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“So many unique yet universal aspects of the human experience are touched upon in this lovingly shared memoir…. Watching Bryan generously transform the bittersweet into beauty is watching the meaning of art.”

—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“Illuminating, disturbing, and ultimately triumphant, this account of WWII, as seen through the eyes of a soldier of color and an artist of extraordinary power, is a precious resource for readers of all ages.”

—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

Infinite Hope: A Black Artist’s Journey from World War II to Peace

Written by Ashley Bryan
Illustrated by Ashley Bryan
Published by Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books

In May of 1942, at the age of eighteen, Ashley Bryan was drafted to fight in World War II. For the next three years, he would face the horrors of war as a black soldier in a segregated army.

He endured the terrible lies white officers told about the black soldiers to isolate them from anyone who showed kindness—including each other. He received worse treatment than even Nazi POWs. He was assigned the grimmest, most horrific tasks, like burying fallen soldiers…but was told to remove the black soldiers first because the media didn’t want them in their newsreels. And he waited and wanted so desperately to go home, watching every white soldier get safe passage back to the United States before black soldiers were even a thought.

For the next forty years, Ashley would keep his time in the war a secret. But now, he tells his story.

The story of the kind people who supported him.
The story of the bright moments that guided him through the dark.
And the story of his passion for art that would save him time and time again.

Filled with never-before-seen artwork and handwritten letters and diary entries, this illuminating and moving memoir by Newbery Honor–winning illustrator Ashley Bryan is both a lesson in history and a testament to hope.

Primary ISBN: 9781534404908
Publication Date: October 2019
Available As: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Middle Grade, Memoir, Age 10 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States, Europe

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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