Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History

by Walter Dean Myers (Author) Floyd Cooper (Illustrator)

Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

In this picture book biography, the late New York Times bestselling author Walter Dean Myers and acclaimed artist Floyd Cooper take readers on an inspiring journey through the life of Frederick Douglass.

Frederick Douglass was a self-educated slave in the South who grew up to become an icon. He was a leader of the abolitionist movement, a celebrated writer, an esteemed speaker, and a social reformer, proving that, as he said, "Once you learn to read, you will be forever free."

The story of one of America's most revered figures is brought to life by the text of award-winning author Walter Dean Myers and the sweeping, lush illustrations of artist Floyd Cooper.

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$9.99

School Library Journal

Starred Review

Gr 2-5--This picture book biography draws on Frederick Douglass's autobiographies to examine his motivations and his lasting impact on U.S. history. Using erasers and oil on board, Cooper conveys Douglass's determination, portraying him as strong and serious even as a child. The artwork depicts Douglass's growing awareness that a life outside of slavery might be possible. The events covered are well chosen to give young readers insight into the essence of his life and accomplishments. In a child-appropriate manner, the text describes beatings, but the illustrations do not show scars. When Douglass was 16, his owner realized that the teen's independent spirit might be problematic. The owner sent Douglass to another man, Edward Covey, whose mistreatment of slaves often caused them to back down. In a dramatic spread, Douglass is shown standing over Covey as the older man crouches on the ground, Douglass clearly the victor in their confrontation: an image that emphasizes the spirit that drove him to stand up for himself and other African Americans through the abolitionist movement. A time line provides context and further details about Douglass's life. VERDICT Although this title is similar in scope to Doreen Rappaport's Frederick's Journey, the two books complement each other. Recommended for collections looking to further explore Douglass's legacy.--Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Publishers Weekly

Starred Review

The late Myers, former National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, powerfully examines the life of Frederick Douglass, born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, exploring the role that literacy played as he endeavored to free himself from slavery and work toward equality for all. Working in his signature oil-and-eraser technique, Cooper creates a series of striking portraits of Douglass as an inquisitive child, a "tall, well built and very unhappy" youth, and as a statesman who "continued to work and speak for the rights of all Americans" even after the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment. It's a stirring testament to the power of words and daring action to create change. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Miriam Altshuler, DeFiore and Company. (Jan.)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

Focused, informative writing and strong, effective illustrations combine to make this the go-to Frederick Douglass biography for younger students. —Booklist (starred review)"
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780060277093
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Quill Tree Books
Publication date
January 24, 2017
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF007050 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Cultural Heritage
JNF007110 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Social Activists
JNF007020 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Historical
Library of Congress categories
History
19th century
African Americans
United States
Slaves
Abolitionists
Douglass, Frederick
African American abolitionists
Antislavery movements

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