Although the Heart Mountain Eagles are at the figurative center of this book, sports fans seeking football history will find themselves searching for even the mention of a ball within the first half. Contrary to what the title implies, the football team is a secondary focus. However, when the sports writing does pop up, it is nothing short of glorious.

... an engrossing and accomplished debut work of nonfiction.

Pearson tells the moving story of the Heart Mountain Eagles, a high school football team organized at the camp. In telling the story of the team and the internment camp itself, Pearson describes ongoing fear, racism, and discrimination, especially as surrounding rural, white communities in Wyoming refused to play against the team.

... Bradford Pearson has uncovered an absolutely stirring story in his rigorous and important, though flawed, new book, The Eagles of Heart Mountain.

Journalist Pearson debuts with a novelistic account of sports glory at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Wyoming.

A fresh look at the mass removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.