The Black Regiment of the American Revolution [Hardcover]

Linda Crotta Brennan (Author), Cheryl Kirk Noll (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2004 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

In the Battle of Rhode Island during the Revolutionary War, the Black Regiment successfully fought off three determined attacks, thus preventing the capture of a large Colonial force. The Black Regiment went on to serve with distinction at Yorktown, establishing a proud tradition of African-American military service and proving the valor and discipline of Black men in an era when slavery was rampant.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6 - Watercolor illustrations, maps, and reproductions assist in telling the story of the black slaves who fought in the Battle of Rhode Island during the American Revolution. Presented in a picture-book format, the narrative includes detailed descriptions of the events leading up to the formation of the Black Regiment and the role these soldiers played in the war. Relevant information about the history of slavery is also presented. Brennan concludes that the bravery of these men aided in the abolishment of slavery in America ("Their shining example proved that all men deserve to be free."). Large, action-packed paintings show the troops in action and provide a glimpse into the past. Sidebars support the text with additional information. A helpful glossary, a list of suggested reading, and places to visit are appended. - Christine E. Carr, Lester C. Noecker Elementary School, Roseland, NJ
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-6. By now most Americans' mental image of Civil War battlefields has been revised to include black faces, but the same isn't yet true when it comes to the Revolutionary War. Brennan attempts to remedy this by introducing young readers to Rhode Island's "Black Regiment," made up primarily of slaves who fought not only for American independence but also for their own freedom--as promised by a state legislature desperate to shore up exhausted troops. The book's 32 pages and large, somewhat stiff watercolor illustrations suggest a target audience of early-elementary readers, but the type size is surprisingly tiny and the text quite lengthy. Book-talking may be necessary to get this into the hands of readers best equipped to handle it. Maps and sidebars lend added clarity to the main narrative; source notes would have made this obviously well-researched volume an even more valueable addition to the history shelves. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Moon Mountain Publishing (September 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931659060
• ISBN-13: 978-1931659062
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,163,688 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Article & Historical Art on the First Rhode Island, January 4, 2011

By 

Dr. Jack Dempsey "Dr. Jack Dempsey" (near Boston MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Black Regiment of the American Revolution (Hardcover)

People interested in the First Rhode Island and Afro-American contributions to the Revolution will enjoy David R. Wagner's article "Desperate Valor" at ANCIENTLIGHTS.ORG

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, January 13, 2008

By 

Dr. Joan E. Aitken "author of Interpersonal C... (Kansas City, MO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Black Regiment of the American Revolution (Paperback)

The Revolutionary War army of Rhode Island was in poor condition, so they decided to enlist slaves in the army. The slaves would make the same pay as whites and earn their freedom. The book also discusses the Native Americans who were colonists's slaves after King Philip's War (100 years before the Revolutionary War), whose descendants were still slaves at the time of the Revolutionary War. The drawings are interesting and the information about this unique part of US history is fascinating.

5.0 out of 5 stars An important part of American history, December 6, 2004

By 

AfroAmericanHeritage (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Black Regiment of the American Revolution (Hardcover)

Rhode Island's "Black Regiment" was made up primarily of slaves who had been promised freedom in return for fighting. This is a fascinating story, thoroughly told and amply illustrated with original watercolors, maps, historic images and documents, with sidebars for clarifications. Though designed for Grades 2-6, I feel the reading level and type size are really more suitable for 4-6, though younger grades will definitely enjoy it as a book talk.