Frederick Douglass: Leader Against Slavery (Great African Americans Series)

Grade 2-4-These revised biographies contain many facts presented in a readable style. While some of the material has been updated and expanded, the most striking difference is the visuals. For example, the mediocre drawings in the first edition of Douglass have been replaced with black-and-white archival photos and reproductions. The appealing cover is new and the typography has changed. The text, which recounts Douglass's experiences of being taken from his mother, becoming a slave, and suffering many beatings, help to put a human face on the evils of slavery. Children will gain insight into the power of literacy as they read the words of Douglass's master who said, "Never teach a slave to read.-He won't want to stay a slave." Terrell also relies heavily on black-and-white period photographs. Like Douglass, she also lived in the 19th century, but was born free into a life of privilege and wealth. However, Terrell also faced the obstacles placed before African Americans and fought to overcome them. She was active in African-American women's groups and the newly formed NAACP. Attractive replacements for libraries needing biographies for beginning chapter-book readers.
Dorothy N. Bowen, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Reviewed with Patricia McKissack's Mary Church Terrell.

Gr. 2-4. First published in 1991, these picture-book biographies in the Great African Americans series have been revised to include more historical photos, a new design, and up-to-date bibliographies with several Web sites. The writing style in the Douglass book is sometimes stilted, but the basic facts about his life under slavery, his escape, and his work as a leading abolitionist are here. The chatty style works well in the McKissacks' book about Terrell, one of the first black women to earn a college degree, and the authors do a good job of integrating Terrell's personal life with the conditions of the time and her active role in the fight for civil rights. Both books will be useful as first biographies for young readers and for reading aloud. Hazel Rochman
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