Sunday, August 20, 2023

Unlawful Orders by Barbara Binns - ADVISABLE

Unlawful Orders: a Portrait of Dr. James B. Williams, Tuskegee Airman, Surgeon, and Activist
by Barbara Binns
, 306 NON-FICTION Focus Scholastic, 2022. 19 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (racial violence)

BUYING ADVISORY:  MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

During World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen, an all-black flying force, fought heroically for the right to fly and become officers. Unfortunately, even though Blacks were fighting for America, prejudice, segregation, and violence against them still ran high. James Williams refused to give in to the bigotry at Freeman Field that led to the desegregation of the US armed forces. 

 The title is a little misleading. This is really a biography instead of just the incident with unlawful orders at Freeman Field. However, the story is a powerful reminder that racism was ugly and real and so much more harsh and prevalent than I had realized. The author presents a balanced and fair story with plenty of pictures that help this inspiring story hit home. 

Michelle in the Middle

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