African Americans in the Military The Battle of Yorktown Dale Anderson    The last major battle of the American Revolution, fought at Yorktown, Virginia in October 1781, dealt the critical blow to British hopes of retaining the thirteen American Colonies. This 48-page reference for elementary and middle-school students integrates photographs, maps, period art and quotations from original source materials, with a detailed, well-researched text. An introduction explains the significance the battle; five chapters tell the history of events leading up to the Revolutionary War, its early years, and the elaborate preparations and movements of the British, Americans and French before, during and after the battle at Yorktown. Boxed passages add excellent context about related subjects; for example, African-American participation on both sides of the war, biographical information about the chief military commanders and a description of Yorktown before the battle. The book ends with a brief conclusion that summarizes the event, explains its historical legacy and touches on what a visitor to Yorktown will find at the battle site today. Also included are a timeline, glossary and resources for further research. This title is part of the "Landmark Events in American History" series. 2005, World Almanac Library, $22.50. Ages 8 to 14. Reviewer: J. H. Diehl (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8368-5393-8 ISBN: 0-8368-5421-7 The Buffalo Soldiers Alice K. Flanagan    The "We the People" series continues with a title that explores the part that Black soldiers played in settling the West after the end of the Civil War. The all-black regiments came to be known as Buffalo Soldiers. Using historic photos and illustrations of the period, the author gives a clear picture of life on the prairies for these young soldiers. The westward expansion put settlers and Native Americans at odds with each other and the military was sent to keep the peace. The Buffalo Soldier was instrumental in the settling of the West. All-black regiments continued their service to our country in the Spanish-American War, World War I and II, and the Korean War until all Army units were integrated. This could be used in Western history studies or black history studies. The book contains a glossary, an index, a timeline, a bibliography of books on the topic, and the identification code for more information on the www.facthound.com website. 2005, Compass Point Books, $22.60. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Barbara Youngblood (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7565-0833-9 Buffalo Soldiers and the American West Jason Glaser Illustrated by Tod Smith    During the later part of the 1800s many Americans journeyed to the western part of the United States. During this time the Indians tried to scare the settlers away. There were few soldiers available to protect the settlers since they had just finished fighting the Civil War. To alleviate the situation, African-American military units were formed to protect the west. For many African-Americans this was an opportunity for them to earn some money since jobs and education were hard to come by. The Buffalo Soldiers served beside Custer, although he did not like it. They protected the workers who built the transcontinental railroad, protected the Indian reservations from homesteaders and fought beside Theodore Roosevelt. The Buffalo Soldiers still exist today. In 2004, they fought during Operation Iraqi Freedom but unlike the early battles, now they are made up of both white and African-American troops. The illustrations are colorful and the book is referred to as "Graphic History.' The text is easy to read and quotations from primary sources are indicated by a yellow background. 2006, Capstone Press, $25.26. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7368-4966-1 Colin Powell Laura Hamilton Waxman    Colin Powell was a hard worker from the first time he unloaded furniture to help a neighborhood businessman through all the years when he was determined to be the best at whatever job he held -- the best, period--not the best black man. Powell grew up in the north but began his army career in the segregated south at Fort Benning, Georgia. He could not even go to restaurants with his white army buddies--but "he had to stay out of trouble if he wanted to do well in the army. That meant following these rules." Later Powell would become a four-star general, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary of State. The text follows his career with black and white snapshots and boxes of related information (Vietnam protests, Powell's awards, facts about Iraq). There are pictures on every page, as well as a glossary, timeline and additional resources. It is an easy book to use for reference or school reports. Young readers do not really get to know the person inside the uniform, but they will learn how an African-American rose to the highest levels of government in spite of segregation and discrimination because of his intelligence, straightforward manner and loyalty. This is part of the "History Maker Bios" series. 2005, Lerner Publications, $25.26. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8225-2433-3 ISBN: 0-8225-5463-1 Colin Powell Geoffrey M. Horn    This book is another volume in the "Trailblazers of the Modern World" series aimed at upper elementary and middle school youngsters. As with others in this series the book is filled with engaging facts and data. Powell was born in New York City on April 6, 1937. His parents came to America from Jamaica. He says he was "a happy-go-lucky kid" while growing up in Harlem and the South Bronx. In college Powell joined the Reserve Officer Corps, more commonly known as the ROTC. While in the Army Powell rose through the ranks to become a full general and became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. After retiring from the military Powell served as Secretary of State. Youngsters who need to read a biography for a class project will find everything they need in this excellent book. Additional resources include lists of Internet sites, other books, a timeline, glossary and many fine photographs. Libraries will find this a welcome addition to the biography section. 