Booker T. Washington

Children's Literature - Meredith Kiger

This biography aimed at upper elementary students traces Booker T. Washington's life from his birth as a slave, to his early education after attaining freedom, to his early career, and eventually to his establishment of the Tuskegee Institute. Using his own autobiography and an early (1972) biography as primary sources, the author sets the political and social stage that existed following the Emancipation Proclamation to help explain Washington's views on Black equality at the time. These views were often contradictory to other Black leaders of the day. This issue is not clearly resolved, but younger readers may not find this an issue. Perhaps the use of more current research on Washington would shed light on these differences. Otherwise, his story is an inspiring one for the difficult times that he lived through. Period photos and drawings help to bring the story to life. A time line included helps young people put the story in perspective. Also included are an overview of the events of his life and sources for further study of the time period.