Red-Tail Angels: The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II [Library Binding]

Pat McKissack (Author), Fredrick McKissack (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1995

A history of African American pilots with a focus on World War II.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The McKissacks (Christmas in the Big House, Christmas in the Quarters) add to their distinguished explorations of African American history with a well-researched, informative look at the only all-black flying unit to serve in WWII. Established in 1941, the pilot-training program at Tuskegee, Ala., had been designed as an "experiment," without full military support to ensure its success and with many officers predicting utter failure. Despite segregated facilities at the base, hostile reactions from the locals and other demoralizing conditions, the aviators trained at Tuskegee went on to fly hundreds of missions over North Africa and Europe. They were known as Red Tails for the designs on their planes; they earned the nickname Red-Tail Angels with their reputation for staying with the bomber planes they escorted. The pilots of the 332nd division, the McKissacks point out, never lost a bomber-a record unmatched by any other group in the Army Air Force. As the McKissacks outline the history of the squadron, they also tell the larger story of racial tension and bigotry in the U.S. Numerous photos, from both military archives and individual fliers, depict the pilots and their deeds. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up-The prolific McKissacks have collaborated once again to produce yet another well-crafted, thoroughly researched account of a little-known facet of African American history. Red-Tail Angels is much more than just the story of the black "Tuskegee Airmen" who served with distinction in segregated squadrons and bombardment and fighter groups under white commanding officers during the Second World War. The authors also present necessary background information that delineates the black experience in the military from the Revolutionary War through World War I. Readers learn that, "Despite their performance and character, black soldiers were not accepted by the military or by the civilian communities to which they returned." The narrative continues with historical information about flight in the U.S., women and blacks in aviation, and West Point cadets who faced tremendous odds in their struggle to become commissioned officers in the army. The rest of the coverage moves year-by-year from 1940-1945 with an epilogue for the years 1946-1948. It was, conclude the authors, the Tuskegee Airmen and their predecessors who helped create more "open doors" for the black airmen and airwomen of today and the future. This attractive book has a wonderful collection of seldom-seen historical photos and an extensive bibliography of secondary and primary sources (interviews). A lively, compelling addition to any collection.?David A. Lindsey, Lakewood High and Middle School Libraries, WA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Library Binding
• Publisher: Walker & Co (Lib) (October 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802782930
• ISBN-13: 978-0802782939
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,438,131 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Social and military history of U.S. cira 1940s, December 12, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Red-Tail Angels: The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II (Hardcover)

This book is an excellent companion piece for use by middle and high schools teaching about social conditions and history of pre-post WWII. The introduction gives details about not only Af-Americans interested in flight, but also women, and is the first book I've seen that talks about the sister of the Wright brothers. Good overall details about the first Black fighter pilots who rose above all criticism to become heroes during the war in Europe and were the forerunners of the Civil Rights Movement by creating the first executive order to end racial segregation.