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Devotion (Young Readers Edition): An Epic Story of Heroism and Friendship
A young adult adaptation of the national bestseller that details the true story of two Navy pilots from divergent racial and economic backgrounds who forge a deep friendship during the Korean War as they face extraordinary circumstances.Soon to be major motion picture starring Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell, with a supporting cast including Joe Jonas!Lieutenant Tom Hudner and Ensign Jesse Brown, both Navy pilots during the Korean War in 1950, come from different Hudner is a white New Englander, a son of privilege; Brown is an African American son of a sharecropper from Mississippi. When the two men join forces in Fighter Squadron 32, they forge a deep friendship at a time when racial inequality was prevalent in America.An unwavering commitment binds Tom and Jesse to each other as well as to their comrades. The two fly to save a division of US Marines cornered during the battle at Chosin Reservoir, but catastrophe strikes when one of them is shot down behind enemy lines and trapped in the wreckage of his plane. The other will face an unthinkable watch their friend die, or attempt one of history’s most audacious one-man rescue missions.What transpires is harrowing and heartbreaking, an inspirational story for all time.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2022
35 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Adam Makos
13 books671 followersHailed as “A masterful storyteller” by the Associated Press, Adam Makos is the author of the New York Times bestseller, A Higher Call, and the critically-acclaimed, Devotion. Inspired by his grandfathers’ service, Adam chronicles the stories of American veterans in his trademark “You Are There” style, landing him “in the top ranks of military writers,” according to the Los Angeles Times. In pursuit of a story, Adam has flown a WWII bomber, accompanied a Special Forces raid in Iraq, and journeyed into North Korea in search of an MIA American serviceman.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 23, 2025
“Devotion” book review
I chose to read Devotion by Adam Makos because I enjoy true stories about friendship, courage, and history. This book is a historical nonfiction story of the Korean War. Adam Makos is known for writing powerful war stories that focus on real people and their experiences, and he is respected for his careful research and emotional writing. Devotion tells the story of two U.S. Navy pilots, Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner. Jesse was the first Black Navy pilot, and Tom was a white officer who became his close friend. The book follows their training, the challenges they face, and how their friendship grows during the war. Even though it's about war, the main focus is on their bond and the brave choices they make for each other.
I liked Devotion because of the strong friendship between Jesse and Tom, and the way the author brought their story to life. The way the author described Tom and Jesse’s childhoods also helped show the differences between them and how they grew up in very different worlds. The characters felt real and easy to care about. The writing was clear, emotional, and respectful, which made it easy to connect with the story. I think the author wrote this book to honor these two men and to show not only how powerful friendship and loyalty can be, even in difficult times, but also how hard a Black person’s road to their dream could be. For example, there are many powerful sentences about the unfair treatment Jesse faced in the military. One line that moved me the most was when a cook said to Jesse, “Now, when people see a Black person on the ship, they won’t know if he’s a cook or a pilot.” That moment showed the impact Jesse was making. But Tom’s courage and loyalty when he helped Jesse also showed the true meaning of devotion.
I would strongly recommend Devotion to other readers, especially to people who enjoy true stories about history, heroism, and friendship. This book is a great fit for teens and adults who want to learn more about the Korean War or are inspired by stories of loyalty and sacrifice. As a Chinese student, I have always learned about the Korean War from a different perspective — as a war of justice and resistance to aggression. But through this book, I had the chance to see the war through the eyes of American soldiers. It helped me understand what “devotion” means from their point of view, not just loyalty to their country, but also deep personal loyalty between friends. Reading about Jesse and Tom’s courage made me realize that even though people may be on different sides of a conflict, their values, like bravery, friendship, and sacrifice, can still be meaningful and inspiring. Devotion is not only educational, but also emotional and powerful, and I believe many readers from different backgrounds would find it both moving and thought-provoking.
I chose to read Devotion by Adam Makos because I enjoy true stories about friendship, courage, and history. This book is a historical nonfiction story of the Korean War. Adam Makos is known for writing powerful war stories that focus on real people and their experiences, and he is respected for his careful research and emotional writing. Devotion tells the story of two U.S. Navy pilots, Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner. Jesse was the first Black Navy pilot, and Tom was a white officer who became his close friend. The book follows their training, the challenges they face, and how their friendship grows during the war. Even though it's about war, the main focus is on their bond and the brave choices they make for each other.
I liked Devotion because of the strong friendship between Jesse and Tom, and the way the author brought their story to life. The way the author described Tom and Jesse’s childhoods also helped show the differences between them and how they grew up in very different worlds. The characters felt real and easy to care about. The writing was clear, emotional, and respectful, which made it easy to connect with the story. I think the author wrote this book to honor these two men and to show not only how powerful friendship and loyalty can be, even in difficult times, but also how hard a Black person’s road to their dream could be. For example, there are many powerful sentences about the unfair treatment Jesse faced in the military. One line that moved me the most was when a cook said to Jesse, “Now, when people see a Black person on the ship, they won’t know if he’s a cook or a pilot.” That moment showed the impact Jesse was making. But Tom’s courage and loyalty when he helped Jesse also showed the true meaning of devotion.
