The Flag Never Touched The Ground : America's Brave Black Regiment in Battle
True Adventures Series
What’s inside...
The story of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, one of the first all-Black regiments in the Union Army during the American Civil War in 1863. The soldiers, including William Harvey Carney, a former enslaved man, faced overwhelming odds in their mission to capture the heavily fortified Fort Wagner in South Carolina. This act of extraordinary courage ultimately helped shift public opinion and marked a turning point in the fight for equality.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the bravery of the Black regiment in the book inspire you?
What challenges did the soldiers face and how did they overcome them?
Why is teamwork important in achieving a common goal?
What can we learn from the history of different races working together?
How does this story influence your thoughts about equality and courage?
Tip: Role play these questions
Share your own thoughts on the values of courage and teamwork illustrated in the story to encourage an open dialogue.
Ask your child to relate incidents from their own life where they had to show bravery or work in a team.
Encourage your child to think about how the characters felt during difficult times, fostering empathy and deeper understanding.
Use historical contexts or real-world examples to explain the significance of the regiment’s achievements.
Discuss the book’s impact on contemporary issues, making connections between past and present societal challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: This book portrays the bravery of the all-Black regiment during the Civil War, emphasizing their courage to fight despite facing extreme prejudice and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stand up for what is right and persist through difficulties, whether it's standing up against bullying or persisting through tough tasks.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The success of the regiment depicted in the book highlights how working together and supporting each other are vital, showing that unity leads to strength.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of collaborating with others, promoting better teamwork during group activities at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The book showcases how the soldiers remained resilient and committed to their cause, despite the odds being stacked against them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be resilient in their own lives, bouncing back from setbacks whether in academics, sports, or personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Equality and justice
Explanation: The narrative provides insights into the struggles for equality faced by the Black regiment, echoing broader social justice themes.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to be fair and stand up for everyone’s rights, fostering a sense of justice and inclusivity from an early age.