Hold the Flag High
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Overview
In July 1863, a significantbattle in the Civil War was fought. Sergeant William H. Carney, an officer of the newly formed Massachusetts Fifty-fourth Regiment — comprised entirely of African Americans — led his soldiers over the ramparts of Fort Wagner, where Union soldiers charged the Confederates. As the soldiers fought, they gained strength from the stars and stripes of the American flag, Old Glory. It was Carney's vow to never let Old Glory touch the ground, and despite several gunshot wounds, he was able to rescue the flag from the fallen bearer. Carney held the flag high as a symbol that his regiment would never submit to the Confederacy. The battle of Fort Wagner decimated the Fifty-fourth Regiment, but Carney's heroism that night inspired all who survived.
Catherine Clinton's historically precise text paired with Shane Evans's rich illustrations creates a remarkable account of one of the most memorable battles in Civil War history.
Describes the Civil War battle of Morris Island, South Carolina, during which Sargeant William H. Carney became the first African American to earn a Congressional Medal of Honor by preserving the flag.
Synopsis
In July 1863, a significantbattle in the Civil War was fought. Sergeant William H. Carney, an officer of the newly formed Massachusetts Fifty-fourth Regiment — comprised entirely of African Americans — led his soldiers over the ramparts of Fort Wagner, where Union soldiers charged the Confederates. As the soldiers fought, they gained strength from the stars and stripes of the American flag, Old Glory. It was Carney's vow to never let Old Glory touch the ground, and despite several gunshot wounds, he was able to rescue the flag from the fallen bearer. Carney held the flag high as a symbol that his regiment would never submit to the Confederacy. The battle of Fort Wagner decimated the Fifty-fourth Regiment, but Carney's heroism that night inspired all who survived.
Catherine Clinton's historically precise text paired with Shane Evans's rich illustrations creates a remarkable account of one of the most memorable battles in Civil War history.
Publishers Weekly
A trio of highly visual books help readers imagine the past. Hold the Flag High by Catherine Clinton, illus. by Shane W. Evans, tells the story of the Massachusetts Fifty-fourth regiment, an African-American unit formed in the spring of 1863 during the Civil War. Evans's thickly laid paint portrays the soldiers setting up camp just south of Charleston Bay, S.C., all the way through to a poignant close-up of their brave Sergeant Carney, "one of the few black officers" of the war, carrying Old Glory to point his troop to safety. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Editorials
Booklist
"Celebrates the courage of William Carney."The Horn Book
"[A] stirring chapter in American history."Publishers Weekly
A trio of highly visual books help readers imagine the past. Hold the Flag High by Catherine Clinton, illus. by Shane W. Evans, tells the story of the Massachusetts Fifty-fourth regiment, an African-American unit formed in the spring of 1863 during the Civil War. Evans's thickly laid paint portrays the soldiers setting up camp just south of Charleston Bay, S.C., all the way through to a poignant close-up of their brave Sergeant Carney, "one of the few black officers" of the war, carrying Old Glory to point his troop to safety. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.Children's Literature
During a time of dark animosity, one kind heart shone through the gloom and brought peace to many troubled men. That kindness was demonstrated by Sergeant William H. Carney. This Civil War hero led his troops, an African American regiment, the Massachusetts Fifty-Fourth, with pride and determination. With loving protection, he also watched over them day and night. When a young drummer expressed his worries to his fearless mentor, he found the reassurance that if he played his drum and followed the flag, he would not go wrong. Carney encouraged all his troops with the same advice. In the heat of battle, the men followed their beloved leader and the flag. Sadly, though, Carney fell to a Confederate bullet, but he rescued the flag before it touched the ground. This dramatic, nonfiction picture book will contribute personal flavor to a Civil War unit. The actual photograph of the hero, the factual epilogue, and the concluding timeline add to the historical and emotional impact of the story. 2005, Amistad/Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers, Ages 5 to 7.—Kara Byrne