I would strongly recommend Devotion to other readers, especially to people who enjoy true stories about history, heroism, and friendship. This book is a great fit for teens and adults who want to learn more about the Korean War or are inspired by stories of loyalty and sacrifice. As a Chinese student, I have always learned about the Korean War from a different perspective — as a war of justice and resistance to aggression. But through this book, I had the chance to see the war through the eyes of American soldiers. It helped me understand what “devotion” means from their point of view, not just loyalty to their country, but also deep personal loyalty between friends. Reading about Jesse and Tom’s courage made me realize that even though people may be on different sides of a conflict, their values, like bravery, friendship, and sacrifice, can still be meaningful and inspiring. Devotion is not only educational, but also emotional and powerful, and I believe many readers from different backgrounds would find it both moving and thought-provoking.
April 24, 2025
This Spring Term, I read "Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice" by Adam Makos for my Spring Reading Capstone Project. When I received the list of available books, Devotion immediately stood out to me. This non-fiction novel, based on the true story of two Navy pilots during the Korean War, is deeply centered on friendship. The author, Adam Makos, had written many WWII-themed books before this one. As someone already with a lot of experience writing war topics, Makos’s Devotion is very enjoyable.
One of the main reasons I liked this book was Makos’s writing style. Based on a true story, he effectively brings out the unique personalities and emotions of each character. Unlike many other books I’ve read, this is simply a war story from an American soldier’s point of view, which doesn't have much special message to dig into. Makos does convey this story successfully, however. Tom and Jesse, the two main characters, are vividly portrayed with specific details like their family, their childhood, etc. Considering that this book was published about 70 years after the war, this level of detail is impressive. Makos shifts between timelines to provide background while continuing to develop the characters. For example, the story begins with Tom and Jesse on the battlefield, but by page 10, it flashes back to 12 years earlier, thus telling a story about Tom’s childhood. The timeline continues to shift throughout the book, providing the reader with additional information like the training process and even some funny, relaxing stories. Because of this unique style, not only Tom and Jesse but also the crew, the Marines, and even the Black stewards became “alive” as real people, instead of just characters. I really enjoyed Makos's vivid and sophisticated storytelling.
I would recommend this book to teenagers and anyone who enjoys war stories. Although the language is straightforward, it is not simple. Makos’s writing combines clarity with details, making it enjoyable while being something great to learn. This story itself is also a fascinating epic focusing on friendship and heroism. I think such a story can really help teenagers like me to gain a better understanding of the world. Most importantly, this is simply fun to read. In summary, I would recommend this book and give it a 5/5 because of its unique storytelling style, positive topics, and simply being an enjoyable story.
One of the main reasons I liked this book was Makos’s writing style. Based on a true story, he effectively brings out the unique personalities and emotions of each character. Unlike many other books I’ve read, this is simply a war story from an American soldier’s point of view, which doesn't have much special message to dig into. Makos does convey this story successfully, however. Tom and Jesse, the two main characters, are vividly portrayed with specific details like their family, their childhood, etc. Considering that this book was published about 70 years after the war, this level of detail is impressive. Makos shifts between timelines to provide background while continuing to develop the characters. For example, the story begins with Tom and Jesse on the battlefield, but by page 10, it flashes back to 12 years earlier, thus telling a story about Tom’s childhood. The timeline continues to shift throughout the book, providing the reader with additional information like the training process and even some funny, relaxing stories. Because of this unique style, not only Tom and Jesse but also the crew, the Marines, and even the Black stewards became “alive” as real people, instead of just characters. I really enjoyed Makos's vivid and sophisticated storytelling.
I would recommend this book to teenagers and anyone who enjoys war stories. Although the language is straightforward, it is not simple. Makos’s writing combines clarity with details, making it enjoyable while being something great to learn. This story itself is also a fascinating epic focusing on friendship and heroism. I think such a story can really help teenagers like me to gain a better understanding of the world. Most importantly, this is simply fun to read. In summary, I would recommend this book and give it a 5/5 because of its unique storytelling style, positive topics, and simply being an enjoyable story.
