Courage Has No Color, The True Story of the Triple Nickles: America's First Black Paratroopers

Description

"An exceptionally well-researched, lovingly crafted, and important tribute to unsung American heroes." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) World War II is raging, and thousands of American soldiers are fighting overseas against the injustices brought on by Hitler. Back on the home front, discrimination against African Americans plays out as much on Main Street as in the military. Tanya Lee Stone examines the little-known history of the Triple Nickles, America's first black paratroopers, who fought in an attack on the American West by the Japanese. The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, in the words of First Sergeant Walter Morris, "proved that the color of a man had nothing to do with his ability." Front matter includes a foreword by Ashley Bryan. Back matter includes an author's note, an appendix, a time line, source notes, a bibliography, and an index.

Rich with detail, the pictures not only complement the narrative, but also tell a stirring story of their own, chronicling the triumphs and frustrations of the soldiers as they pursued their dreams. Complete accessibility to a wide range of readers, coupled with expert research and meticulous care, makes this a must-have for any library. -School Library Journal (starred review) An exceptionally well-researched, lovingly crafted and important tribute to unsung American heroes. -Kirkus Reviews (starred review) A captivating look at a small but significant piece of military and civil rights history. -Publishers Weekly (starred review) Written with great immediacy, clarity, and authority, Stone's vivid narrative draws readers into the Triple Nickle's wartime experiences. Many well-chosen quotes enhance the text, while excellent black-and-white illustrations, mainly photos, document both the men of the 555th and racial prejudice on the home front...This handsome volume documents the sometimes harrowing, often frustrating, and ultimately rewarding experiences of the Triple Nickles. -Booklist (starred review) This will appeal to readers who like history, adventure, and the military. ... [Stone's] strength as an author is that she makes rereading the text a joy. -VOYA The book's focus is wide: there are excellent sections on segregation and stereotypes in American history, Japanese American internment camps, Japanese balloon bombs, the Battle of the Bulge, and Operation Firefly, brought to life with archival photographs and Stone's always clear prose. -Horn Book Richly illustrated with photographs, this compelling story of the Triple Nickles' training and Pacific coast mission will be of particular interest to young teens who have read Shelley Pearsall's Jump into the Sky (BCCB 10/12), and the appended bibliography, timeline, notes, and index will guide their further exploration of these heroes. -Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books The well-researched book includes interviews with many of the original paratroopers. ... This would be a good book for use in a study of World War II, a look at the civil rights movement, or a unit on discrimination. -Library Media Connection Stone opens her new book with what it felt like to be a paratrooper - the thrill and the fright of jumping out of an airplane, ready for battle... Facing racial intolerance and raging fires, pushing for integration and opportunity, the Triple Nickles make clear that courage has no color but many facets. -The Washington Post Stone weaves the story of these brave men and their wartime efforts within the larger story of discrimination within the military and the nation itself...This is outstanding nonfiction and is a real curriculum gem as well as being a deeply compelling reading experience. -Booklist's Blog Bookends Through interviews with World War II veterans such as Walter Morris, Tanya Lee Stone's illustrated history tells the little-known story of the Army's 555th Infantry Battalion of black soldiers, who had to fight racism within the military for the right to jump out of planes. -USA Today A fascinating, thorough and inspiring account. -Shelf Awareness Consider this a fine bit of research and history that deserves praise and honors galore. -A Fuse #8 Production (SLJ blog) [A]n inspiring tale that fits into curriculum units on American history, WW2, black history, civil rights history and even a discussion on bullying and racism. ... But this is a book for adults as well. Meticulously researched using primary source material, the story comes alive against the background of segregation, American values vs. Hitler's monstrous acts, and the passions of young American men who were frustrated in demonstrating their loyalty to their country by the color of their skin. -Huff Post Impact (blog) Balancing a rich mix of photos and illustrations, Courage is narrative-focused - perfect for introducing inquisitive schoolchildren to America's complicated history with race and the military. -Scooter Magazine