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The Harlem Hellfighters: When Pride Met Courage
The story of the Harlem Hellfighters is not simply one
of victory in a war. . . . It is the story of men who
acted as men, and who gave a good account of
themselves when so many people thought,
even hoped, that they would fail. What defines a true hero? The "Harlem Hellfighters," the African American soldiers of the 369th Infantry Regiment of World War I, redefined heroism -- for America, and for the world. At a time of widespread bigotry and racism, these soldiers put their lives on the line in the name of democracy. The Harlem When Pride Met Courage is a portrait of bravery and honor. With compelling narrative and never-before-published photographs, Michael L. Printz Award winner Walter Dean Myers and renowned filmmaker Bill Miles deftly portray the true story of these unsung American heroes.
of victory in a war. . . . It is the story of men who
acted as men, and who gave a good account of
themselves when so many people thought,
even hoped, that they would fail. What defines a true hero? The "Harlem Hellfighters," the African American soldiers of the 369th Infantry Regiment of World War I, redefined heroism -- for America, and for the world. At a time of widespread bigotry and racism, these soldiers put their lives on the line in the name of democracy. The Harlem When Pride Met Courage is a portrait of bravery and honor. With compelling narrative and never-before-published photographs, Michael L. Printz Award winner Walter Dean Myers and renowned filmmaker Bill Miles deftly portray the true story of these unsung American heroes.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published December 27, 2005
24 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Walter Dean Myers
224 books1,195 followerspseudonyms:
Stacie Williams
Stacie Johnson
Walter Dean Myers was born on August 12, 1937 in Martinsburg, West Virginia but moved to Harlem with his foster parents at age three. He was brought up and went to public school there. He attended Stuyvesant High School until the age of seventeen when he joined the army.
After serving four years in the army, he worked at various jobs and earned a BA from Empire State College. He wrote full time after 1977.
Walter wrote from childhood, first finding success in 1969 when he won the Council on Interracial Books for Children contest, which resulted in the publication of his first book for children, Where Does the Day Go?, by Parent's Magazine Press. He published over seventy books for children and young adults. He received many awards for his work in this field including the Coretta Scott King Award, five times. Two of his books were awarded Newbery Honors. He was awarded the Margaret A. Edwards Award and the Virginia Hamilton Award. For one of his books, Monster, he received the first Michael Printz Award for Young Adult literature awarded by the American Library Association. Monster and Autobiography of My Dead Brother were selected as National Book Award Finalists.
In addition to the publication of his books, Walter contributed to educational and literary publications. He visited schools to speak to children, teachers, librarians, and parents. For three years he led a writing workshop for children in a school in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Walter Dean Myers was married, had three grown children and lived in Jersey City, New Jersey. He died on July 1, 2014, following a brief illness. He was 76 years old.
Stacie Williams
Stacie Johnson
Walter Dean Myers was born on August 12, 1937 in Martinsburg, West Virginia but moved to Harlem with his foster parents at age three. He was brought up and went to public school there. He attended Stuyvesant High School until the age of seventeen when he joined the army.
After serving four years in the army, he worked at various jobs and earned a BA from Empire State College. He wrote full time after 1977.
Walter wrote from childhood, first finding success in 1969 when he won the Council on Interracial Books for Children contest, which resulted in the publication of his first book for children, Where Does the Day Go?, by Parent's Magazine Press. He published over seventy books for children and young adults. He received many awards for his work in this field including the Coretta Scott King Award, five times. Two of his books were awarded Newbery Honors. He was awarded the Margaret A. Edwards Award and the Virginia Hamilton Award. For one of his books, Monster, he received the first Michael Printz Award for Young Adult literature awarded by the American Library Association. Monster and Autobiography of My Dead Brother were selected as National Book Award Finalists.
