Men of the 65th

 

Men of the 65th

by Talia Aikens-Nunez

 

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GENRE: YA Nonfiction

 

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BLURB:

 

Honor and Fidelity. That is the motto of the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, the only Puerto Rican unit in the United States Army.

 

Since the regiment’s creation in 1899, the men of the 65th have proudly served the US through multiple wars, despite facing racial discrimination. Their courage, loyalty, and patriotism earned them hundreds of accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.

 

But the honor and fidelity of the men of the 65th came into question in 1952, in the midst of the Korean War, when ninety-one Borinqueneers were arrested and tried for desertion and disobeying orders. How could this happen in one of the most distinguished and decorated units of the Army?

 

In this telling of one of the forgotten stories of the Korean War, author Talia Aikens-Nuñez guides us through the history of the Borinqueneers and the challenges they faced leading up to what was the largest court martial in the entire war. Rediscover the bravery of the men of the 65th through Aikens-Nuñez’s thorough writing and the soldiers’ firsthand accounts of the Korean War.

 

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EXCERPT

 

The US public was shocked to discover that during the war, 162 soldiers of the 65th Infantry Regiment had been court-martialed and ninety-one of those soldiers found guilty of disobeying orders and desertion. 

 

The US military kept the courts-martial quiet. But the soldiers of the 65th sent letters to their families describing what was happening, which led to public outcry and confusion from the press. How could one of the most distinguished regiments of the Korean War, whose soldiers had only months before been praised by General Douglas MacArthur for their “brilliant record of heroism,” become involved in the largest mass court-martial of the Korean War? 

 

Did the Borinqueneers lose their bravery and heroism in such a short time? Or were they victims of discrimination in a prejudiced and segregated system? Were they betrayed by the country they risked their lives for? 

 

This is the story of one of the bravest and most decorated regiments in the history of the US military. It is a forgotten story in a forgotten war. But it is a story of patriotism, loyalty, and bravery in the face of danger and discrimination, and it is one that deserves to be told.

A Word With the Author

 1.Did you always want to be an author? 

No, it wasn’t until the birth of my daughter that I started writing. It was my children who inspired me to write. I write books that I believe they, and other children, would enjoy. I also write books that children of color can see themselves in. With this book, the Men of the 65^th, I wanted my kids to have a book on a slice of the rich history of Puerto Rico. 

2.Tell us about the publication of your first book. 

My first book was Escucha Means listen. Receiving such positive feedback from reviewers and readers alike, pushed me to keep writing. And, now, here I am many years and 6 books later.

3.Besides yourself, who is your favorite author in the genre you write in? 

Steve Sheinkin is definitely my favorite YA nonfiction author. I devour his books in days or even hours. 

4.What's the best part of being an author? The worst? 

The best part is bringing a story to life. I love adding the small details and coloring a picture in your mind. The worst part is that it just takes so long from idea to story to pitching (and rejection) to finally an acceptance to editing again to finally publication. It has taken me about 10 years from the day I started researching the Men of the 65^th to publication. It is a long but fulfilling process. 

5.What are you working on now?

I really enjoy writing nonfiction young adult books. At this time, I am still looking for the next story that I want to research more. I am looking for a little-known story in history that deserves more attention. In particular, I like shining a light on people and stories in history that for whatever reason were ignored. If you know of a story, please let me know. 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Talia Aikens-Nuñez is passionate about sharing with young readers the little known stories, accomplishments, and contributions of people of color from all throughout history. Aikens-Nuñez is the author of Small Nap, Little Dream, a bilingual Spanish/English picture book. She and her husband live in Connecticut with their two children.

 

Links: 

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Men-65th-Borinqueneers-Korean-War/dp/1728479142

Lerner: https://lernerbooks.com/shop/show/22654

Twitter: talia_n

Website: Http://www.kidslitbytalia.com 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/taliaaikensnunezchildrenswriter

 

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION 

 

Talia Aikens-Nunez will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway