Because the true stories of the African American female military experience during World War II aren’t commonly known, I tried to stay true to the facts while writing Sisters in Arms. Grace and Eliza are fictional characters, but many of their experiences are based on true events, including the encounter with the Nosy Nellie on the train who thought they were imposters and, unfortunately, Eliza’s train station assault.
Many of the named secondary characters were real people, including my heroine Major Charity Adams. She really did tell that general, “Over my dead body, sir.” It is my favorite moment in the Six Triple Eight’s story.
PFC Mary Bankston, PFC Mary Barlow, and SGT Dolores Browne are three of the four women buried in the American cemetery in Normandy, France. I found very few details about the circumstances of their fatal jeep accident. I hope that I have honored their memories and their families with my fictionalized account of that tragic event.
The Jonathan Philips character was inspired by Truman Gibson Jr., who served as a civilian aide to War Secretary Stimson during World War II. Gibson led a fascinating life that included a stint as a boxing promoter, as well as representing Lorraine Hansberry’s father in Hansberry v. Lee, the landmark Chicago civil rights racial housing case on which the play A Raisin in the Sun is based.
Dr. Noah Roberts is a fictional character based loosely on the Six Triple Eight’s medical officer, Captain Thomas M. Campbell. Captain Campbell was the brother of Captain Abbie Noel Campbell, the Six Triple Eight’s executive officer, and of decorated Tuskegee Airman Colonel William A. Campbell.
Below are the books I read to learn more about the Black women who served in the Women’s Army Corps during World War II and to reconstruct the world in which they lived, both on the U.S. home front and abroad.
Beyond the Beach: The Allied War Against France by Stephan Alan Bourque
Birmingham at War: 1939–45 by Julie Phillips
Bitter Fruit: African American Women in World War II, edited by Maureen Honey
Double Victory: How African American Women Broke Race and Gender Barriers to Help Win World War II by Cheryl Mullenbach
Glory in Their Spirit: How Four Black Women Took On the Army During World War II by Sandra M. Bolzenius
Juilliard: A History by Andrea Olmstead
Knocking Down Barriers: My Fight for Black America by Truman K. Gibson Jr., with Steve Huntley
Mighty Justice: My Life in Civil Rights by Dovey Johnson Roundtree
One Woman’s Army: A Black Officer Remembers the WAC by Charity Adams Earley
Our Mothers’ War: American Women at Home and at the Front During World War II by Emily Yellin
Standing Up Against Hate: How Black Women in the Army Helped Change the Course of WWII by Mary Cronk Farrell
To Serve My Country, to Serve My Race: The Story of the Only African American WACs Stationed Overseas During World War II by Brenda L. Moore
When the Nation Was in Need: Blacks in the Women’s Army Corps During World War II by Martha S. Putney
World War II Love Stories: The True Stories of 14 Couples by Gill Paul
Reading Group Guide
How did “playing it safe” help or hinder Grace?
Should Grace have responded differently to the woman who assumed she was an errand girl at the WAC recruitment office?
Were Grace and Eliza running away from their problems when they joined the military, or were they taking control of their lives?
Was Lieutenant Rogers prejudiced against his African American female trainees, or was he just doing his job of preparing new recruits for military life? What do you think he got right, and what could he have done better?
Was Eliza’s anger toward Grace over the Kentucky incident justified?
Was Grace’s anger toward Eliza over the Rouen incident justified?
Do you think Grace and Jonathan should have fought harder to continue their romantic relationship once they had returned to civilian life?
If you had been in Major Charity Adams’s shoes, how would you have responded to the general’s order stop working in order to participate in the parade?
Given what you now know about the African American WAC soldiers’ World War II experiences, how would you have responded to the German POW’s excuse that he had been “just following orders”?
Do you think Grace and Eliza are on their way to becoming lifelong friends by the end of the book?
Did the surprise that was waiting for Grace upon her return from Europe add to or take away from her journey and the decision she had made for herself prior to coming home?
Should Eliza’s mother have undermined her husband to help Eliza join the military?
Did Eliza’s father have valid reasons for not wanting his daughter to join the military, or was he just a bully?
In what other way could Eliza have dealt with her father besides joining the military? Would another option have been as effective in getting him to respect her as an adult?
During World War II, the Army refused to allow women to carry arms or receive weapons training. What other weapons did the 6888th Postal Battalion and other Black female soldiers have at their disposal at that time?
How would you have responded to the woman on the train who refused to believe that Grace and Eliza really were WAC officers?
Do you think Grace suffered from a “not like the other girls” mentality?
