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 ms/hs Nonfiction E-BNS

In writing this very exciting book about a topic unfamiliar to many, author John Micklos accomplished the following: he organized his data impeccably, he provided new vocabulary on the page the word occurred, he shone a light on the highlights of an amazing group of soldiers with text that reads like a narrative piece instead of nonfiction, and he executed the layout with valuable support photos, text boxes and lists of primary-source materials that, all combined, propel the reader forward. Micklos provides a learning experience for readers and students of social studies and social issues by first demonstrating the need for a black regiment.  What follows is a brief examination of the struggles in the U.S. with prejudice as well as the struggles of black units to gain respect in the military.  Next, Micklos shows how the 15th Regiment became the 369th Infantry Regiment in France.  The French did not display the prejudices of the Americans, and under French tutelage, the men quickly grew in ability, reputation and fierceness.  They became heroes as much for their bravery as for their ability.  Instrumental in pushing Germany to end the war, they gained the nickname “hellfighters.” 

The final two chapters show the group returning to the U.S. to a parade where a million or so spectators welcomed them, as was befitting a group of heroes. They helped to change the course of history, yet it would take 45 more years to achieve the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The book ends with a glossary of all new vocabulary words, a short list of resources to consult, and an index.  Books about breaking barriers and making contributions to a cause should all be of this caliber.

They can either BE the lesson or support a broader lesson in a variety of curricula.     

The Military Heroes series includes books about the buffalo soldiers, the Harlem Hellfighters, the Tuskegee Airmen and others.  Characterized by exciting narrative and primary-source materials, they prove to be excellent resources as much for their organization as for their layout and extra features like text boxes, glossaries and reading lists.   

Summary: The contributions of the Harlem Hell-Fighters during WWI are enumerated in this volume, which teaches readers basic information about the cause of the war, the need for more troops and the struggles that the men faced both at home and abroad.  The men quickly gained status as fighters to reckon with.     

World War I, Black History                                  --Martha Squaresky

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

Stay Where You Are & Then Leave.

Boyne, John.  Stay Where You Are & Then Leave.  Macmillan/Henry Holt  2014  245p  $16.99  ISBN 978-1-62779-031-4  ms  Historical fiction      E-BN

Alfie is only five when his father enlists, and by age nine he secretly takes up working as a shoe-shine boy to help his mother, Margie, make ends meet.  To Margie’s dismay, Alfie’s father enlisted to fight in the war. When Alfie finds out his father is not on a secret mission, but rather in a hospital nearby being treated for “shell shock”, he is determined to bring him home.  Alfie shows courage by doing everything he believes to be right for his family, but he makes many childish mistakes in the process. The novel is a unique historical fiction set during World War I, dealing with the subject matter of PTSD, and it is worthy of inclusion in any middle-school and possibly high-school collection.        

Summary: Alfie’s mother tells him they haven’t heard from his soldier father because he is on a secret mission.  The boy suspects otherwise and discovers his father is in a nearby hospital suffering from PTSD.  Boyne’s characters are well-developed and resilient in the face of adversity during World War I in England.  

World War I, PTSD                                     --Stephanie Pennucci

The War to End All Wars: World War I

Freedman, Russell. The War to End All Wars: World War I
Clarion see Houghton Mifflin 2010 176p 22.00
978-0-547-02686-2 ms/hs E-BN
Through photos and first person narratives, combined with well-researched documentary, this more-than-a -photo-essay explores the causes, duration and aftermath of World War I.
Freedman never fails to exceed our expectations. Once again he has created a fascinating account of the “War to end all wars,” with his signature style of photos, historical documentary and first-had accounts. He makes the war real and accessible to browsers and history buffs alike. His use of maps, photos, white space, and easy to read narrative, interspersed with snippets of personal accounts, all combine to make an engrossing documentary of an era and a war that set the state for all modern wars to follow.

An interesting aside is that, with little fanfare, and almost no attribution, Freedman has included a family photo of Private Louis Freedman (grandfather, perhaps) on page 133.
This makes the account even more “real” to readers who pick up this volume.

Thoroughly researched, well designed and engrossingly readable, this volume will only enhance Freedman’s reputation for making history accessible and fascinating to younger readers.
Highly recommended for middle and high school collections. If you can buy only one book on World War I, buy this one. It was invaluable to my students doing WWI research. Naismith(3), Pat
World War, 1914-1918