Synopsis
A biography of the runaway slave who became an abolitionist, a crusader for women's rights, and an advisor to Abraham Lincoln.
Children's Literature
Frederick Douglas was a great leader against slavery in America in the late 1700s. Born into slavery, Douglas struggled within to find a better life. That opportunity came when he was sent to work for a man in the city. While at this location, Douglas was able to rent out his services while saving some money for himself. It was here that he began to ignite the fire of freedom for all slaves. After escaping to a free state, Douglas spent most of his time talking to others, including politicians, about equal rights for blacks in America. His power of persuasion influenced many leading officials. One such leader was President Lincoln. Lincoln began the Civil War to hold together the Union. He ended it with a renewed spirit of freedom for slaves. Having accomplished the step of freedom through the Emancipation Proclamation, Douglas set his eyes on voting rights. This text gives insight into a great man. Much is said about what Martin Luther King, Jr. accomplished for African Americans, but more time should be spent discussing the walls torn down by a single man¾Frederick Douglas. During Black History Month in my classroom, this is the book I will share first. The book is part of "Triangle Histories: The Civil War" series. 2001, Blackbirch Press, $19.95. Ages 9 up. Reviewer: Scott S. Floyd