Courage Has No Color - The True Story of the Triple Nickles: America's First Black Paratroopers

1. Bibliography

Stone, Tanya Lee. 2013. Courage Has No Color - The True Story of the Triple Nickles: America's First Black Paratroopers. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763651176

2. Plot Summary

This story begins with Walter Morris, a man who enlisted in the Army right after high school and became the first sergeant of the Service Company of The Parachute School. He and his men served as guards while the white men learned how to become paratroopers. Throughout the book, Stone details the discrimination and segregation happening within the country during World War II and particularly in the Army. Despite the obstacles and hurdles that African Americans had to overcome to serve the country, the Triple Nickles were formed and they became the first Black paratroopers, the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, to serve the United States. 

3. Critical Analysis

This photo essay is very attractive and readable. The black and white photographs depict the real paratroopers and real photographs of the soldiers during World War II. The photographs complement the text and add to the design. There are also graphics of anti-Black propaganda that highlight the deep segregation occurring in the nation during a time of turmoil.

Stone includes reference aids such as a table of contents, an appendix, and an index to give the reader easy access to locating the nine chapters and any terms that they may want to find in the text. A bibliography and photography credits are also present at the end of the book. Stone does a masterful job of informing the reader about racial segregation in the nation and in the Army while avoiding stereotypes and being very informative and eye-opening. 

4. Review Excerpts

From Kirkus Reviews: "An exceptionally well-researched, lovingly crafted and important tribute to unsung American heroes." 

From Washington Post: "...the Triple Nickles make clear that courage has no color but many facets." 

5. Connections

Use in a history lesson about World War II to discuss another side of the war in the United States.

Enjoy other books by Tanya Lee Stone such as:

• Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors?: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell. ISBN 9781250183392
• The House That Jane Built: A Story About Jane Addams. 9780805090499