Children's Literature - Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
Sherman has based her story on what is known about the early life of Benjamin Holmes, a slave who lives a successful life after the Civil War. Slaves are not allowed to read, so Ben has to teach himself how, as he carries out his duties as an apprentice to a Charleston tailor. As he learns to write as well, other slaves beg him to teach them. When war begins, the Union Army approaches Charleston and the slaves are put in prison. One night, they obtain a copy of a newspaper. There, Ben reads about the issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation, to the cheers of the others. His ability to read has helped them all to look forward to the freedom ahead. Cooper's oil painted, double-page scenes provide added bits of visual information like the cobbled streets of Charleston, the tailor shop, and the crowd eager for Ben's information among other things. These naturalistic, almost photographic images are produced in tones of brown, almost like sepia prints. They effectively convey the raw emotions of the historic events as well as the interpersonal relations. A note adds additional information on Holmes along with sources. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
Publishers Weekly
Driven by Cooper's (The Blacker the Berry) textural, earth-toned oil paintings, this uplifting story spotlights the early life of Benjamin C. Holmes, born a slave in the 1840s. As a tailor's apprentice in Charleston, S.C., the boy discovers “all kinds of secret ways to learn how to read,” deciphering words on street signs and in newspapers. In a memorable scene, Ben, on a rare visit home, reads the Bible to his illiterate mother, and she promises him a gold dollar when he learns to write. Sherman's (The Sun's Daughter) storytelling doesn't eschew the darker aspects of Ben's story: his father was sold off after teaching Ben the alphabet; he never sees his mother again after receiving the gold coin; and he's sent to a slave prison when the tailor flees as the Union Army approaches. Rumors that Lincoln has freed all slaves are confirmed when Ben reads a newspaper article announcing the Emancipation Proclamation to fellow slaves in the prison. Though Sherman's narrative ends there, a concluding note touches on Holmes's later life as a singer and teacher. Ages 8–12. (Jan.)
School Library Journal
Gr 3–5—Based on the life of Benjamin Holmes, a slave who taught himself to read at a young age, this picture book is an inspiring account of overcoming oppression. Sherman's fictionalized telling is stirring, especially when Holmes revels in the discovery of new words; readers are moved to cheer on his clandestine efforts to learn. When Union troops approach Charleston, the tailor to whom Holmes is apprenticed leaves town, and the boy is imprisoned indefinitely with other slaves, and he is credited with reading the Emancipation Proclamation to his fellow inmates. The story culminates in a forceful scene when the inmates implore Ben to read the newspaper that contains Lincoln's history-making document. "'Louder,' someone called out. 'Stand up.'" Sherman's text has a stately simplicity. Cooper's paintings glow with a hopeful, golden warmth, and the best of them feature Benjamin and the other imprisoned slaves bearing witness and then celebrating as his voice rings out. This is a powerful tale of a bright ray of light in a very dark period in America.—Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR
Kirkus Reviews
Benjamin Holmes was a young slave in Charleston just before the Civil War who, with some help from his father and a great deal of drive, teaches himself to read. Sherman invents dialogue to flesh out his childhood and his sure knowledge that his skills had to be kept secret. His supreme moment comes when he reads the Emancipation Proclamation to a group of fellow slaves who had been imprisoned after their masters fled at the approach of the Union Army. The story and its telling are inspirational, and Cooper's signature oil paintings featuring muted shades of brown are, as usual, lovely. His use of light on Ben's face on the cover is particularly glorious and will draw readers in. An author's note tells readers that Holmes was a historical figure, but the specific source for this formative moment is not indicated. Nevertheless, a solid Black History choice for younger students. (Picture book. 5-8)
