By Kaia Alderson
Fiction
This historical story is based on the 6888th Postal Battalion which was the only all-female, all-black U.S. Battalion. They were part of the Women’s Army Corps (WAAC) whose purpose was to free a man so he could fight on the front. They were ultimately deployed to Europe during WWII. These courageous trailblazers’ s unit was nicknamed The Six Triple Eight.
Being a woman in the 30’s and 40’s was not easy because there were so many things (which we take for granted today) that they were not allowed to do. Now add to this–being an African-American woman– and you get the gist of this story. This was the kind of book for which I put off other needed tasks to read. It was fascinating/heart-rending/empowering/encouraging/frustrating/add your own adjective after you read the story of Grace and Eliza. They were what we would now call frenemies. Their unique stories were so engrossing and sad and joyful. There was so much discrimination even from White WAACs, other male soldiers, from high and low ranks. Yet, I highly recommend this amazing story. It makes you proud. It makes you cringe. It won’t leave you untouched.
Staff Pick By Nathalie Shorten, Assistant Librarian at Circulation
