40 pages • 1 hour read
The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights
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Book Brief
208
Biography • Nonfiction
California • 1940s
2014
YA
10-14 years
950L
Super Short Summary
In The Port Chicago 50 by Steve Sheinkin, historian Steve Sheinkin traces the story of the Port Chicago 50, African-American sailors charged with mutiny during WWII for refusing to load ammunition after a deadly explosion at Port Chicago due to unsafe conditions and racial discrimination. Despite their bravery and objections to unsafe practices, the sailors are court-martialed and found guilty. Throughout the narrative, Sheinkin highlights the pervasive racial injustice in the U.S. military and follows the subsequent battles for justice, including efforts by civil rights lawyer Thurgood Marshall and the eventual desegregation of the Navy. Depictions of racial discrimination and a deadly explosion are present in the story.
Informative
Challenging
Emotional
Inspirational
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
6,859 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Sheinkin's The Port Chicago 50 is widely praised for its compelling narrative and thorough research on racial injustice during WWII. Critics commend its accessibility for young readers and its educational value. However, some note a lack of deeper character exploration. Overall, the book is celebrated for shedding light on an important but overlooked historical event.
Who Should Read The Port Chicago 50?
Readers who enjoy The Port Chicago 50 by Steve Sheinkin are likely intrigued by untold stories of American history, specifically those involving social justice and the military. Fans of Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly and The Boys Who Challenged Hitler by Phillip Hoose will find similar themes of courage and activism.
6,859 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Thurgood Marshall
Thurgood Marshall
A prominent civil rights lawyer who follows the Port Chicago 50 trial closely, advocating for the accused sailors' fair treatment and highlighting racial discrimination in the Navy.
Lieutenant Commander James Coakley
Lieutenant Commander James Coakley
The Navy officer assigned as the prosecutor for the court-martial of the Port Chicago 50, focusing on evidence of mutiny.
Lieutenant Gerald Veltmann
Lieutenant Gerald Veltmann
The defense lawyer for the Port Chicago 50, arguing that the sailors did not intend to disobey authority based on the Navy’s definition of mutiny.
Dorie Miller
Dorie Miller
A black sailor who takes heroic action during the Pearl Harbor attack and receives the Navy Cross, illustrating the Navy's segregation policies.
208
Biography • Nonfiction
California • 1940s
2014
YA
10-14 years
950L
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