The Sable Doughboys is the continuation of the story of a Black American family that was started in The Buffalo Soldiers. The original characters Augustus and Selona Sharps have grown older and now must step aside as they watch their two sons go off to war. It is 1917, and Adrian and David Sharps have been accepted as officer candidates at Fort Des Moines before shipping out to France.

Facing a hard training program designed to weed out the weakest, they also face discrimination and violence from white racists. As they arrive in France as part of the 93rd Division, they experience more racial discrimination from some of their own officers. And yet, as proud Americans they endure the horrors of trench warfare and serve their country well.

Willard continues his well researched, action packed story that focus on one family, and yet traces the military history of Black Americans. An altogether engrossing follow-up to his first book, I am looking forward to the continuation of this family’s history. ( )