Who Were the Tuskegee Airmen?

Who Was . . . ? Series

by Sherri L. Smith

It's up, up, and away with the Tuskegee Airmen, a heroic group of African American military pilots who helped the United States win World War II.

During World War II, black Americans were fighting for their country and for freedom in Europe, yet they had to endure a totally segregated military in the United States, where they weren't considered smart enough to become military pilots. After acquiring government funding for aviation training, civil rights activists were able to kickstart the first African American military flight program in the US at Tuskegee University in Alabama. While this book details thrilling flight missions and the grueling training sessions the Tuskegee Airmen underwent, it also shines a light on the lives of these brave men who helped pave the way for the integration of the US armed forces.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography, Middle Grade, Childrens, Historical, War

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Sherri L. Smith is the award-winning author of YA novels LUCY THE GIANT, SPARROW, HOT SOUR SALTY SWEET, FLYGIRL and ORLEANS. In October 2015, she makes her middle grade debut with THE TOYMAKER’S APPRENTICE from G.P. Putnam and Sons for Penguin Random House.

Sherri has worked in film, animation, comic books and construction. Her books have been listed as Amelia Bloomer, American Library Association Best Books for Young People, and Junior Library Guild Selections. FLYGIRL was the 2009 California Book Awards Gold Medalist.

She loves her family, travel, chocolate chip cookies, reading, and and a really good cup of tea.

Reviews

[Sabrina Bain · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son love these books, i read one now im hooked. Very informative

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are children's history books and I just think they are great! Short, sweet and easy to read. Maybe I've been living under a rock, but I had never heard of the Tuskegee pilots before. What a great story of civil and human rights!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tuskegee Airmen were brave pilots and heroes. May they always be remembered for their service to our country.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've known the basic story about the Tuskegee Airmen and have read about them when the information was part of another book about WWII. I've even met several of the actual Tuskegee Airmen at the Thunder Over Michigan Airshow. Who were the Tuskegee Airmen? by Sherri Smith does a nice job for a relatively short book to explaining the fascination with early aircraft and their determination, against all odds, to someday fly those machines. As difficult as it was for just anybody to get trained and get licensed to fly, these men had another major hurdle, most trainers would not take on Blacks as students. Once accepted into the Army's flight training program, they worked hard to overcome any and all obstacles to becoming an American combat pilot. The book covers their training and their years in the military as well as life after the war years where they experienced the prejudice still prevalent in America that prevented from becoming airline pilots. Throughout the book we are introduced to many members of the Tuskegee Airmen and learn of their exploits as well as the honors that eventually came to them including the Congressional Medal of Honor. Very well written and researched, it is loaded with inspirational stories especially for those who think their goals may be too difficult. Here are some exceptional role models! Highly recommended read for WWII buffs as well as those interested in early days of aviation and military combat aircraft. If you like this, you should also check out Soaring to Glory by Harry T. Stewart for a more detailed account of one of these men.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Were the Tuskegee Airmen? by Sherri L. Smith
Published August 7, 2018

<3

It's up, up and away with the Tuskegee Airmen, a heroic group of African American military pilots who helped the United States win World War II.
During World War II, black Americans were fighting for their country and for freedom in Europe, yet they had to put up with a totally segregated military in the United States, where they weren't considered smart enough to become military pilots. After acquiring government funding for aviation training, civil rights activists were able to kickstart the first African American military flight program in the US at Tuskegee University in Alabama. While this book details thrilling flight missions and grueling training sessions the Tuskegee Airmen underwent, it also shines a light on the lives of these brave men who helped pave the way for the integration of the US armed forces.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enlightening read. I grew up in a time period where none of this information was provided in the history books that I was reading for school. I hope that this part of history is now part of the every day teaching in history classes today. These men accomplished many feats that were never expected of them by the air force. They were protective of every piolet that they were in charge of helping in their missions throughout World War Two. This is an excellent introduction to the many achievements that were accomplished by this group of airmen.

[Nikki Neuman · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may think of the "Who is/was" series as children's books. I prefer to think of them as gateway books that lead you to other resources to learn more about a person or topic. I know so little about the Tuskegee Airmen, as much as that pains me to say. This book provides a great jumping off point that teaches some very basic information, and then the reader can continue to research more comprehensive materials and expand their knowledge base. I'm looking forward to reading more in-depth books on these heroes and their stories. 5-stars

[LeeTravelGoddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

SKEGEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! 💚💚💚

You can’t tell me nothing about Tuskegee University cause wow!!! I also need to read Benjamin O’s book… we’re so amazing and I glad to know that the history/legacy that I am continuing was right where I grew up!! I lean so much in these small but mighty books— I need to get on starting a book collection for my nieces and nephews!!!

These stories will never grow old to me; it’s a tops too!!!

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this excellent audiobook with my kids, ages 9 and 12. All of us were enthralled, and learned a lot. The book was very interesting and also explained many military terms that laypeople don’t always know but which are critical to understanding the history here. I am really glad to now have a solid understanding of who were the Tuskegee airmen and women.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great book for kids about the Tuskegee Airmen. It's told in simple language, explains words kids might not know, and has interesting little side stories. Plus, the illustrations are great (the cover isn't representative of the inner illustrations).

