Thirteen year old Nicholas Rider inspired by his grandfather, veteran John Haney, wrote and self-published a book about American military heroes. What started out as collecting autographs of his heroes, Nicholas spent almost two years interviewing 118 veterans documenting their experiences of war and conflicts.

In regards to the veterans profiled in his book, “America’s True Heroes”, Nicholas says, “No one should forget what they’ve done. I firmly believe that without these brave people America wouldn’t be as we know it today—they deserve our thanks, and the book is my way of doing that.”

Since the books’ publication, Nicholas has done book signings, appeared on the KCTS series "WWII: Stories from the Northwest", which aired in conjunction with the Ken Burns documentary, "The War", and even received a thank you letter from President Bush!

Nicholas Rider is a member of the Civil Air Patrol and currently working on earning his pilot’s license.

On the pages of this book you will be introduced to Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine veterans who served in peacetime and during conflicts; from WWI to present day Iraq. You will be inspired by their bravery, commitment to duty, and love for their country. 50+ photos.

Read an excerpt: Americas True Hereos.pdf

• Paperback: 311 pages, 8 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches

• Publisher: Island Time Publishing; 1st edition (May 20, 2006)

• ISBN-13: 978-0978818241

• Price: $20.00 + Shipping & Handling: $4.75

For inquiries or to order by Check or Money Order write to:
Nicholas Rider
PO Box 488
Monroe, WA 98272

In America’s True Heroes; Volume II, 16-year-old Nicholas Rider continues his collection of personal accounts of war told by American veterans. It captures the courage and commitment of over one hundred veterans from various services, and includes stories from WWI to Iraq. Examples of valor are displayed over and over on the pages of this book. A wounded soldier’s agonizing crawl back to friendly lines after the medics who come to him are shot down by a German soldier. The terror felt by a B-17 crew, when they see another plane coming at them, head on, out of the clouds. The anguish felt by a Vietnam soldier as he is wounded on his final mission before shipping home. The elation and surprise felt by two brothers who were reunited while both being held captive in a German POW camp. The satisfaction and pride after a victory and a job well done and many, many more experiences are recorded in this book.

These unforgettable stories will leave you with an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude for what our American veterans have accomplished and sacrificed for our great country. These brave men and women deserve a sincere “Thank you” from each and every one of us who enjoy a free America.

Read an excerpt: Americas True Hereos Volume II.pdf

• Softcover: 300 pages, 8 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches

• Publisher: Island Time Publishing; 1st edition

• ISBN: 978-0-9788182-8-9

• Price: $20.00 + Shipping & Handling: $4.75

For inquiries or to order by Check or Money Order write to:
Nicholas Rider
PO Box 488
Monroe, WA 98272

I am impressed that a young man would take the time and effort to record this precious history. Nicholas Rider is to be commended for his insight and dedication to this book. Because he cared enough to devote his energy and time, the stories of the veterans in his book will be preserved for future generations. It is so refreshing to all of us here that a 14-year old has the maturity and understanding of the sacrifices, to complete such a project. All of our veterans here say, "God Bless You, Nicholas" for your service to them.

—Veterans Memorial Museum, Chehalis, WA, Lee Grimes, Founder and Director

To call Nicholas Rider's work "a book of short stories" would be limiting what he has accomplished. The book recounts the life and times of America's men and women who sacrificed their time and risked their lives to keep the values and freedoms we as Americans come to take for granted. It is a chronicle of the American serviceman and servicewoman. It contains stories of peace and war. Each story is a first person glance back into history. To commend the book, I've read others of this type and put them down never to finish. Nicholas Rider's book kept me interested and, in some instances, wanting and looking for more.

—Military, Jan 2007, Cpl William Rolke, USMC (Ret)

Fourteen-year-old homeschooler, Nicholas Rider, began working on America's True Heroes when he was 11-years old and attempting to collect autographs from veterans he met. The project grew into a collection of remembrances. The tales are often told in the veterans own words. One World War II vet ended his account: "I am sorry I do not want to say anymore. It is an experience I hope you will never have to go through. When I returned to civilian life, I decided to leave my war experience behind. I lost a lot of good friends." We can be thankful for his service and for Nicholas Rider who cared enough to write it down.

—WORLD Magazine, June 09, 2007, Vol. 22, Number 21

Press Releases

A Big Thank You

Published 2007, Guideposts magazine

Their Stories

Published 2007, Guideposts magazine

Appearances

23rd Annual Spring Lynden Craft & Antique Show

NW Washington Fairgrounds, Lynden, WA
March 19, 20, & 21, 2009

Washington Homeschool Convention

Puyallup Fair Grounds
June 19 - 20, 2009