The story of the Harlem Hellfighters is not simply one of victory in a war. . . . It is the story of men who acted as men, and who gave a good account of themselves when so many people thought, even hoped, that they would fail. What defines a true hero? The "Harlem Hellfighters," the African American soldiers of the 369th Infantry Regiment of World War I, redefined heroism -- for America, and for the world. At a time of widespread bigotry and racism, these soldiers put their lives on the line in the name of democracy. The Harlem Hellfighters: When Pride Met Courage is a portrait of bravery and honor. With compelling narrative and never-before-published photographs, Michael L. Printz Award winner Walter Dean Myers and renowned filmmaker Bill Miles deftly portray the true story of these unsung American heroes. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Thanks to his usual impeccable research, Walter Dean Myers with Bill Miles once again presents a rich history and assortment of photographs, facsimile reproductions of documents such as pay vouchers for soldiers, a Civil War ad for "white or colored" sailors, and political cartoons in The Harlem Hellfighters: When Pride Met Courage. The book lays the groundwork for what was then called the Great War, describing the military history in the U.S. as well as conditions in Europe that led President Wilson to declare war on Germany in April 1917, then zeroing in on the title company-the men of the 369th Infantry. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Walter Dean Myers was born on August 12, 1937 in Martinsberg, West Virginia, into a very poor family. When he was three years old, he was adopted by Herbert and Florence Dean, who lived in Harlem. He began writing stories while still in his teens but had little hope of becoming a professional writer because, coming from a family of laborers, he too was expected to work with his hands.

However, Myers refused to accept the notion that because he was black and poor he was restricted in what he could do. He enlisted in the army on his 17th birthday, and while there he read everything he could. After completing his army service, he took what jobs he could while continuing to write. He entered and won a 1969 contest sponsored by the Council on Interracial Books for Children, which led to the publication of his first book for children, Where Does the Day Go?

He has written more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books for children and young adults. Aside from telling good stories, he strives to convey what he learned while young. His message to black youth is that although growing up is not easy and reality can be harsh, young African Americans can succeed despite the odds against them. His other works include Fallen Angels, The Righteous Revenge of Artemis Bonner, Now Is Your Time, and Jazz. He has won the Coretta Scott King Award for African American authors five times. In addition to the publication of his books, he leads a writing workshop for children in a school in Jersey City, New Jersey.

(Bowker Author Biography) Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

1 Defending America	p. 1
2 War in Europe	p. 10
3 Trench Warfare	p. 15
4 The Problem of Race	p. 24
5 The National Guard	p. 32
6 The Fighting 15th	p. 38
7 Who Would Lead Colored Men into Battle?	p. 48
8 Training the Black Soldier	p. 59
9 Spartanburg, South Carolina	p. 70
10 Carrying the Flag to France	p. 83
11 On the Line	p. 97
12 The German Offensive	p. 106
13 In Enemy Hands	p. 114
14 The Battle of Meuse-Argonne	p. 119
15 The Parade	p. 133

Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.