Sisters in Arms : A Novel of the Daring Black Women Who Served During World War II
Author(s): Kaia Alderson
“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. . . . Kaia Alderson’s debut is a triumph!”— Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code
Kaia Alderson’s debut historical fiction novel reveals the untold, true story of the Six Triple Eight, the only all-Black battalion of the Women’s Army Corps, who made the dangerous voyage to Europe to ensure American servicemen received word from their loved ones during World War II.
Grace Steele and Eliza Jones may be from completely different backgrounds, but when it comes to the army, specifically the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), they are both starting from the same level. Not only will they be among the first class of female officers the army has even seen, they are also the first Black women allowed to serve.
As these courageous women help to form the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, they are dealing with more than just army bureaucracy—everyone is determined to see this experiment fail. For two northern women, learning to navigate their way through the segregated army may be tougher than boot camp. Grace and Eliza know that there is no room for error; they must be more perfect than everyone else.
When they finally make it overseas, to England and then France, Grace and Eliza will at last be able to do their parts for the country they love, whatever the risk to themselves.
Based on the true story of the 6888th Postal Battalion (the Six Triple Eight), Sisters in Arms explores the untold story of what life was like for the only all-Black, female U.S. battalion to be deployed overseas during World War II.
Review(s):
“Based on the true story of the 6888th Postal Battalion, Sisters in Arms gives readers an inside look at the racial injustices and rigors of wartime that the women battled. Alderson sweeps readers in with Grace and Eliza’s personal journeys through a little-known portion of our army’s history. Themes of female friendship, bravery, and resilience radiate from the pages of this magnificent novel.”
"This is not just another WWII 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.”
"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!"
“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 . . . . 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 of their sheltered and restricted lives to overcome individual and societal prejudices and succeed in a world rocked by war.”
“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. . . . Kaia Alderson’s debut is a triumph!”
“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 than before when 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 determination, courage, and friendship.”
“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.”
“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.”
"A riveting, character-driven tale about the all-Negro Women’s Army 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 in an untold story finally getting its due.”
"Eliza and Grace come alive on the pages of this gripping and inspiring novel of friendship, sisterhood, and the bravery of the women of the Six Triple Eight during WWII. 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!"
ISBN: 9780062964588