In addition to the publication of his books, Walter contributed to educational and literary publications. He visited schools to speak to children, teachers, librarians, and parents. For three years he led a writing workshop for children in a school in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Walter Dean Myers was married, had three grown children and lived in Jersey City, New Jersey. He died on July 1, 2014, following a brief illness. He was 76 years old.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 25, 2021
This includes a brief history of the participation of African Americans in the United States military actions, including those predating the Civil War. There was always a tension between their desire to participate and the desire of white Americans to keep them in their place. So, this is partly the story of the struggle to be allowed to fight for their country as equal citizens. The other part is the story of the segregated 369th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed the Harlem Hellfighters, who were ultimately permitted to fight along with the French (not the American) soldiers during WWI. Integration of the American military didn’t come about until much later, so is not covered by this book. However, I did learn a lot from this short book and I recommend it.
August 30, 2019
Blacks and their defense of freedom
A fantastic look at how Blacks have fought and died for our nation. Blacks have defended this country since it’s founding.
A fantastic look at how Blacks have fought and died for our nation. Blacks have defended this country since it’s founding.
July 5, 2021
I wish history like this would have been part of my education when I was growing up.
I started this book on the day America was celebrating it's independence. This is an echo of American history that was not a part of my education growing up and that is so tragic. Minorities played major roles in all of America's conflicts from the civil war to independence from Britain to the modern wars in the middle east yet we seem to push those stories and sacrifices to the shadows. This short book just highlights the war they fought abroad for democracy when they couldn't even expect it at home.
I am left with this thought from the book:
"But the men from Harlem had shown their bravery, their patriotism, and their abilities. As they marched through the streets of Germany and France, and the band under James Reese Europe played American melodies to crowds weary of war, they knew what they had done, and were proud of their accomplishments both as African Americans and as men."
At so many times in the present it seems the same struggle continues.
I started this book on the day America was celebrating it's independence. This is an echo of American history that was not a part of my education growing up and that is so tragic. Minorities played major roles in all of America's conflicts from the civil war to independence from Britain to the modern wars in the middle east yet we seem to push those stories and sacrifices to the shadows. This short book just highlights the war they fought abroad for democracy when they couldn't even expect it at home.
I am left with this thought from the book:
"But the men from Harlem had shown their bravery, their patriotism, and their abilities. As they marched through the streets of Germany and France, and the band under James Reese Europe played American melodies to crowds weary of war, they knew what they had done, and were proud of their accomplishments both as African Americans and as men."
At so many times in the present it seems the same struggle continues.
February 27, 2021
Wow, what am amazing insight into the contributions and bravery of Africa American soldiers in WWI. I learned a lot about the military rankings, history of black soldiers in early American wars, and racism that existed (exists?) in the armed forces. What heroes this unit produced! A great narrative to diversify the content in American history classes to provide the voices and experiences of Black soldiers in the US Army.
March 14, 2021
Great Read!
What these men faced at home was heart wrenching! I never learned about these heroes in school. I saw a post on FB and wanted to know more so I did some searching and came across this book. Im so grateful for their courage. My blood boiled when I read how these men were disrespected by the racist bigots of their time. This book should be mandatory reading when learning about WWI.
What these men faced at home was heart wrenching! I never learned about these heroes in school. I saw a post on FB and wanted to know more so I did some searching and came across this book. Im so grateful for their courage. My blood boiled when I read how these men were disrespected by the racist bigots of their time. This book should be mandatory reading when learning about WWI.
February 10, 2016
I chose this book for my Battle of the Books nonfiction selection because it was co-written by Walter Dean Myers and was about the first black army division which fought in WWI. I was so disappointed by it (and the fact that I'm forcing my students to read it). It's not well written and requires some work to slog through.
June 22, 2018
It is a well-written book on a subject that's hard to find information on. I loved the photographs. They show men proud to serve their country and make democracy safe for the world, while this same democracy was denied to them. Telling the story of real people made this book come alive.
October 2, 2016
A really interesting topic, with a whole bunch of information I never knew. It was just written so poorly. Unfortunate.
February 16, 2017
Really quite a short read. Very informative though and I'd highly recommend it for those who are looking for a deeper understanding of history.
October 30, 2022
Walter Dean Myers is an award-winning author who writes fiction and nonfiction for young adults. He has won the Coretta Scott King Award five times! In his latest book, nonfiction, he presents the history of the 369th Infantry Regiment of World War I.
