Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton ~ Don Tate
Despite being a slave, George Moses Horton taught himself to read as a boy. Horton loved words and was drawn to the lyrical sound of poetry.
Slavery
Show Way ~ Jacqueline Woodson
Show Ways are quilts that were once made to be secret maps for slaves trying to escape to freedom. The book shows the tradition of making Show Ways and how it is passed on from mother to daughter through the generations.
Mumbet’s Declaration of Independence ~ Gretchen Woelfle
Mumbet was a slave for Colonel Ashley in Massachusetts. The Colonel's wife, Mrs. Ashley, constantly mistreated Mumbet. Overhearing the Colonel discuss Americans being free from British rule, Mumbet decides she wants to be free as well.
The Patchwork Path: A Quilt Map to Freedom ~ Bettye Stroud
Hannah is a young slave girl on a southern plantation. When her Papa decides that it is time to run to freedom, Hannah is scared.
Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington ~ Jabari Asim
This book reveals Book T. Washington's sheer determination and drive to better himself. From his desire to read as a young slave to his 500 mile journey mostly on foot to travel to Hampton Institute as a young man to pursue his dream with only a mere 50 cents in his pocket.
Like a Bird ~ Cynthia Grady
This is an exceptional book! It features 13 spirituals with beautiful illustrations to go along with commentary explaining the correlation of the song to slavery and the hope for freedom.
Holly Celebrates Juneteenth ~ Kimberly Kendall-Drucker
In this particular book of the series, Holly celebrates Juneteenth. "June 19th marks a HOLLY-day when freedom is celebrated." With rhyming text, author Kendall-Drucker explains the history of Juneteenth and how slaves in Texas learned that they were free on June 19, 1865 - years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
All Different Now ~ Angela Johnson
Juneteenth, commemorated on June 19th, is the celebration of the emancipation of slaves. This book shares the response of and the jubilation felt as a young girl's family receives news that they are free.
Freedom’s a-Callin Me ~ Ntozake Shange
This collection of poetry by Ntozake Shange expresses the hardships of slavery and the determination of seeking freedom.
Lillian’s Right to Vote ~ Jonah Winter
This book tells the story of a 100 year old woman recalling events in her life and her family's lives that lead to her having the right to vote.
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read ~ Rita Lorraine Hubbard
You are never too old to learn to read. Mary Walker is the ultimate example of this truth! Mary Walker learned to read at the age of 116!
Before She Was Harriet ~ Lesa Cline-Ransome
Many know the name Harriet Tubman. But, do you know of General Tubman, Moses, Minty or Araminta? Each of these names represent the many roles of the heroine, Harriet Tubman.
So Tall Within ~ Gary D. Schmidt
This book tells the story of a woman named Isabella (Sojourner Truth) who persevered through the heartbreaking wretchedness of slavery and went on to be one of the most significant figures in American history.
Blues Journey ~ Walter Dean Myers
Through the poetry of blues lyrics, bits and pieces of the African American experience from the end of slavery through the beginning of the civil rights movement is shared in this book.
American Slave, American Hero ~ Laurence Pringle
I was so intrigued with this book! It reveals the life and remarkable commitment of York and his involvement in the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Climbing Lincoln’s Steps ~ Suzanne Slade
Every year millions of people climb the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. They come to see the statue of Abraham Lincoln, a man who inspired change.
Stitchin’ and Pullin’ ~ Patricia C. McKissack
For hundreds of years, the women of Gee's Bend have quilted together...stitchin' and pullin'. Baby Girl anxiously awaits the day that she is able to join in at the quilting frame.
Meet Addy ~ Connie Porter
This is an American Girl chapter book that I used as a read-aloud with my daughter when she was younger. This is the first book in the series about Addy.
Brick by Brick ~ Charles R. Smith Jr.
Did you know that slaves helped build the original White House? This book, along with the commentary at the end of the book, chronicle what it was like for these men and children who labored to construct the president's home, brick by brick.