e_ramirez_ortega's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
This overall was a good read aloud to learn more about the accounts of these men and women in history who made a difference. I did take issue a bit with the biographical sketch of Jarena Lee. It lacked research as well as a doctrinal sensibility of what the Bible says about the office of bishop and who bishops should be, and the office of deacon for that matter (read 1 Timothy, chapter 3). I think Lee's story would be more insightful if the biographers would take a look at why women were not welcomed as preachers, for the very word of God which they exhorted says so. A lot here was found wanting but a good discussion with children about some of this book's deficiencies would be wise to iron out those wrinkles.
scostner's review against another edition
4.0
Many students might be surprised to learn that African Americans played roles on both sides of the American Revolution, sometimes even playing the part of double-agent. This collection of stories shares the experiences of 13 such individuals during those early years of our nation's founding. While some readers may have heard of Phillis Wheatley or Sally Hemings, many of the others will be newly discovered characters in U.S. history.
This is a good introductory collection for social studies units on the time period, or for those who are looking for more information than the usual details covered in a textbook. I would also suggest pairing this with some of the picture book biographies available such as:
- Mumbet's Declaration of Independence by Gretchen Woelfle,
- A Spy Called James: The True Story of James Armistead Lafayette, Revolutionary War Double Agent by Anne F. Rockwell, or
- Phillis Sings Out Freedom: The Story of George Washington and Phillis Wheatley by Ann Malaspina and Susan Keeler.
I love the illustrations by R. Gregory Christie and the way Gretchen Woelfle incorporates quotes from the individuals whenever possible. As Agrippa Hull said, "It is not the cover of the book, but what the book contains [that] is the question. Many a good book has dark covers." Back matter in this particular book includes helpful timelines for the lives of each individual, a selected bibliography of books and websites, source notes, and an index.
A very helpful addition to elementary school library or classroom collections or grade levels studying the period of the American Revolution.
This is a good introductory collection for social studies units on the time period, or for those who are looking for more information than the usual details covered in a textbook. I would also suggest pairing this with some of the picture book biographies available such as:
- Mumbet's Declaration of Independence by Gretchen Woelfle,
- A Spy Called James: The True Story of James Armistead Lafayette, Revolutionary War Double Agent by Anne F. Rockwell, or
- Phillis Sings Out Freedom: The Story of George Washington and Phillis Wheatley by Ann Malaspina and Susan Keeler.
I love the illustrations by R. Gregory Christie and the way Gretchen Woelfle incorporates quotes from the individuals whenever possible. As Agrippa Hull said, "It is not the cover of the book, but what the book contains [that] is the question. Many a good book has dark covers." Back matter in this particular book includes helpful timelines for the lives of each individual, a selected bibliography of books and websites, source notes, and an index.
A very helpful addition to elementary school library or classroom collections or grade levels studying the period of the American Revolution.
erine's review against another edition
4.0
A collection of short biographies of African Americans who lived during the American Revolutionary period. Some of these people were enslaved, others free; some fought for the British, and others were Patriots; some lived out their lives in the United States and others emigrated to Sierra Leone. A unique effort to portray African Americans as a diverse group instead of as a monolithic entity. I found this to be very successful in creating dynamic portraits of each of the thirteen people. It really drove home the idea that there have been multitudes published about the founding fathers and other Revolutionary actors, but the contributions of African Americans during this time period are often relegated to footnotes or a few sparse sentences.
amdame1's review
4.0
This is a collection of 13 biographies of little known people from the time period around the American Revolution. They are all African-Americans but vary in age, occupation, and gender. What they do not vary in, was their determination to be free. Some fought for the British and some for the Americans. Some stayed in the US after the war, some emigrated to Canada or Africa. The common theme is fighting for freedom despite all the obstacles and hardships they encountered along the way.
Could go down to a 4th grade level and up to 9th as well. Well researched with a bibliography and source notes for each individual. Interspersed with illustrations done in a woodblock or silhouette style. Primary sources included when possible.
Could go down to a 4th grade level and up to 9th as well. Well researched with a bibliography and source notes for each individual. Interspersed with illustrations done in a woodblock or silhouette style. Primary sources included when possible.
wylaina's review
2.0
Having read many other stories of slavery, this one is far too kind to the slave owners. Thomas Jefferson is portrayed as someone who loved and took care of Sally Hemings, even offering to free her children (his children) when he died. George Washington is portrayed a little more harshly, but not by much. The people who survived slavery deserve more, in my opinion.
The good part of the book was the recognition of people who were enslaved and their determination to make a life better than what they were supposed to be subject to. Their dreams and hopes are apparent in this narrative.
The good part of the book was the recognition of people who were enslaved and their determination to make a life better than what they were supposed to be subject to. Their dreams and hopes are apparent in this narrative.
More...