The story of the Harlem Hellfighters is not simply one of victory in a war. Indeed, it is not even one of unexpected courage, amazing feats, or a disregard of danger. The men suffered when one would have expected them to suffer, they fell wounded when hit by shapnel or bullets, and many of them died. But it is the story of men who acted as men, and who gave good accounts of themselves when so many people thought, even hoped, that they would fail. When the soldiers of the 15th New York National Guard boarded the ships that would take them to France, they took with them the hopes and dreams of an entire people. They were in the prayers of black congregations throughout the nation each Sunday morning, and in the thoughts and dreams of thousands of black families. Those who died in the trenches and amid the barbed wire did so upholding the dignity of their race and of their country. They had fought for their country, and they had proved, beyond doubt, that they had a right to fight. Those who returned to march through the streets of New York, who paraded uptown past the cheering Harlem crowds, did so as heroes. They had helped to make the world safe for democracy and had held the banner of black dignity high enough for all the world to see. Many had hoped their sacrifices would make a change in how America saw them. They had hoped that the derogatory terms so casually tossed at them by bigots would be discarded once the first man of them went over the top. In this effort, even the Harlem Hellfighters were not successful. But the men who rose from those trenches after hours of shelling, who climbed the hills and waded through the mud, who rushed across no-man’s land with bayonets pointed at the enemy, would forever be heroes to their community, and to all Americans who understood what they had accomplished. (149-150)
The Harlem Hellfighters is a great nonfiction book. Using black and white photographs and an incredible text it tells an amazing story highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the human race.
The story of the Harlem Hellfighters is not simply one of victory in a war. Indeed, it is not even one of unexpected courage, amazing feats, or a disregard of danger. The men suffered when one would have expected them to suffer, they fell wounded when hit by shapnel or bullets, and many of them died. But it is the story of men who acted as men, and who gave good accounts of themselves when so many people thought, even hoped, that they would fail. When the soldiers of the 15th New York National Guard boarded the ships that would take them to France, they took with them the hopes and dreams of an entire people. They were in the prayers of black congregations throughout the nation each Sunday morning, and in the thoughts and dreams of thousands of black families. Those who died in the trenches and amid the barbed wire did so upholding the dignity of their race and of their country. They had fought for their country, and they had proved, beyond doubt, that they had a right to fight. Those who returned to march through the streets of New York, who paraded uptown past the cheering Harlem crowds, did so as heroes. They had helped to make the world safe for democracy and had held the banner of black dignity high enough for all the world to see. Many had hoped their sacrifices would make a change in how America saw them. They had hoped that the derogatory terms so casually tossed at them by bigots would be discarded once the first man of them went over the top. In this effort, even the Harlem Hellfighters were not successful. But the men who rose from those trenches after hours of shelling, who climbed the hills and waded through the mud, who rushed across no-man’s land with bayonets pointed at the enemy, would forever be heroes to their community, and to all Americans who understood what they had accomplished. (149-150)
The Harlem Hellfighters is a great nonfiction book. Using black and white photographs and an incredible text it tells an amazing story highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the human race.
June 7, 2021
Had just read Max Brooks' graphic novel, and this was next. Myers is one of my heroes. He cared about struggling readers and gave them quality fiction to help them feel like readers. He wrote lovely poetry, inspired by the photos of children of color he collected. I got to meet him three times....so, I love returning to his books.
Return might not be the right word... This short non-fiction is new to me. The Harlem Hellfighters are new. The book is dry...full of facts. A few pictures...but dry.
He lets the Hellfighters tell their stories....enlisting, lousy training, holding their composure in the face of violence...the demeaning work they were forced to do...the waiting. The neglect of American leaders.
But the French are desperate, begging for help in the last months of the war...and the Hellfighters delivered. They fought. They excelled. They sacrificed. They died. They never lost an inch to the enemy. Not one was captured. They fought more battles than any other America regiment.
And they returned to the bloody summer of 1919.
But, then , in the soaring prose I look for, Myers shows us this is part of the American story, important because good men answered the call and made themselves proud. Even as their country rejected them.
A terrific companion to the Brooks book. But a stand-alone that needs to be read.