Praise for Sisters in Arms
“Sisters in Arms is heartwarming but fierce, a novel brimming with camaraderie and fire, starring women you’d love to make your friends. Prickly, musical Grace and bubbly, privileged Eliza may not make the most natural allies, but it’s fight or die when they’re thrown together in the Army’s first class of female officers—and the first Black women allowed to serve their country in World War II. Grace, Eliza, and their sisters in arms battle prejudice, Army regulations, and enemies at home and abroad as they serve in the only all-Black female battalion deployed overseas, and it’s a fight to make you stand up and cheer. Kaia Alderson’s debut is a triumph!”
—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code
“This is not just another World War II story; this is a stirring and timely novel about the only all-Black battalion of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, a group of women who had to fight resolutely against countless obstacles in order to be permitted to serve their country. Grace and Eliza stole my heart with their spirit and their resilience, and the ups and downs of their tumultuous friendship made me laugh and cry. Poignant and powerful—an untold story that you simply must read.”
—Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Secret
“A thrilling anthem to the courageous sisterhood of the Six Triple Eight as they faced down racism at home and war abroad. Sisters in Arms is a fresh look at the bold women who served America during World War II. A powerful debut!”
—Stephanie Marie Thornton, USA Today bestselling author of A Most Clever Girl
“Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson is a poignant story about perseverance in the face of difficulties, set against the uncertainty and danger of World War II. Grace Steele and Eliza Jones become members of the first all-Black officer class of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps. From the start, they are set up to fail—by their families, the Army, and society—but they meet every challenge with grit, grace, and wit, overcoming personal and professional challenges to prove their mettle. Readers will cheer and cry with these trailblazing women as they break free from their sheltered and restricted lives to overcome individual and societal prejudices and succeed in a world rocked by war.”
—Georgie Blalock, author of The Last Debutantes
“Grace Steele and Eliza Jones are among the first Black women in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, defying their families to enlist and facing even more racism once they put on their hard-earned uniforms. Unflinching, at times brutal, this novel pulls no punches while delivering a richly textured and unforgettable story of deter
mination, courage, and friendship.”
—Janie Chang, author of The Library of Legends
“What an exciting new voice in historical fiction! I couldn’t put down Alderson’s novel of two young Black women testing their mettle and finding friendship and purpose during World War II. With fascinating historical detail and complex characters, Sisters in Arms casts a brilliant light on a group of women too long kept in the shadows.”
—Kerri Maher, author of The Girl in White Gloves
“Sisters in Arms is a riveting tale of ordinary Black women doing extraordinary things against all odds in a critical moment in world history. Kaia Alderson does an amazing job bringing these courageous yet unheralded women out of the shadows and into our hearts.”
—Jamie Wesley, author of Slamdunked by Love
“A riveting, character-driven tale about the all-Negro Women’s Army Corps unit of World War II marks Kaia Alderson’s debut historical fiction, a triumph of immersive storytelling about heroic Black women who served their country despite discrimination. An untold story finally getting its due.”
—Denny S. Bryce, author of Wild Women and the Blues
“Eliza and Grace come alive in the pages of this gripping and inspiring novel of friendship, sisterhood, and the bravery of the women of the Six Triple Eight during World War II. Kaia Alderson’s poignant story about the all-Black female battalion who faced discrimination head on in order to serve their country is an incredible debut not to be missed!”
—Eliza Knight, USA Today bestselling author
“Historical fiction novels featuring female friendships are all too rare. That’s why Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson is such a necessary addition to the genre. Alderson beautifully describes the lead protagonists, Grace and Eliza, with care and complexity to showcase the rich diversity that exists in Black womanhood. The road to service is far from easy, but once the heroines join the military they grow and change to become fierce leaders who shine with pride. This amazing story features mystery, romance, danger, and excitement, and gives an authentic portrayal of the critical role Black women played in the European theater during World War II. Grace and Eliza, as well as their life choices, lingered with me for a long time after I finished their engrossing story. I could not help but feel enormous gratitude toward the women of the 6888th, who paved the path we now all can follow.”
—Piper Huguley, author of By Design: The Story of Ann Lowe, Society’s Secret Fashion Designer
“Kaia Alderson worked her research magic into a wonderful tale of the unsung heroes of the Six Triple Eight. She brought these characters to life. I need to see this played out as a miniseries. Throughout the story I was amazed by the pops of true events entwined within the pages, and by the degrees of racism these brave women faced journeying through every step of the war. When I finished, I found my heart overfilled with joy by their amazing lives. Sisters in Arms is the perfect gift to celebrate your friendships with your besties. I have a new appreciation for these ladies, chocolate, coffee, and the mail system.”
—Carolyn Hector, author of the Once Upon a Tiara series
“Powerfully written, with emotional honesty and historical accuracy, Sisters in Arms explores the obstacles and triumphs of the unsung and only all-Black female battalion during World War II.”
