Now or Never!: Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Infantry's War to End Slavery

by Ray Anthony Shepard

Here is the riveting dual biography of two little-known but extraordinary men in Civil War history--George E. Stephens and James Henry Gooding. These Union soldiers not only served in the Massachusetts 54th Infantry, the well-known black regiment, but were also war correspondents who published eyewitness reports of the battlefields. Their dispatches told the truth of their lives at camp, their intense training, and the dangers and tragedies on the battlefield. Like the other thousands of black soldiers in the regiment, they not only fought against the Confederacy and the inhumanity of slavery, but also against injustice in their own army. The regiment's protest against unfair pay resulted in America's first major civil rights victory--equal pay for African American soldiers. This fresh perspective on the Civil War includes an author's note, timeline, bibliography, index and source notes.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Civil War, War, African American, Historical, Middle Grade

144 pages, Hardcover

Published October 10, 2017

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lucid and gripping account of the role of the Massachusetts 54th, and two African American soldiers in particular, belongs in every library that serves students above 6th grade. It is young adult narrative nonfiction at its best: clearly and concisely written, respecting the intelligence of students and presenting information about well known events that I have never encountered before.
Especially compelling is the personal perspective of two African American soldiers: George Stephens and James Henry Gooding. Almost as fascinating is the in depth coverage of one of the most astonishing facts of the war: that the members of the 54th refused to accept unequal pay for their military service, holding out for over a year, even as their families suffered greatly and even when sympathetic Massachusetts Governor Alexander offered to make up the difference out of state funds. Students are given an inside look at the appalling decisions faced by African American soldiers and some of the white officers who led them. Unlike many other accounts I have read, Shepard does not flinch from reporting less sanguine facts alongside the accounts of astonishing bravery and brilliance. This is a fantastic work of scholarship with a timeline, source notes, bibliography, additional resources and photo credits.

[Hester Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This important addition to Civil War history is relatively short and written in clear, simple prose. It follows two African American soldiers who fought for the Union, and details the battles they fought, not just on the field, but with their own military. I found myself crying at multiple points over the injustice these men faced on all ends. NOW OR NEVER! would be great for:
1) anyone who wants to learn more about an unexplored aspect of the Civil War
2) people interested in African American history and our country's racist roots
3) middle school or high school students of history, especially those who might need a (quick read!) source for a report
4) any white Northerner who has ever felt their ancestral history is vastly superior to the South in terms of racism (spoiler: the North has plenty to be ashamed about)
It's a depressing but relevant book.

[Nathan Bussone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book a three out of five stars because i felt like it was more about facts than an actual story. besides that,I liked how it showed both perspectives of the civil war. At the end it gives you a time line of every event that they brought up and i felt like that was very interesting.

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having seen Glory and read some books on the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, I feel this book fills in the holes and goes beyond the horrendous battle of Fort Wagner to other battles and to the end of the war. Shepard tells the story through the eyes of the African American soldiers, especially George E. Stephens and James Henry Gooding who wrote articles for African American papers from the battle field. The struggle for acceptance by the white soldiers, for equal pay, and for dignity are well documented here. There are other contemporary documents, pictures, photographs , and maps as well as a time ling, extensive bibliography and a thorough index.

[Mark Koppelkam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I don't totally agree with the marketing to young adult...this equals any American history I've read. An unvarnished history...unlike the "Glory" movie. Hat's off to author Ray Anthony Shepard.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

nonfiction (civil war history representing unsung heroes).
Yes, more like this please.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Men of color to arms! The riveting dual-biography of two African-American Civil War soldiers; both war correspondents, both members of the famed Massachusetts 54th. Eyewitness battlefield reports combine with superb research to create a fresh perspective on the Civil War and a compelling account of heroism, injustice and effective political action.

[Roger DeBlanck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shepard's narrative of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment captures the valor and heroism of the U.S. military's first Black soldiers commissioned during the Civil War. He focuses on the lives of George E. Stephens and James Henry Gooding, two of the regiments Black correspondents. Using their eyewitness accounts and day-to-day reflections, Shepard assembles vivid portrait of the pioneering regiment from its recruitment through the horrors of its combat engagements during the siege of Fort Wagner in the South Carolina theater and during the Battle of Olustee in Florida. He also charts the racism the Black soldiers faced in trying to secure equality in pay and promotion in their ranks. The one aspect of Shepard's research that falls into slight inaccuracy is his portrayal of the 54th's first commander, Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. Shepard describes him as sometimes cruel and prone to harsh punishment of his men. The historical record indicates Shaw as the exact opposite. He was devoted to the welfare of his regiment and he was never unjust. For a more comprehensive study of Shaw consult Peter D. Burchard's We’ll Stand by the Union: Robert Gould Shaw and the Black 54th Massachusetts Regiment. In total, however, Now of Never! delivers a dramatic and engaging account of the historical importance of the 54th Regiment, and it honors the Black soldiers for their sacrifices and contributions in turning the war towards the Union's victory and ultimately ending slavery.