June 18, 2022
Lieutenant Tom Hudner and Ensign Jesse Brown couldn't be more different when it comes to backgrounds. Tom was born in New England, the privileged son of a white owner of several grocery stores; Jesse was born to a Mississippi sharecropper in the segregated South. But both men loved to fly, overcame difficulties, and proved themselves worthy of the label "hero." This true story of their formative years and their time as pilots focuses on their roles in Fighter Squadron 32 and their efforts to save U.S. Marines trapped in the Chosin Reservoir in Korea during the Korean War. Jesse's love for his wife Daisy and their dreams of a bright future are described vividly here, partly relying on his letters to her. As I read the story of these two unlikely friends and thought back to the blurb on the book jacket, I was fully invested in their adventures and hoped against hope for a happy ending. Alas, that was not to be. But I still finished the book, filled with admiration for both men and pleased that even back in 1950 two men were able to look beyond color and see into each other's hearts and character. Ultimately, of course, it's impossible to read this book and not ask oneself how far one would go to save a friend as well as how it would feel to be helpless to do so. Beginning the book with that fatal crash and then going back in time before Tom and Jesse met and then following their individual paths was an effective technique in building interest in the story and making readers care about their separate fates. While there are some deviations from the main storyline to tell what was happening to others at the time, the author never fails to connect all of them back to the main point. Fans of war stories and heroism will find this one riveting with much human interest.
December 14, 2022
Who are the heroes for young people--those who receive praise, attention, "worship" in our society? Athletes, movie stars, entertainers? Leaders? Where are those who have honor, integrity, dignity; those who stand for truth, civility, respect?
When we think we may see someone of this caliber, we're often skeptical and wary. Adam Makos had no doubts about the subjects of his book Devotion. Lt. Tom Hudner, a white New Englander, who moved with ease in the country club scene, and Ensign Jesse Brown, an African American from Mississippi, became the U.S. Navy's most famous aviator duo during the Korean War.
Jesse was the Navy's first black corsair pilot--defending a country that refused to serve him a drink in a bar.
Jesse and Tom were "top gun," having a pilot's hardest job: landing on the deck of an aircraft carrier. These men served as wingmen, covering for the other. During training to fly, they became close friends, gaining deep respect for each other. Their relationship eventually led to Tom's most extraordinary act of selflessness.
Jesse Brown was devoted to his mother, to his country, to his comrades, to his wife--and Tom Hudner was willing to die in order to save him. The captain of Tom's aircraft carrier stated: "There has been no finer act of unselfish heroism in military history."
Devotion is "an epic story of heroism and friendship," courage and sacrifice.
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends" (John 15:13).
When we think we may see someone of this caliber, we're often skeptical and wary. Adam Makos had no doubts about the subjects of his book Devotion. Lt. Tom Hudner, a white New Englander, who moved with ease in the country club scene, and Ensign Jesse Brown, an African American from Mississippi, became the U.S. Navy's most famous aviator duo during the Korean War.
Jesse was the Navy's first black corsair pilot--defending a country that refused to serve him a drink in a bar.
Jesse and Tom were "top gun," having a pilot's hardest job: landing on the deck of an aircraft carrier. These men served as wingmen, covering for the other. During training to fly, they became close friends, gaining deep respect for each other. Their relationship eventually led to Tom's most extraordinary act of selflessness.
Jesse Brown was devoted to his mother, to his country, to his comrades, to his wife--and Tom Hudner was willing to die in order to save him. The captain of Tom's aircraft carrier stated: "There has been no finer act of unselfish heroism in military history."
Devotion is "an epic story of heroism and friendship," courage and sacrifice.
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends" (John 15:13).
December 3, 2025
Deviton By Adam Makos is a potent true story of an unlikely but inspiring friendship between two navy pilots, Jesse brown and hardships and exposing how bravery in fighting isn't that different from the just about standing next to you. sometimes though the war descriptions would be so detailed that they would slow the story down for me nevertheless, I think makos did a great job proving that heroism is not always loud sometimes it is proven by quiet choices and sacrifices. while I was reading I kept thinking how scary it would be have been to fly in conditions of weather and still have to be focused which made me respect these people much more. even though the book was dated for young adults it is still respect these people much more. even with you. I believe that Devotion is worth reading as it teaches an important lesson on courage and friendship even despite that, some parts sound a little long to me.
February 9, 2023
Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner were both Navy pilots during the Korean War.
Jesse grew up poor in the South; Tom was from New England, the son of a grocer. They were both part of Squadron Fighter 32, first sent to practice in the Mediterranean, and then sent to Korea when the conflict began.
The story focuses mostly on Tom and Jesee, but also introduces other soldiers who were ground troops or other naval fighters.
This story was adapted for young readers, and I felt it could have used just a bit more editing. I'm wondering how it compares with the original book.
Certain middle school and high school readers will find the story riveting - both the descriptions of the war and the friendship between the men. They may also gain insight into the Korean War, a conflict that often gets overlooked.
