For Classroom Consideration: The Harlem Hellfighters

I’ve read Max Brooks’ “The Harlem Hellfighters” several times and have loved it every time I read it. This year, for the first time, I am using the graphic novel in my classroom so I have been reading sections of the book before my students. Students are nearing the finish line so I wrapped up my journey last week.

The story follows soldiers of the 369th Regiment from Harlem during World War I. These African American men volunteered to serve their country despite facing daily battles with racism and discrimination. Once in the Army, they found things weren’t any better. The unit is sent to help the French before the United States’ official entry into the war. There, the 369th distinguished themselves in battle again and again. Once the U.S. enters the war, they face racism again and again.

I love Brooks’ use of primary sources to help tell the story. The seamless integration of quotes drives the story forward. Canaan White’s illustrations are haunting. 

Why do I like to use “The Harlem Hellfighters” in the classroom? First, it helps students grasp, in a way they can’t with a textbook, the depths of racism in the United States during the World War I era. Last week, a number of students began verbalizing their dismay as they read and re-read passages in disbelief. Second, this graphic novel has allowed me to introduce complex primary sources in the classroom that are connected to the Harlem Hellfighters. Student brains are already activated to take in new information even if it is challenging. Third, students are starting to talk about the parts of history that they DON’T usually hear about in school. They are seeking out and verifying information online about topics that interest them. This student action supports Brooks’ reasoning for writing this story. Check out his talks online about how and why he came to write a graphic novel about the Harlem Hellfighters.