Book details
The Flag Never Touched the Ground: America’s Brave Black Regiment in Battle (True Adventures)
Description
The story of an all-black regiment's assault on the impregnable Fort Wagner in the Civil War, an act of extraordinary courage that changed hearts and minds in America for everTHE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR. 1863.On a cold beach in South Carolina, the soldiers of the 54th Massachussets Regiment are marching into battle. Their mission: to capture the impregnable Fort Wagner. The odds are heavily against them, and the stakes could not be higher - they are one of the first all-Black regiments in the Union Army, and all of America is watching them.Among their ranks is William Harvey Carney. A former enslaved man who escaped to the North, he knows what a precious thing freedom is. So when the bugle sounds, and the regimental flag is hoisted high, William charges towards the guns.An author, speaker and writing teacher, Kekla Magoon has been longlisted for the National Book Award, received an NAACP Image Award, and three Coretta Scott King Awards. She initially studied history at Northwestern University in the US, and loves to uncover the stories of the brave and creative people who have come before us. Her books about civil rights and social justice in America include X, a novel about Malcolm X co-written with his daughter, and The Rock and the River, about a young boy torn between his civil rights leader father and his Black Panther brother.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
144 pages
Why to read
- Historical Insight: The book provides an in-depth look at the contributions and heroism of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, one of the first African American regiments in the Civil War. Reading it offers a chance to gain a deeper understanding of a pivotal moment in American history and the role of African American soldiers in the fight for freedom and equality.
- Inspirational Stories: 'The Flag Never Touched the Ground' is filled with tales of bravery and resilience that serve as a source of inspiration. The personal stories of the soldiers and their unwavering courage in the face of adversity can motivate readers to overcome their own challenges.
- Award-Winning Author: Kekla Magoon is a celebrated author known for her powerful storytelling and meticulous research. Reading her work ensures a well-crafted narrative that is both engaging and educational, making the historical events accessible to a wide audience.
- Cultural Significance: The book sheds light on the often underrepresented stories of African American soldiers. Understanding their struggles and achievements is essential for a comprehensive view of American history and contributes to a greater appreciation of the diversity and complexity of the past.