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! So amazing to hear the story of these heroes who not only help America fight against the enemy in WWII, but also had to fight against the stereotypes and racial bigotry here in America!

The courage of these brave pilots to help shape the future of America was inspiring!

[Arman Waggoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

For reason, I've always been fascinated by planes and famous pilots, I see them as my heroes. I think my Grandma told me she and my mom met one of them, I can't remember which one she told me, so that got me curios to read this book

[Teresa Forsberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this Who HQ book because I realized I knew very little about the Tuskegee Airmen. So this book was full of new information for me about African American pilots and their fight for equality and to distinguish themselves as Air Force pilots.

[Susan Forsgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors retelling of history is delightful and entraining.
I enjoyed learning more about the adventures in World War II of the fascinating flying Africain American men.
Great book for late Elementary school students or early Junior High students.

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like the “Who Were…?” series sometimes phones-in these books, but this one was very well written. It acknowledged a lot of hard truths in an easy to understand way and painted a vivid picture of the brave pilots who served our country despite being treated horribly unfairly.

[Coco Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about these brave airmen! This book was packed full of facts and information, but it also told an inspiring story of the Black men who stood up to racism in order to fight for our country in WWII. A great history book for kids and adults alike, and a quick 1-hour read.

[F. O. · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first completed Who HQ book — they were really popular at our library a couple years back, but I’m not asked for them as much now. It’s surprising that kids like them, considering the format is pretty dry; just direct nonfiction prose with black-and-white line illustrations. I like that this one opens with a really good story to hook you in.

[Emma Keilman]

This was for a class

[Zoey Pick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really really good!

[Arthur Rehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I thought it was very inspiring that people thought Negroes weren't good enough turn out to be wrong because the Negro pilots were better than the white pilots. I really enjoyed this book.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids love these books, and this was a perfect one to read during our WWII homeschool unit and Black History Month. These pilots should be remembered for their service and amazing flying accomplishments, but also in overcoming racism and prejudice.

[June Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read several books in this 'WHO HQ' series before, so I chose this gem for my final November MMGM book featuring World War I and II fiction and non-fiction titles.

I had heard about the Tuskegee Airmen before, but I had no idea of the depth of the history behind this program until I read this book. This group of brave and skilled African American men were the first airplane pilots of color to ever serve in the United States military.

In May, 1939, two African American men, Chauncey Spencer and Dale White, flew from Chicago to Washington, D.C., to meet with then US Senator Harry S. Truman. The pilots asked Senator Truman to help them encourage other black people to become pilots. The senator agreed to help, and later that year the United States Congress approved six Civilian Pilot Training Programs {CPTP} for black people. This book is about the most famous of these programs--the one held at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.

Booker T. Washington had founded a black college, Tuskegee Institute, in 1881 in the town of Tuskegee, Alabama. A tremendous amount of work and construction was necessary before the CPTP could be launched. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited the site in March, 1941, and was vocal about the program needing more money for a better airfield and newer airplanes. Her intevention resulted in a charitable fund lending Tuskegee Institute $175,000 to build a bigger airfield.

The author does not mince words about the rampant segregation in the United States military at this time. As the result of the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, the country needed more troops, so minorities and women were called on to help out. However, the military still did not want to integrate its forces. So the Army agreed on January 16, 1942, to form an all-black squadron in their Army air force.

This first class in the Tuskegee Institute began with thirteen cadets but only five of the cadets graduated in March, 1942. These were the first African Americans to become Army Air Force pilots. The book follows this unit through their training and heroic combat missions in Europe and the Mediterranean. A total of 352 Tuskegee Airmen served overseas during World War II. Sixty-eight of these brave soldiers died in combat or went missing in action.

Unfortunately, when these war heroes returned to the United States they found that the nation had not improved its treatment of black soldiers in the least. The bases were still segregated. In 1948, President Harry S. Truman passed a law which desegregated the US Army. Soldiers of all races trained and served together, but it would take years and years before all branches of the military were fully integrated.

A highlight of this book for me was an interesting spotlight presented on Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., 1912-2002. His father, Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., was the first African American general ever in the US Army. In June, 1936, Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., became the first black man ever to graduate from the West Point Military Academy. He later became the commander of the Tuskegee Airmen and was the first African American general in the US Air Force. Eventually, he became a four-star general which is the highest rank in the US Air Force.

The final pages of the book list the awards and honors earned by these brave Tuskegee Airmen. There is also a detailed Timeline and Bibliography to aid young readers in their study of this subject.

This book is highly-recommended for middle-grade readers studying Civil Rights, United States history, United States twentieth-century history, United States military history, African-American history, aeronautic history, and for adults who wish to learn more about these subjects, too.

I borrowed this book from the New Book non-fiction shelf in the Children's section of the local public library.

