African Americans - Biography, Children - Science & Technology, Children - Biography
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Overview
The Journey to Freedom (R) series provides comprehensive information and honest portrayals of key African-American people and events, illuminating achievements and contributions that have shaped the history of our nation-and our world.
Describes the life and accomplishments of Benjamin Banneker in the fields of science and architecture, as well as his impact as one of the pioneers in promoting equality.
Synopsis
Eighteenth-century inventor and astronomer Benjamin Banneker was widely known and respected in his time. Most of what he knew, he taught himself. His letter to Thomas Jefferson asked the future president to reconsider his racial prejudices. Later, abolitionists would use Banneker as proof that people of any race can be equally intelligent.Editorials
Children's Literature -
In this biography of Benjamin Banneker, Maupin actually begins her account with Banneker's grandmother, Molly Walsh, an indentured servant from England. In a most confusing first three paragraphs, Maupin introduces Molly and gives the date of her arrival in Maryland, but then goes back to the incident in England that preceded Molly's coming to America. Although the book is generously illustrated with photographs and drawings from the periods represented, there are no notes to explain where one might see the photographs or documents that are shown. Dear Benjamin Banneker by Andrea Davis Pinkney presents Banneker's life in a more detailed way than this volume of the "Journey to Freedom" series. Maupin does include a good timeline of Banneker's life, but the glossary (with pronunciations), index, and brief bibliography of further readings are not thorough enough. Overall, the volume is weak, unorganized, and unappealing.Book Details
Published
June 18, 2026
Publisher
Child's World, Incorporated, The
Pages
32
Format
Binding
ISBN
9781602531178