What does it take to become a member of the United States Coast Guard? Kids will find out as they follow a recruit's journey from civilian to Guardian. Readers will get an inside look at the tough, eight-week program at The Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey, where all seaman recruits go for basic training. Recruits wake up every morning at 5:30 AM to start a busy day that consists of rigorous physical exercise and classroom study. An aspiring Guardian has to be ready for any kind of emergency at sea, so seaman recruits learn a range of skills from fire fighting to first-aid to how to use a gun. Readers will also meet real-life recruits such as John Patrone, who joined the Coast Guard because he wanted to rescue boaters who were stranded in storms. Combining large, full-color photos with a narrative format and controlled text, Coast Guard: Civilian to Guardian will inspire young readers as they learn what it takes to become one of the world's finest soldiers. It's a must-have for readers beginning to have an interest in the military, as well as for kids with parents in military careers.