[Valerie McEnroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first years of the Civil War black men were not allowed to serve in the military. As Union men died, and replacements dwindled, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, opening the Union Army to black men. Massachusetts quickly answered the call and began recruiting for the 54th Infantry regiment. The men were soon as polished as any white regiment and ready for battle. However, it soon became apparent that their willingness to die for the Union Army didn't grant them equality. They received less pay, were slow to be tested in battle, and were treated as second-class citizens by their own army. Eventually, they were able to prove their abilities and became the most celebrated black regiment for their bravery.

I'm always looking for nonfiction books that don't put me to sleep. I'm happy to say, I stayed wide awake through this one. It has a nice narrative flow with just the right amount of information. I learned so much in just 100 pages. I had no idea that the 54th played a major role in the Battle of Olustee, Florida, and I'm happy to finally find a children's book that mentions Andersonville prison.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry unit that served in the Civil War (story sort of told in the movie Glory).

What a hard, hard time! Even though people were beginning to accept that slavery was evil, it was a convenient, culturally familiar evil and it was hard to overcome. There was too much learned prejudice, too much profit, and too much general contempt for the revolution to freedom to happen as quickly as advocates of truth and equality would wish.

Black men and women knew that they were no different to white men and women, but it sure took a while for that notion to take root in the hearts and minds of leaders and the common man when tradition had taught and believed differently.

There is still work to be done, but it seems to me to be more the work of hearts and culture than of political systems.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shepard, Ray Anthony Now or Never! 54th Massachusetts Infantry’s War to End Slavery, 127 pages. NON-FICTION. Calkins Creek, 2017. $18.

During the Civil War a small amount of free African Americans, or even freed Southern slaves, joined the Union Army in order to help end the war between the states and hopefully put an end to slavery.
Students who have seen the movie “Glory” and want to know more about the 54th, will find this a hearty non-fiction source of information. My honors US History teacher has students read a non-fiction book each quarter, so I am eager to add this to the collection. Shepard’s research is meticulous and interesting.

MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great to compare parts of this narrative with those written by those of the white officer who wrote the first account of the 54th, though both used much of the same source material. Definitely brought home for me (as a white woman struggling to learn basic racial literacy in her 40s) why it's imperative to have Black authors telling Black American history. It may be Water is Wet to many, but the omissions from Emilio that appear in Shepard's narrative made it inescapably clear that white solidarity has and will continue to affect how we tell race-related history for a long time to come.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't give very many 5-star reviews. I know of no flaws or bobbles with this book, so it exceeded my expectations. It is written for young adults, but I'm way past that age, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The story - African American soldiers in the Civil War - is not enjoyable, but this is excellent history. It goes way beyond the story told in the very good movie, Glory. I recommend this book.

[Donna Dobihal Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many historical details about the Civil War, the different perspectives from both the North and South, Black and White, Slave and Freemen, are woven into this book. A quick read, well-researched, with many interesting period photographs and illustrations.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment is told through the experiences of two Black war correspondents who served as soldiers in the regiment. The author crafts a fascinating, insightful narrative by making extensive use of primary sources.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A view of the American Civil War through the eyes of African-American soldiers, this nonfiction prose is readable, engaging, and contains a number of pictures, a timeline, bibliography with primary sources, and an index.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75

I have been inspired by the story of the 54th Massachusetts since I was very young. It is still an amazing and moving story for me today. My only wish was that this book went into even more detail about the regiment.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting read, getting more background, facts, and information beyond what was portrayed in the movie Glory. It was especially interesting to read about what happened after the 54th's attack on Fort Wagner.

[Shauna Yusko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adding to the list of books I should have put in the handbook...

[Joe Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding book that paints a true of a battle for citizenship rights for 2 historic black men during the Civil War

[North Landesman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and well told. The story of black soldiers in the Civil War is at once inspiring and depressing.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched book about the African American troups that fought not only for the Union but for equal pay and rights. An excellent book for those interested in the Civil War.

[Doris Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

"George Stephens and James Henry Gooding felt duty-bound to enlist in the Union Army and prove to the country that "they were worthy to be freemen." - Ray Anthony Shepard, author

[Christopher Obert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book very much. It was easy to follow and told the story from a very important point of view.