Heroic Brothers of the Civil War focuses on two brothers' exploits fighting for the Union. "The Last Man" relates Lt. Alonzo Cushing's death during Gettysburg; he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2014 for his actions. "The First Seal" gives a comprehensive overview of the military life of his younger brother, William, a midshipman dismissed from Annapolis for his behavior but who was reinstated to the Navy at the war's start to become one of its most daring heroes. READERS REACT The Cushing brothers shared a sense of duty and a leadership compass that produced courageous yet compassionate action in preparation for and in the execution of battle. - Maj. Gen Walt Lord, US Army (ret)

The Wow Factor here is high. You get a truly inspirational, well-written, and easy read that uses two true stories to illustrate the values of commitment, persistence, creativity, and imagination. - Paul Lloyd Hamphill: Author of Inspiration for Teens

In an age when boys became men, young Captain Lon's heroism, leadership, and bloody death were part of a larger struggle that won the day for the Union Army at Gettysburg. Brother William pulled off improbable victories, His caper against the Albemarle will warm the hearts of readers familiar with Captain Thomas Cochrane and Admiral Horatio Nelson of the Royal Navy. - Rod Dodsworth, US Naval Academy Class of 1977