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[Ivanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was in many places, like Alabama, Morocco, and more! People practiced and even learned how to fly planes at Tuskegee( Tuskegee is still here today !) Tuskegee was important because it allowed Black Americans to learn and practice riding planes, without Tuskegee there might not be any Black Americans that know how to fly planes! Why? Because back then Black Americans were judged by their color! It is very cruel. So what, if their skin is dark or light their still human beings! But on the bright side Tuskegee came in and allowed people of all color to learn and practice flying planes. Tuskegee Airmen later on went to war with the Germans, it was dangerous because of all the shooting and bombs. In one story of a war with the German pilots was a relief, the story was that four Tuskegee airmen were in their plane, the plane was damaged and it was falling down, they saw an emergency plane with people in it, but they didn't know if it was one of the Tuskegee planes or the Germans plane. If it was the Germans plane then something bad will happen. They had to make a decision, their decision was to go to the plane below them, so they went down to the plane and what a relief it was the Tuskegee plane, but one Tuskegee person was surprised, that it was two Black Americans! They where safer now. That was a little bit about the Tuskegee Airmen Book, you should go check it out maybe see if you can find one at your library. I hope you like it because it was a good book if you ever want to be a pilot like any of the people in the book you should check it out!

[Jack Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

During World War II, black Americans were battling for their nation and for freedom in Europe, yet they needed to persevere through a completely isolated military in the United States, where they weren't viewed as sufficiently keen to become military pilots. In the wake of gaining government financing for aeronautics preparing, social equality activists had the option to kickstart the primary African American military flight program in the US at Tuskegee University in Alabama. While this book tells exciting flight missions and the difficult instructional meetings the Tuskegee Airmen experienced, it additionally sparkles a light on the lives of these daring men who helped make ready for the combination of the US military.

I really liked this book because in this series you really learn a lot about a person in a little bit of time. This specif book was no exception, it also contains lots of pictures, diagrams, and fun facts.

I would recomend this book to a history fan.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so inspired by the life story of Brigadier General Charles McGee after he was honored at The State of the Union and at the Super Bowl. A 30 year career as a fighter pilot with the Air Force and a veteran of WWII, of Korean Conflict and of Vietnam, Brigadier General McGee was also one of the Tuskegee Airman. After a trip to the library to learn more of the famous Tuskegee Airman, I found others had thought the same and had borrowed books on these inspiring individuals. This book, Who Were the Tuskegee Airman was the only book available. In 108 pages, the heroism of this special group was well documented. I loved learning more about the American heroes that were highlighted. It also incredulous to learn the amazing accomplishments of these airmen were never given the praise and honor they so deserved because of discrimination. I now want to read more about Bessie Coleman, Benjamin Davis and the“Red Tails” as well as planning a visit to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Tuskegee Institute was a famous black college founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881..."

This quick read is an excellent guide through the history/timeline of the Tuskegee Airmen's training program and missions, setting it both in the context of World War II, and that period in American history.

This tells a wonderful story, not just of pilots, of people coming together, placing a dream (several actually) first and foremost and not just working but accepting the struggle to make it come true. Their dream of flying, and contributing to the war effort came true a lot faster than their dream of changing our culture by showing what they could do -- but decades later we can look back and see how significant their contribution was, and be grateful for that, as well as their service.

This is a very well done book on the Tuskegee Experiment, keeping all aspects of the story interesting and engaging.

[Penney Letbetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fascinated with information about the Tuskegee airmen. This book does a fairly good job of giving us that information. But personally, as an adult and librarian, I found the explanations of the vocabulary to be distracting. This is my first book from this well-established series to read. So I don’t know if the other books are also like this. I understand having a one-page, or two-page, explanation. It does that part well, even putting the font different from the regular part of the book. But it just seems to constantly be interrupting itself with either a sentence explaining something or these set-apart pages.
As someone who loves history, now that I know what to possibly expect, I will try more of them. I just don’t know how children handle it.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so much from this book! I bought the set of “Who Was” for my grands but I always planned to read them first. I remembered them as excellent quality when I was a kid and this one at least was excellent. Here is one small example: they showed a map of where Pearl Harbor was located. I’ve read a fair amount of WWII books and never seen that before! I loved that they explained all the acronyms used in the military!

I loved that the title of one chapter was Double Victory Denied. It is propaganda if only the positive information is given. This was nonfiction done right. Definitely recommended.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of these famed men and women--their difficult circumstances, dogged determination, and long-term impact on civil rights. The story flows naturally and inspires genuinely without fluff or hyperbole. Select individuals' details are woven into the general account, providing a true narrative experience instead of mere historical facts.
Explanatory notes are excellent and needful, as always. They feel more disruptive to the reader's train of thought in this volume, but that may simply be because the main text is so engaging.

[David Rough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book is part of the Who Is….? series. The Tuskegee Airmen were African American military pilots in World War 2. The story of their struggles in a totally segregated military in the US is more than amazing. I had heard of the Tuskegee Airmen before, but this short biography provided some great information in a concise volume. I appreciated their sacrifice, determination, and patriotism for a country that downplayed their abilities and intelligence.