2005, World Almanac Library, $29.26 and $11.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Sylvia Firth (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8368-5498-5 ISBN: 0-8368-5267-2 The Harlem Hellfighters: When Pride Met Courage Walter Dean Myers and William Miles    Since its colonial days, America has been a nation that has been dogged by the scarring effects of racial prejudice. In this title readers are given a chance to see both another example of this theme of racial bigotry and the way in which one group of African-Americans strove to overcome it. The subject matter of this fine book is the 369th Infantry, dubbed "The Harlem Hellfighters." The 369th was originally the 15th New York National Guard Regiment. Once America entered the First World War in 1917, the 15th became a fully-vested part of the American Army. In France, the 15th was renamed the 369th and was assigned to fight under French command. In the trenches of the Western Front, the 369th became a hardened combat infantry unit. Several of its members received the highest French decorations for bravery while the entire unit was also recognized for valor. However, as the two authors of this insightful book note, these accomplishments did not impress American bigots either at home or in the military. In the end, the accomplishments of the 369th were noteworthy as was the bravery of its membership. This is a well-written and compassionate book that tells the story of African-American soldiers who stood up and tried to be "race men" at a time when doing so was a grave risk. 2005, Harper Collins Children's Books, $16.99. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-06-001136-X ISBN: 978-0-06-001136-9 ISBN: 0-06-001137-8 ISBN: 978-0-06-001137-6 Hold the Flag High Catherine Clinton Illustrated by Shane W. Evans    During a time of dark animosity, one kind heart shone through the gloom and brought peace to many troubled men. That kindness was demonstrated by Sergeant William H. Carney. This Civil War hero led his troops, an African American regiment, the Massachusetts Fifty-Fourth, with pride and determination. With loving protection, he also watched over them day and night. When a young drummer expressed his worries to his fearless mentor, he found the reassurance that if he played his drum and followed the flag, he would not go wrong. Carney encouraged all his troops with the same advice. In the heat of battle, the men followed their beloved leader and the flag. Sadly, though, Carney fell to a Confederate bullet, but he rescued the flag before it touched the ground. This dramatic, nonfiction picture book will contribute personal flavor to a Civil War unit. The actual photograph of the hero, the factual epilogue, and the concluding timeline add to the historical and emotional impact of the story. 2005, Amistad/Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers, $15.99. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Kara Byrne (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-06-050428-5 ISBN: 0-06-050429-3 Joining the Union Forces: African Americans During the Civil War Deborah H. DeFord    During the Civil War, over 180,000 African-American men served in the armed forces of the Union. The contributions of these soldiers and sailors were immense; they helped pave the way toward the eventual Federal victory. Despite this, the use of African-American fighting men was strongly resisted by many parties in the North. Not until 1863 was there deemed to be sufficient need to call forth African-American fighting men in any substantial numbers. Once given the opportunity to serve, African-American men faced racism amongst their Union comrades and murderous anger on the part of their Confederate foes. At places such as Fort Wagner, Port Hudson, and Petersburg, African-American soldiers demonstrated their capacity to fight and serve with courage. The story of those African-American service men is presented in this volume of the illustrated "Slavery in the Americas" series. In telling this important but often neglected element of Civil War history, Deborah DeFord does a journeyman's job. The text of this book is sprinkled with enlightening information and quotations from actual participants in the war. Occasionally elements of hyperbole or slight factual errors indicate a somewhat sketchy grasp of military facts. Nevertheless, taken as a whole, this book offers valuable information about a legacy of African-American military service that is all too often overlooked. 2006, Facts on File/Chelsea House, $35.00. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8160-6138-6 My Big Brother Miriam Cohen Art by Ronald Himler    The younger brother narrator tells a beautiful story of brotherly devotion, that of a younger brother appreciating his older brother who spends time with him and teaches him many things, including patience, responsibility, and the importance of family. Big brother compliments his younger brother on his accomplishments, compliments their mother's appearance, and compliments her on dinner, nudging the narrator to do the same. Big brother even lets the narrator help take care of his car. But reality hits as big brother joins the army, leaving the narrator to be the big brother himself. While the words are sparse, the beautiful and delicate artwork fills in any gaps. We see the mother's pain at her oldest son's packing for the army and her tears as he departs. We see big brother's concern and worry, and we feel the narrator's apprehension but determination to fill his older brother's shoes. Throughout the text the third and youngest boy begins to observe his two older brothers and how they interact. The narrator, the new big brother, now teaches and helps the youngest boy, and we see the new little brother beginning to model himself after the narrator. The ending is poignant, a simple, "I miss him," as the narrator pauses in his task of washing his big brother's car. It is all the more moving and powerful given the current times. 