Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History
Beautifully illustrated bio of abolition's greatest hero.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History, by the late great award-winning children's book author Walter Dean Myers and illustrated by Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award winner Floyd Cooper, is a moving, informative picture book biography of an exceptional American and one of the towering figures of abolitionism. It shows Douglass' path from childhood slavery in the South, where he taught himself to read, to escaping to the North, becoming a free man, a great orator and abolition advocate, and eventually a member of the government. It's an excellent introduction for younger readers to the complicated history of slavery, emancipation, and the Civil War.
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What's the Story?
FREDERICK DOUGLASS: THE LION WHO WROTE HISTORY, tells the inspirational true story of the social justice advocate's journey from boyhood slavery (he was born in Maryland in 1818) to a long career as an influential orator, activist, and author. Beginning with Douglass' courageous decision as a boy to teach himself to read in spite of laws against such education for enslaved people, Meyers traces Douglass' difficult but fulfilling career as an advocate not only for African-Americans, but also for women and other oppressed groups. His unique ability to describe his plight and liberation through writing allowed him to connect to a huge audience of white Americans, particularly in the North, where the abolitionist cause was gaining steam. Ultimately, his celebrity afforded him access to the halls of power, where he was able to confer with and advise such figures as President Abraham Lincoln about the progress of abolition and emancipation. As shown in a timeline at the back, he later held various government posts.
Is It Any Good?
Walter Dean Meyers' succinct but powerful writing, paired with Floyd Cooper's gorgeous, evocative illustrations, makes an effective, emotional introduction to a dark chapter in American history. Carefully emphasizing Douglass' bravery and resilience, Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History does well to show how his unique character and situation led to him becoming an important voice of resistance against the morally corrupt slave system and the destructive oppression of women. Cooper's striking portraits and haunting landscapes bring the 19th century to life, and Douglass' timely message of justice for all Americans is as important now as ever.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History traces he the path of an escaperd slave who became a great national leader and member of the U.S. government. What other stories do you know of people who rose up from terrible circumstances to do great things and make history?
Why were slave owners scared of their enslaved people learning how to read and write?
As the book shows, Frederick was asked to write the story of his life when he was just 27. It was one of the first accounts written by an enslaved person about what it was like to be enslaved. Why was it so important for people to hear and read Frederick's story in his own words?
Book Details
- Author: Walter Dean Myers
- Illustrator: Floyd Cooper
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Great Boy Role Models, History
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
- Publication date: January 24, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Hardback
- Last updated: April 6, 2020
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