From Kirkus: "Watching Bryan generously transform the bittersweet into beauty is watching the meaning of art."

Almost a scrapbook of the author's experience during World War II. He tells his experiences as a black soldier including D-Day and guarding German POWs. His art sustained him throughout his life. He details the discrimination that black soldiers faced from their white counterparts and the US military. The work is beautifully designed with Bryan's art and letters embedded throughout in addition to photographs. ( )

Esteemed artist and book creator Ashley Bryan relates how his skill at art and drawing got him through the rough times of World War II, as a soldier and winch operator in a segregated army unit. Includes excepts of letters he wrote to his cousin and selections of the many drawings he created while in the war. Adept young artists will appreciate the creation of art as seen through Mr. Bryan's perspective. ( )

RGG: Compelling, beautiful story of a Black man, an artist, and a soldier. The history, his feelings, and his written expression are complex. Reading Interest: 13-YA.

RGG: Compelling, beautiful story of a Black man, an artist, and a soldier. The history, his feelings, and his written expression are complex. Reading Interest: 13-YA.