2005, Star Bright Books, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Kathryn Erskine (Children's Literature). Best Books: Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005; Bank Street College of Education; United States ISBN: 1595720073 Patrol: An American Soldier in Vietnam Walter Dean Myers Collages by Ann Grifalconi Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature)    An American soldier and his squad search the countryside to find the enemy. In a concise, first person narrative, Myers provides the sights and sounds of the environment as well as the emotions of the young man. "My body shakes...My chest tightens. I wipe my sweaty palms. I bite back my tears." Equally effective are the layered collages that depict the mountainous terrain, the rice fields, the bombs exploding, a house on fire, and the fear in the soldier's eyes. The lovely and placid birds and flowers seem incongruous next to the soldiers with their guns. Such is the reality of war. The picture-book format with a brief but powerful text makes this accessible to all students in a classroom discussion. Indeed, it makes an excellent introduction to a study of the Vietnam War. The difficulties of fighting a war in such a landscape, locating and recognizing the enemy, the effects of Agent Orange, communication, the use of helicopters, and the emotional impact of waiting are some of the issues addressed in the text and illustrations which work so well together. Hauntingly stunning. 2002, HarperCollins, $16.89 and $16.95. Ages 9 to 16. Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 2002; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States Capitol Choices, 2002; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States Children's Choices, 2003; International Reading Association; United States The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002; Children's Literature; United States Choices, 2003; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States Core Collection: The Vietnam War in Youth Fiction, 2006; American Library Association-Booklist; United States Great Middle School Reads, 2004; ALSC American Library Association; United States Kirkus Book Review Stars, May 1, 2002; United States Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2003; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2003; American Library Association-YALSA; United States Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, April 22, 2002; Cahners; United States Awards, Honors, Prizes: Jefferson Cup Award Honor Book 2003 United States West Virginia Children's Book Award Honor Book 2005 Grades 3-6 United States State and Provincial Reading Lists: California Young Reader Medal, 2005-2006; Nominee; Picture Book for Older Readers; California Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Vermont Great Lakes Great Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Grades 6-8; Michigan Maine Student Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Maine Maryland Children's Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Middle School; Maryland West Virginia Children's Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; West Virginia ISBN: 0-06-028363-7 ISBN: 0-06-028364-5 The Tuskegee Airmen Philip Brooks    During World War II, African-Americans served in a segregated military. Those who wished to be pilots were denied entry into the Army Air Corp. Much of the history of the Tuskegee pilots is rooted in Tuskegee Institute where they were trained. During a visit there in 1982, I was over overwhelmed by the history at Tuskegee. I sat at the desk of Dr. Booker T. Washington, founder of Tuskegee and held the medicine that he used. I met a man whose mother brought him to Tuskegee, as a child, three days before Booker T. Washington died and he's been there ever since. The resulting product from Tuskegee, the 99th Fighter Squadron, was eventually assigned to escort groups of bombers as they went on missions. They were so good that the white pilots often requested them as their escorts. They flew 15,000 missions. In 1998, Congress created the Tuskegee Airman National Historic site at Morton Field in Tuskegee, Alabama. 2005, Compass Point Books, $22.60. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-7565-0683-2 The U.S. Army Michael Benson    Beginning with the history of the U.S. Army (up to the coalition forces' invasion of Iraq in 2003), this title in the "U.S. Armed Forces" series provides information for the casual browser, the person considering joining up, army buffs, and report writers. Four sections are included: History, Recruitment, Training, and Life in this particular branch. The recruitment section includes the specifications and preparation for admission to all levels of the army and includes descriptions of what happens in each level, who pays for what, obligations upon finishing, and roles various people may take on. A page on uniforms, another on typical army gear, a spread on insignias and what they indicate, a structural chart, and a timeline all provide concise information the interested reader may explore. Color photographs show men and women of many hues in many roles. The sidebars are a particularly compelling feature as they are substantial enough for the general reader but short enough to assist less able readers; topics include African-Americans in the army, the role of a drill sergeant, and servicewomen in the 2003 war in Iraq. End matter includes a glossary, timeline, biographical sketches of famous people in this service, further reading, bibliography, related websites, and an index. All in all, it is informative coverage of a high-interest topic, with a presentation that is sure to satisfy high school-aged potential recruits, as well as anyone else interested in the nuts and bolts of this branch of the armed forces. 2005, Lerner, $26.60. Ages 12 to 16. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8225-1645-4 To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.