Jesse grew up poor in the South; Tom was from New England, the son of a grocer. They were both part of Squadron Fighter 32, first sent to practice in the Mediterranean, and then sent to Korea when the conflict began.
The story focuses mostly on Tom and Jesee, but also introduces other soldiers who were ground troops or other naval fighters.
This story was adapted for young readers, and I felt it could have used just a bit more editing. I'm wondering how it compares with the original book.
Certain middle school and high school readers will find the story riveting - both the descriptions of the war and the friendship between the men. They may also gain insight into the Korean War, a conflict that often gets overlooked.
November 22, 2024
This book is an amazing story! 10/10 I enjoyed every second of it! I love the thoroughness of the research and the development of all the side characters. I really appreciate how tough issues, such as racism and segregation, are tackled in an informational, yet real way. I also think that very few Americans know much about the war in Korea. This story of extreme bravery is one of a kind in this sense. This is such a classic American story, featuring courageous, but humble heroes, wonderful family and marital relationships, the American dream, just war, etc.
Two notes: Marines do gawk at french women in bikinis and then have to throw out obscene reading material, when they realize their kits will be sent back to their families if they die. Other than these two instances, the book is completely clean!
Two notes: Marines do gawk at french women in bikinis and then have to throw out obscene reading material, when they realize their kits will be sent back to their families if they die. Other than these two instances, the book is completely clean!
December 16, 2022
Okay, first of all, this book is so well written it's CRIMINAL! Like, Mr. Makos, you did not need to lead me in with hope only to leave me crying in the middle of algebra. Plus, the fucking heartbreak after? That killed me. I don't normally read biographies, but this led me in and now I'm still trying to process what happened. The people in this book were so well written and had clear hopes and dreams that I actually felt awful when Jesse died. Like, holy shit man. Thank you for writing this but fuck man, I don't think I'll be able to recover from this in a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2023
This book follows Tom Hudner and Jesse Brown's friendship and military service with the navy during the Korean War. Jesse if the first African American pilot for the navy and Tom was his wingman. It follows their training and time spent in North Korea assisting the Marines. It explains their roll in the Korean War and was very enlightening for me to read as I had an uncle who served in that war. This was the young adult version and was a quick read.
May 10, 2023
Devotion is a moving story about an African American pilot who served during the Korean War and another pilot who sought to save him. Jesse Brown overcame much, including discrimination, to become an accomplished pilot. He was a devoted husband and father who wanted to pursue architecture after serving in the military. Tom Hudner flew with Brown and came to trust him completely. Hudner demonstrates courage and bravery with regards to Brown. Hudner's actions are inspiring and an example to all.
March 24, 2023
What a beautifully written, heartbreaking, heartfelt inspiring book! It reads like a fictional tale and hoping that it all ends well. But at lasts, it’s non-fiction and war is ugly. Beautifully written with sweet characters that you can’t help but fall in love with and feel their pain throughout. You feel the pain and you just can’t stop crying.
April 8, 2023
A riveting, inspirational story! After reading, I whole-heartedly agree with the last lines of the book: “In her last days, when she looked around her, Daisy [Brown] came to one final conclusion: The world needs people like Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner, now more than ever.”
*I think the Young Readers Edition will work well as an independent choice for my junior high students.
*I think the Young Readers Edition will work well as an independent choice for my junior high students.
January 25, 2022
I loved this story of heroism and friendship. It is truly an inspiring read and I am always looking for books that will appeal to male readers. This one will be one that I highly recommend and I think it will become a popular read at my library.
August 14, 2023
AMAZING. I loved reading this book. It was written in great detail and vivid language that made you see what was happening. I thought it had a very inspirational story. This is the best book I have read so far this year. I highly recommend this book to young adult history readers.
July 21, 2025
This was a solid book however for me personally it got a little long regarding the war/fighting scenes. But it was a great story overall and very non-offensive, minimal language, and just a great war story. Looking forward to watching the movie with my sons
November 22, 2022
Damn. It started kind of slow but it very quickly sucked me in. It may be the YA version, but it still had quite the emotional punch. Can't wait to see the movie
November 22, 2022
3.5/5
I really enjoyed this book! I loved how the author explains events that happened and really made it feel like you were in the action. Can’t wait to see this on the big screen.
I really enjoyed this book! I loved how the author explains events that happened and really made it feel like you were in the action. Can’t wait to see this on the big screen.
January 17, 2023
This was a slow and dense read, but I loved every second of it and thought about it all the time. Probably better for adults than students, or students who are really interested in the Korean War.
February 23, 2023
After seeing the movie, I had to read Devotion. And I was not disappointed. The book went into more detail than the movie and, besides the epic story of bravery, I learned a lot about the Korean War that I had not known before. It is hard to believe that the soldiers and pilots were put in the positions that they were. I would consider all of them heroes just for being there.
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