About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts noticing that history is often complicated and unfair, or when they are struggling to understand how people find beauty during difficult times. Through the eyes of the legendary artist Ashley Bryan, this memoir explores his time as a Black soldier in World War II. It is a powerful testament to the way art and letters can serve as a lifeline in the face of both the terrors of war and the systemic racism within one's own army. While the subject matter is serious, the book is infused with a spirit of resilience and hope that makes it accessible for middle schoolers. It offers a unique perspective on the D-Day invasion and the Black American experience, showing parents how to discuss systemic injustice through a lens of personal dignity and creative expression.