"But the men who rose from those trenches after hours of shelling, who climbed the hills and waded through the mud, who rushed across no-man’s-land with bayonets pointed at the enemy, would forever be heroes to their community, and to all Americans who understood what they had accomplished."
Return might not be the right word... This short non-fiction is new to me. The Harlem Hellfighters are new. The book is dry...full of facts. A few pictures...but dry.
He lets the Hellfighters tell their stories....enlisting, lousy training, holding their composure in the face of violence...the demeaning work they were forced to do...the waiting. The neglect of American leaders.
But the French are desperate, begging for help in the last months of the war...and the Hellfighters delivered. They fought. They excelled. They sacrificed. They died. They never lost an inch to the enemy. Not one was captured. They fought more battles than any other America regiment.
And they returned to the bloody summer of 1919.
But, then , in the soaring prose I look for, Myers shows us this is part of the American story, important because good men answered the call and made themselves proud. Even as their country rejected them.
A terrific companion to the Brooks book. But a stand-alone that needs to be read.
"But the men who rose from those trenches after hours of shelling, who climbed the hills and waded through the mud, who rushed across no-man’s-land with bayonets pointed at the enemy, would forever be heroes to their community, and to all Americans who understood what they had accomplished."
December 10, 2021
I was excited to read this, because the Harlem Hellfighters have one of the most badass stories to come out of WWI. HOWEVER. It's very heavy on the general background info (both about WWI and previous wars) and pretty light on the actual Hellfighters themselves. I appreciated knowing how black soldiers in WWI connected to black soldiers in other wars in American history, but those chapters seemed to be a lot longer and more detailed than any of the chapters that were actually about any of the Harlem Hellfighters. And the chapters that were about them also got interrupted by other background info. I guess what I really wanted was a lot more focus on specific soldiers and their individual stories.
There were also some places with... questionable sentence formatting and editing. I mean, I get that you're explaining the trench warfare system, but that doesn't mean you need to say the word trench 10 times on one page. We already know you're talking about trenches. And why did no one in editing change that?
Overall, it was fine, and I did learn some new history facts. But it wasn't what I hoped it would be at all.
There were also some places with... questionable sentence formatting and editing. I mean, I get that you're explaining the trench warfare system, but that doesn't mean you need to say the word trench 10 times on one page. We already know you're talking about trenches. And why did no one in editing change that?
Overall, it was fine, and I did learn some new history facts. But it wasn't what I hoped it would be at all.
February 27, 2022
This is a great introduction to the topic of African Americans joining the American military. It does a great job of setting the stage for the 369th Infantry Regiment by exploring how African Americans had participated in American wars as far back as the Revolutionary War. The writing is clear and concise, perfect for the target audience, and the book is very informative.
See my full review here: http://historybookbybook.com/The_Harl...
See my full review here: http://historybookbybook.com/The_Harl...
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June 5, 2022I think this book has great information about how American Americans started to serve in the u.s army from the civil war to today. It shows how they battled constant hate and many people didn’t think they could fight. It showed what they achieved such as never losing and ground, as well as not being made up of conscripts.
March 13, 2018
It was a very in-depth book about these fighters and there day to day struggle in and outside of America. This book really shows you everything about them and their lives. This book isn’t perfect but is still very good.
December 1, 2024
This is the second book I’ve read on this subject, and it was the much more enjoyable of the two. It’s much briefer, but it still hits on the important issues with clarity and avoids getting bogged down in lots of details.
April 25, 2018
Loved reading this book. Learned a lot about a part of history that can get lost.
April 24, 2020
The text was a little dryer than I expect from Walter Dean Myers, but the information is important enough that it is still worth a read.
July 25, 2020
I found this book to be rather dry and disjointed. I will say, if you are reading the ebook version, do so on your phone instead of a Kindle. The pictures showed up so much better on my phone.
