The Port Chicago 50
Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights
Author: Steve Sheikin
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Date: Jan. 21, 2014
Pages: 208
Source: Audiobook for review
Read By: Dominic Hoffman
Audiobook Publisher: Listening Library
Audiobook Length: 3 hours, 49 minutes
About the Book: An astonishing civil rights story from Newbery Honor winner and National Book Award finalist Steve Sheinkin.
On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion rocked the segregated Navy base at Port Chicago, California, killing more than 300 sailors who were at the docks, critically injuring off-duty men in their bunks, and shattering windows up to a mile away. On August 9th, 244 men refused to go back to work until unsafe and unfair conditions at the docks were addressed. When the dust settled, fifty were charged with mutiny, facing decades in jail and even execution. This is a fascinating story of the prejudice that faced black men and women in America’s armed forces during World War II, and a nuanced look at those who gave their lives in service of a country where they lacked the most basic rights.
My Thoughts: What? A nonfiction book?!? Yeah, I read them. And I’m particularly interested in books dealing with the Civil Rights movement. I feel like this is an area that wasn’t really covered in my formal education. Or maybe I just wasn’t paying attention? Either way, books dealing with civil rights leave me equally horrified and hopeful.
The Port Chicago 50 takes place mostly during WWII. This is about ten years before the CIvil Rights Movement. It’s a story that really emphasizes the gross racial inequality that was prevalent throughout the military and the country in general. Sheinkin cites reports and comments from government officials that will make the reader cringe. Honestly, even knowing what the racial climate was like, I was still speechless. These are the stories I want my students to know so that they can see how far we’ve come and know that every little thing can make a difference to continue a change for good.
In The Port Chicago 50 the reader gets background into the segregation of the armed forces and the political climate, as well as the story of the tragedy at Port Chicago and the ramifications of what happened. It then transitions to the trial that followed. There are many first person accounts. These really personalize the story and make it feel more alive. As a reader, I felt that I got to know the men involved and I really wanted to know what happened to them.
I recommend The Port Chicago 50 to anyone interested in military history, civil rights, or just a well told story of an injustice that stands to this day.
Audiobook Notes: Dominic Hoffman was a great narrator. His pacing and vocal variation kept the story moving. A great choice for this nonfiction title.
Undefeated - YA Bibliophile
[…] Sheinkin has become my favorite author of nonfiction young adult titles (Check out my thoughts on The Port Chicago 50 and Most Dangerous.) I was thrilled when I saw he had a book coming out focused on Jim Thorpe. […]