A review by molly_dettmann
Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad by Matthew F. Delmont

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

This was an incredible book that not only honored Black American’s contributions to fighting for the US in WW2, but also the incredible hardships, racism, and battles they fought against enemies abroad and at home. The book starts with the Spanish Civil War and ends with efforts to acknowledge Black Americans in WW2 and continuous efforts for racial equality in the US military. I knew about the Port Chicago 50, but didn’t know about how Black blood donations were separate, Black women’s contributions, Thurgood Marshall and Langston Hughes’ roles in WW2, the many battles fought through combat and supply/support, and the many who lost their lives to senseless violence, lynchings, and more here at home. I highly recommend this book for nonfiction collections for high schoolers and up because of the untold stories it gives voice to and it’s engaging presentation of the little known history.