Ray Anthony Shepard is the grandson of a slave and was the first African American editor-in-chief of a major educational publishing house. He holds an MAT from Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he received a Martin Luther King Jr. Fellowship from the Woodrow Wilson Foundation. He has taught at Phillips Andover Academy and Brandeis University. He lives in Lincoln, Massachusetts. rayanthonyshepard.com
★ "Two black Civil War soldiers and writers offer unique
perspectives about how they fought on and off the battlefield...
both showing a different side of the war to blacks and
abolitionists. Author Shepard does a great job using the dispatches
from these men to form the basis for this narrative. The most
impressive contribution is how the individual voices of (the
soldiers) are in the forefront with their similarities and
distinctions. This is a powerful use of primary resources, one that
illuminates the lives of its subjects but never gets in the way of
their remarkable stories. Rich backmatter provides useful
information. Absolutely stellar." —Kirkus Reviews, starred
review
★ "Written from the points of view of...the first African
American war correspondents—fascinating, often brutal details from
their experiences as soldiers in the 54th Infantry make up the
backbone of this meticulously researched and highly readable
history. This book will greatly enhance Civil War studies, leading
to a deeper understanding of the African American plight throughout
history and the racial prejudice that continues to this day.
Teachers can also use this text to show how primary documents are
critical to unbiased historical accounts. Documents and photographs
add much interest and authenticity to the text." —School Library
Connection, starred review
"The author will captivate readers with masterfully built
suspense...The context of the war and the political climate of the
country are interjected along with the complexity of sentiments
about African Americans...The inclusion of a time line, maps,
drawings, and photographs...further enriches the narrative...this
is an excellent addition to the history."—School Library
Journal
This well-researched volume is recommended for students who want to
dig a little deeper into the history of the 54th Massachusetts
Infantry Regiment." —Booklist
“This timely and important book…gives readers a unique and honest
look at the Civil War, different from what is traditionally taught
in classrooms (and) packs an impressive amount of detailed
information, as well as emotional punch….perfect for both junior
high and senior high school research, as well as for any reader
interested in African American history and Civil War history. This
is a highly recommended purchase for libraries serving young
adults.—VOYA
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