Hurry Freedom

From The Critics

In the heart of Gold Rush, California, African-American entrepreneur Mifflin Gibbs established a successful commercial business. In this biography, we experience through Gibbs' eyes this struggle to succeed in an area known to have been prejudiced against African-Americans, and, along the way, see in vivid detail elements of Gibbs' day-to-day life. We accompany him in his interactions, from employers to fellow merchants to those he helped through his philanthropy and his role in promoting civil rights. Gibbs' story—-he went on to earn a law degree and be elected as a City Judge in Little Rock, Arkansas and serve as a United States Ambassador to Madagascar—-is well-told. With rich narrative and historical photographs and illustrations, the author paints a portrait of the Gold Rush Era, of race and relations during the latter half of the 19th century, and especially of Gibbs, whose frustrations and triumphs will touch all whom read about his life and times. Genre: Biography. 2000, Crown Publishers, 86 pp., $18.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Kristen Sternberg; DeLand, Florida

Children's Literature

The plight of African-Americans during the gold rush years is recounted through the personal experiences of Mifflin Gibbs and Peter Lester. Prejudice was rampant and life was not easy. These two men persevered and were able to succeed where many had failed. Their efforts included support for the Underground Railroad and behind the scenes lobbying to make life better for African-Americans in California. Photographs are sprinkled throughout, which further personalizes the experience for readers. It is a moving story of a minority's struggle for equality and is ably told. 2000, Crown, $18.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer:Marilyn Courtot

School Library Journal

Gr 6-8-More than just a look at life in Gold Rush California, Stanley's brief, fascinating account provides a microcosmic look at the early African-American experience that will most likely have a profound effect on readers. Lured by possible riches and most importantly, opportunity, blacks migrated to California. Unfortunately, the arduous journey across the Oregon and Gila Trails did not affect their position in society. Despite an overwhelmingly racist atmosphere, a few African Americans managed to eke out livings and prevail against injustice. Stanley draws upon the personal experiences of two little-known figures, Mifflin Gibbs and Peter Lester, to exemplify the experience. This narrative choice lends the book a biographical feel rendering it highly readable. Both Gibbs and Lester ultimately succeeded through extremely hard work; as prosperous businessmen they used their shop as a station on the Underground Railroad and furtively lobbied to pass bills that would improve black Californians' lives. Good-quality, archival photos fill the pages. Some of them portray blacks and whites working side by side, others exemplify the time and culture discussed throughout the book. As the title suggests, the focus remains on African Americans, yet Stanley does note that Asian Americans and other minority groups also endured mistreatment at this time. A fine addition.-Laura Glaser, Euless Junior High School, TX Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.