatest generation" as American citizens who came of age during the Great Depression and the Second World War and went on to build modern America. The vehicle used to define the generation further is the stories told by a cross section of men and women throughout the country. The approximately 50 stories are listed in the table of contents under eight topics: Ordinary People; Homefront; Heroes; Women in Uniform and Out; Shame; Love, Marriage and Commitment; Famous People; and the Arena. The individuals are brought to life by photographs within each chapter. YAs will find this book to be a good resource for decade and World War II research. Unlike any era YAs have known, the 1940s are characterized by a people united by a common cause and values.-Carol Clark, formerly at Fairfax County Public Schools, VA