March 3, 2015
The details of the story of the Harlem Hellfighters is what makes it a comprehensive look at this group born through World War I. While I was lost and/or disinterested in some of the strategy and fighting style during World War I in some of the chapters as they traveled to France and began their fight, I was more closely reading the sections that focused on specific individuals who don't get the notoriety they deserve because of their view as second-class citizens born from slavery and how it collided with patriotism. I was blown-away by the references and short story of Henry Johnson from Albany, NY, knowing that it could be used to bolster the information that students hear from living here, but also stories about German tactics, trench warfare, and situations regarding who would lead, fight, and how they would organize.
Likewise, I thought the book could have ended less abruptly. It seemed like the war was over, the parade happened, Miles threw in a bit about the race riots and the book was done. It would have served the book better to have a more complete conclusion.
Overall a good nonfiction read focusing on overcoming obstacles and national pride.
Likewise, I thought the book could have ended less abruptly. It seemed like the war was over, the parade happened, Miles threw in a bit about the race riots and the book was done. It would have served the book better to have a more complete conclusion.
Overall a good nonfiction read focusing on overcoming obstacles and national pride.
February 16, 2011
Walter Dean Myers focuses primarily on the African American experience in his writing, and this nonfiction text is no exception. The book is full of various pictures, memos, quotations, letters, posters, etc. which really aid the telling of the story. The second half of the text is much more personal and engaging than the first half -- which I credit to the inclusion of more specific anecdotal stories about specific soldiers. I still feel the book only scratches the surface about the experience; however, it is a wonderful text for middle school students learning about World War I or African Americans in history. I would pair this book with the movie "Men of Honor," starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. (The story of the Navy's first black master diver). The movie would provide visual images and behaviors that might shed light on the surface descriptions of racism in the military in the Myers text. All in all, this book is a great addition to anyone's WWI-related library -- perfect for helping students understand racism in and out of the military.
March 10, 2011
Solid little history of the 369th Infantry Regiment, an all-black American National Guard unit that served under French command in WWI. The best parts are the chapters that establish the context for the story of the regiment. The chapters "War in Europe" and "Trench Warfare" are the best coverage we have in the children's department of WWI. Complex issues and grim realities are presented in an age-appropriate way, without dumbing-down or sentimentalism - no mean feat, judging by the much of the earnest, kinder/gentler 'history' I see foisted on children. The actual relation of the wartime exploiits of the Hellfighters, oddly enough, gets a little tedious. I guess that's not so odd, though. Maybe combat, like sex,though in itself inherently interesting, is hard to write interestingly about. The imposition of order that writing presumes, is, perhaps, antithetical to the anarchic nature of the experience. But I wax pompous.
Good stuff, Maynard.
Good stuff, Maynard.
March 1, 2012
The Harlem Hellfighters: When Pride Met Courage by Walter Dean Myers and Bill Miles is a book for ages 9-12 and chronicles the exploits of the “Harlem Hellfighters,” who were African-American soldiers of the 369th Infantry Regiment of World War 1. Miles writes the preface to the book and talks about his personal connection to the unit and Harlem, eventually becoming the unit historian.
Read the full review: http://savvyverseandwit.com/2012/03/t...
Read the full review: http://savvyverseandwit.com/2012/03/t...
April 14, 2016
The book was okay, it had a lot of information thrown together about the men and what happened in Europe. It was a little organized but it kind of went off topic at times. It had a lot of history and facts that were important to know but it felt as if i was reading a history book instead of a children's book giving me insight on the story in a way that would interest me and keep my attention. It had a lot going on and focused more on just the African American men but Europe and WWI also.
February 16, 2011
A history of the Harlem Hellfighters, a black military regiment who were organized and trained to fight in World War I. The photography as well the reproductions of posters, military letters, etc. was great, however the writing for me was just okay. I would still recommend it for the interesting subject and the glimpse into life for African Americans during that time period.
January 16, 2016
A good read, although the book seemed more geared for kids than adults, and it ranged all over the history of African-American soldiers rather than focusing on the stated subject. The many other books cited by the author are likely to lead you to many other interesting topics.
January 14, 2010
i recently finished this and thought it was pretty good actually it mainly talks about there trainig up to the world war I.
November 14, 2015
A highly condensed narrative; I would be interested in more details, but it was a good intro to the subject. Nice photos.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews