Micklos, John Jr. Harlem Hellfighters: African-American Heroes in WW I.

Micklos, John Jr. Harlem Hellfighters: African-American Heroes in WW I. Capstone Publishers     2017  32p   $27.32  ISBN 978-1-5157-3348-5 elem/ms  Nonfiction  VG-BNS        

Upper-level elementary students who are interested in learning about World War I will appreciate this new title in the Fact Finders: Military Heroes series.  Written in an easy-to-comprehend fashion, this book will furnish students with a better understanding of World War I and this very special special unit from “The 15th New York Voluntary Infantry Regiment.”  Students will learn that the 15th regiment faced many challenges, including racial discrimination.  The 15th Regiment fought for equality, as they knew that they were a fearless unit ready to fight the war on the front lines.  When the group finally had the opportunity to be trained to fight on the front lines in World War I, they were renamed the “369th Infantry Regiment” after weeks of training with the French army.  When the war ended, this infantry regiment returned to the United States as heroes and became known as the “hellfighters” because they had helped to win the bloody war.  Even though this group of men were treated honorably during the homecoming celebrations, African Americans were still discriminated against until passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, religion, or sex. 

The author includes black-and-white period photographs, interesting facts, a glossary of terms, recommended books, a special code to use on FactHound, critical thinking questions using the Common Core, and an index.

For schools who participate in Accelerated Reader, an existing test is available for students to take (AR Quiz # 186781).

As of this review, six titles have been published in the new series Military Heroes.  Each title features a group or unit in the United States Armed Force that stands out among the rest.    

Summary: "When World War I began, it seemed unlikely that a unit such as the Harlem Hellfighters would ever be formed. Given their nickname by their German foes who admired their bravery, the Harlem Hellfighters were members of the 369th, an all-black regiment. The 369th played key roles in critical battles and helped secure an Allied victory. Infographics, sidebars, and fact boxes bring the experiences of these brave military men to life.”

World War I, African American soldiers-20th Century History.  --Charleen Forba-MacCain