Frederick Douglass: Young Defender of Human Rights (13) (Young Patriots series)

The inspiring story of Frederick Douglass's rise from slavery to prominence as an early abolitionist and civil rights champion is featured in this volume of the Young Patriots series. Focusing on Douglass's early years, this profile details his difficult upbringing as a slave on a Maryland plantation, his early separation from his mother, and his move as an adolescent to the home of the Auld family in Baltimore. From a young age, Douglass knew that knowledge was a passport out of slavery, and this biography reveals his fierce dedication to education. Lively drawings illustrate the climate in which he grew up and the hurdles faced on the road to equality and freedom. Special features include a summary of Douglass's adult accomplishments, including his position as advisor to President Lincoln; little-known facts about him; and a time line of his life. Juvenile Nonfiction/Biography & Autobiography Historical

The inspiring story of Frederick Douglass’s rise from slavery to prominence as an early abolitionist and civil rights champion is featured in this volume of the Young Patriots series. Focusing on Douglass’s early years, this profile details his difficult upbringing as a slave on a Maryland plantation, his early separation from his mother, and his move as an adolescent to the home of the Auld family in Baltimore. From a young age, Douglass knew that knowledge was a passport out of slavery, and this biography reveals his fierce dedication to education. Lively drawings illustrate the climate in which he grew up and the hurdles faced on the road to equality and freedom. Special features include a summary of Douglass’s adult accomplishments, including his position as advisor to President Lincoln; little-known facts about him; and a time line of his life.

Children's Literature

This fictionalized account of Frederick Douglass' youth was originally published in 1970 as part of the Childhood of Famous Americans series. In this reissue by Patria Press, the story retains a vintage feel, thanks in part to Morrison's pencil drawings, which are new to this edition but reminiscent of illustrations from children's books of days gone by. The text and drawings lend a somewhat burnished sheen to the story of Douglass' days as a slave on Maryland's Eastern Shore and in Baltimore. The hardships of slavery are conveyed, but the horror and inhumanity that Douglass described graphically in his own account, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, are muted. Many middle grade readers could probably handle a greater dose of Douglass' raw material. At the same time, however, Myers' emphasis on Douglass' self-education, his growing sense of injustice about slavery, and his mentoring of other slaves all underscore another important aspect of slavery—how slaves retained their humanity under the most trying circumstances. This is historical fiction, and Douglass' early life makes a compelling story line, but young readers should be told that the conversations and many of the details they are reading are imagined. (One particular quibble: the author has Douglass say, admiringly, of Thomas Jefferson, Yes, he freed his own slaves—but Jefferson freed only a handful of enslaved people out of the hundreds that he owned during his life.) Back matter includes a nonfiction summary of Douglass' achievements as an adult, and a Fun Facts section; both provide interesting information. A timeline of Douglass' life is also included. Part of thepublisher's Young Patriots series.

Life with Aunt Betsey -- New faces and new places -- Asking for trouble -- Somebody's child -- Fred learns a hard lesson -- A little bit of kindness -- Fred takes a trip -- A child like any other -- A giant step -- Fred gets ideas -- A stubborn mule needs gentling -- Fred turns teacher -- North to freedom and a new life.