I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. Great book about the Marines, though I am on the lookout for kids' non-fiction books.

Here is an outstanding book with excellent color photos of the United States Marine Corps. In their finest whether it is marching, training, or in a demonstration, for example, their silent Drill Team which is really a sight to see in person.
Having grown up around a city that was home to two Marine Bases and a father that worked for the Marines, I was around them for years growing up. Some were at our home; others would be a coach for one of my teams. Either way, I would be on base to see them train and drill. This book really captures the spirit of the Corps.
Knowing the history of the Marines like I do it's not just WWII and beyond. This book captures that and shows you more. In their training, some battles, and other photos. My description of this book does not give it Justus. An excellent book.

The Marines: "Semper Fi!" by Colin Colbourn is a pictorial history of the United States Marines. Colbourn is the lead historian at Project Recovery and a Post Doctoral Researcher at the University of Deleware. He has contributed to several military organizations, including Leatherneck magazine. 

The Marine Monument in our capitol. Dress Blues. Full Metal Jacket. John Wayne. "The Marines are looking for a Few Good Men". The recruiting commercials during NFL games. The Marine Corps Band and Silent Drill Team at the State Fair. Americans know who the Marines are and what they are all about. The Marines are the elite among the US military branches. We all wear the same uniform. We are all one unit and we are all expected to be infantry.

For a few, Marine means yellow footprints at Parris Island, Irish Pennants, The Grinder. Endless inspections, guard duty, haircuts, and terminal Lance Corporal, but too when the day is done, it is all worth it. Marine is a title that is earned and kept forever. Even decades later, when you meet someone you served with, there is immediate talk about boot camp and that one time... It is not only with those you served. Strangers with a Marine Corps baseball cap or t-shirt receive a "Semper Fi, Marine" and soon stories are exchanged.  

Colbourn captures the tradition of the Marines with pictures and words from its beginning in Tunn Tavern to the current conflicts in the Middle East and Central Asia. The illustrations and photographs show the evolution of the fighting force. Although it has always remained naval infantry, its start was as shipboard sharpshooters and landing parties. It later became an occupying force in Central America and trained in "small wars." The Marines were a land force in World War I but fought in the Pacific in World War II. They fought in Korea, Vietnam, and the current conflicts with honor.  

Marines is more than a history. It examines the modern Marine and his equipment that has changed noticeably since I wore the uniform thirty-five years ago. The photography of the Marines captures the spirit and prestige of the Corps. An excellent, wonderfully illustrated book showing what it is to be a Marine. Recommended to anyone interested in the Marines and old Marines recalling their service.