About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the complexities of patriotism, the moral weight of conflict, or the systemic inequalities present even in moments of national heroism. This novel follows Josiah and Marcus, childhood friends from Virginia who find themselves on the front lines of the D-Day invasion. While Josiah is a white infantryman, Marcus is restricted to being a transport driver due to the Army's segregation policies. Walter Dean Myers provides a visceral, unflinching look at the physical and emotional toll of World War II. It is an essential read for mature middle and high schoolers who are ready to look past simplified versions of history. Parents will appreciate how the story uses the backdrop of war to examine the sting of racism and the enduring strength of friendship under pressure.