—Sharina Harris, author of Judge’s Girls
“A beautifully rich story that dives deep into family expectations, sisterhood, and self.”
—Carla Fredd, author of The Perfect Man
“Sisters in Arms is a much-needed history lesson about the role of Black women in the U.S. armed forces. Their battle wasn’t just against the Nazis and the enemies of the state. Kaia Alderson’s debut historical fiction novel is a tour de force of history, a unique story that has so much relevance to race relations in the twenty-first century. Alderson is about to be your new favorite author.”
—Cheris Hodges, author of Won’t Go Home Without You
“Beautifully written. Kaia Alderson has given us a historical gem that shines a spotlight on the lives of women who served in the only all-Black female U.S. battalion to be deployed overseas during World War II. In her fictional release Sisters in Arms, Alderson breathes life into a cast of dynamic characters and masterfully takes us on a journey of service and dedication to country, preservation of self, and strength in times of adversity. Grace and Eliza’s story is a brilliant depiction of resilience, and highlights the untold history of Black women whose influence has previously been undervalued and ignored.”
—Deborah Fletcher Mello, author of Stalked by Secrets
“Kaia Alderson’s stunning historical fiction debut is the book we never knew we needed. A beautifully written love song to the brave, oft-forgotten Black women who courageously stepped up to serve their country.”
—Farrah Rochon, USA Today bestselling author of The Boyfriend Project
“Readers will quickly be engrossed by Grace’s and Eliza’s courage and tenacity as they join the all-Black battalion of the Women’s Army Corps. The story of the trials and victories of the women in the 6888th is one that deserves to be told, and Alderson does a masterful job of shining a light on these amazing women.”
—Synithia Williams, author of Careless Whispers
“A smart and engaging look into a long-neglected area of American history. The ferocity and determination of the 6888th are an inspiration.”
—Rebecca Roanhorse, New York Times bestselling author of Trail of Lightning, Storm of Locusts, and Star Wars: Resistance Reborn
“Sisters in Arms: A Novel of the Daring Black Women Who Served During World War II lives up to its bold title. The story of these brave female soldiers will have you rooting for them with the turn of every page—and brimming with pride. A triumph!”
—Kwana Jackson, USA Today bestselling author
“Sisters in Arms is a page-turner that cleverly follows two engaging, multidimensional fictional characters who bring to life the real story of a Black, female U.S. Army battalion during World War II. Grace and Eliza accurately embody the pioneering spirit and sparkling humanity of all the Black women soldiers who triumphed, despite the personal and professional double binds that came with being among the first women to serve in the military, while also being the first Black women to serve in the then-segregated Army.”
—Emily Yellin, author of Our Mothers’ War
“With sparkling prose and inherent empathy, Alderson paints a realistic, compelling portrait of these amazing women who bravely forged a path for those who would come after them.”
—Kianna Alexander, author of After Hours Attraction
“A gripping portrayal of what it means to be a Black woman in the 1940s, and what it takes to overcome obstacles in the pursuit of respect, recognition, and independence. An inspiring and engrossing story that explores courage and the power of female friendships—a story that will stay with me for a long time. Alderson writes with a warmth that brings lightness and ease to otherwise heavy topics.”
—Jane Igharo, author of Ties That Tether
“Sisters in Arms is an extraordinary historical fiction debut about the daring and courageous women of the Six Triple Eight, the only all-Black battalion of the Women’s Army Corps to be deployed overseas during World War II. With powerful, poignant storytelling, Alderson has crafted an ode to their service and sisterhood that is both intimate and sweeping in its scope. An unforgettable must-read!”
—Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba
“A deeply moving and beautifully written tale about courage, persistence, and sisterhood. An extraordinary debut that shines a bright light on extraordinary women.”
—Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author
Copyright
This book is a work of fiction. References to real people, events, establishments, organizations, or locales are intended only to provide a sense of authenticity, and are used fictitiously. All other characters, and all i
ncidents and dialogue, are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real.
P.S.™ is a trademark of HarperCollins Publishers.
SISTERS IN ARMS. Copyright © 2021 by Kaia Alderson. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the nonexclusive, nontransferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse-engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins e-books.
Cover design by Elsie Lyons
Cover photographs © mikeklee/iStock/Getty Images (woman, left); © Katarzyna Chelinska/Arcangel Images (woman, right); © AFP/Getty Images (bottom scene); © Adam Bronkhorst/Alamy Stock Photo (uniform); © Shutterstock
Stamp cancellation mark © Oleksii Arseniuk/Shutterstock, Inc.
FIRST EDITION
Digital Edition AUGUST 2021 ISBN: 978-0-06-296459-5
Version 06012021
Print ISBN: 978-0-06-296458-8
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