I just completed Jump Into the Sky, by Shelley Pearsall.  I enjoyed this historical fiction novel very much.  It discusses the racism prevalent during the 1940's through the eyes of a Chicago-born young boy, Levi.  Levi is sent, by his aunt, to find his father who is stationed at an army base in North Carolina.  Levi has no idea what is in store for him as he travels to the South.
     Since the story is told through the eyes of Levi, the reader experiences the lessons learned by him.  The novel provides a fantastic avenue to investigate: the 555th paratroopers or "Triple Nickles" as they were called, the Jim Crow laws, discrimination, and sweetgrass basket weaving (really).
     As I was writing the novel study for this book, I was able to learn so much about this time period.  I provide many links that are relevant to the story.  If you would like to preview the novel study it may be found here.