Age: 4th-middle school
Nonfiction: WWII, black history, civil rights

"On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion rocked a 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 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."

A fast-paced read for the more reluctant readers, or a quick audiobook for a short trip. I found it very interesting when Sheinkin included the historical remarks about the navy/army perpetuating a racist culture because they felt it wasn't their place to change it. Furthermore, several white political figures and people in power declared that they weren't racist, that they were only preserving their culture or just doing what was always done. Quite reflective of today's white/cisgendered/straight sentimentality towards the LGBT community, the black community, and other minority groups.