Now or Never!: Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Infantry's War to End Slavery
on Goodreads (82)
What’s inside...
Here is the riveting dual biography of two little-known but extraordinary men in Civil War history-George E. Stephens and James Henry Gooding. These Union soldiers not only served in the Massachusetts 54th Infantry, the well-known black regiment, but were also war correspondents who published eyewitness reports of the battlefields. Their dispatches told the truth of their lives at camp, their intense training, and the dangers and tragedies on the battlefield. Like the other thousands of black soldiers in the regiment, they not only fought against the Confederacy and the inhumanity of slavery, but also against injustice in their own army. The regiment's protest against unfair pay resulted in America's first major civil rights victory-equal pay for African American soldiers. This fresh perspective on the Civil War includes an author's note, timeline, bibliography, index and source notes.
Age
10-17
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What impact did the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Infantry have during the Civil War and how did it contribute to ending slavery?
Why do you think courage and sacrifice were important qualities for soldiers in the Infantry? Can you think of a scenario in which you exhibited courage?
How do you think the soldiers’ actions influenced the views of those around them and future generations?
What does equality mean to you, and how does it relate to the soldiers' fight in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the soldiers’ challenges and triumphs. Validate their feelings and share some of your thoughts to create a balanced dialogue.
Utilize historical photographs or maps from the Civil War era to help visualize the context and bring the narrative to life. Discuss how visuals complement the written word.
Draw parallels between the historical events in the book and current events. This connection can help children understand the relevance and impact of history on our present day.
Acknowledge the complexity of war and the fight for justice. Support your child by exploring these themes in a sensitive and age-appropriate way, and guide the conversation toward the value of perseverance and courage.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book recounts the bravery of the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Infantry, one of the first African-American units in the Civil War, as they fought against slavery despite great odds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult, and advocate for justice in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The soldiers in the Fifty-Fourth worked together to achieve their goals, demonstrating how collective efforts can lead to significant achievements.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperating with others to accomplish common objectives, whether in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Persistence towards a goal
Explanation: The narrative highlights the relentless efforts of the infantry as they trained and fought passionately for their cause, striving to end slavery.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to persistently pursue their goals, understanding that perseverance is key to overcoming challenges.
Example Lesson: Equality and justice
Explanation: The book showcases the fight for equality and the right for African-Americans to serve in the army, which parallels their fight against slavery and for civil rights.
Real-World Application: Children learn about fairness and the importance of treating everyone equally, regardless of their background, in their interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: Learning from history
Explanation: By exploring an important historical event, the book provides insights into the struggles and victories of the past, emphasizing their impact on contemporary society.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate history and learn lessons from it that can help shape a better future.