Book details
Now or Never!: Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Infantry's War to End Slavery
Description
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.
Age
10-17
Text complexity
advanced
Length
144 pages
Why to read
- Historical Insight: The book provides an in-depth look at the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Infantry, one of the first African American units in the Civil War, offering readers a detailed understanding of their significant role in the fight against slavery.
- Inspiring Stories: 'Now or Never!' shares the powerful and often untold stories of courage and determination exhibited by the soldiers of the Fifty-Fourth, inspiring readers with their bravery and dedication to the cause of freedom.
- Educational Value: Reading this book is an excellent opportunity for individuals to educate themselves about a pivotal moment in American history, understanding the complexities and the human element of the Civil War era.
- Cultural Importance: The book sheds light on the broader struggle for civil rights and equality, helping readers to appreciate the historical context of current social justice movements and the long-standing fight for racial equality in the United States.