Nat Turner

Children's Literature

This series entry explores the life of a major figure at the time the nation was young (1801-1861), using full-color as well as black-and-white historical photographs and illustrations, authentic documents, and factual, engaging text. A table of contents, glossary, bibliography and index are included as well as a map and time line, quotations from primary sources, and a publisher's omnibus Internet Web site that will be up to date with current information. Nat Turner is seen as part of the slave trade and industry of the South, and a fair amount of text is spent explaining how slavery was organized before Turner's revolt. Turner and his band killed 55 people before the slave owners grouped and retaliated by killing over 200 slaves in the hope of discouraging any more revolts. Turner hid out under a pile of fence rails for six weeks before he was discovered and later hanged. Numerous sidebars explain about other slave revolts including one that founded the country of Haiti; the Dismal Swamp where slaves, called maroons, survived; a map of Turner's path; and a final short essay about Frederick Douglass, who was 13 when Nat Turner was hanged but who carried on Turner's legacy of arguing an end to slavery. The book is a good addition to the middle school shelf and features an involving format sure to interest both less able and eager readers. Part of the series, "Let Freedom Ring: The New Nation Biographies." 2003, Bridgestone Books,

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-Supplemental resources for students who are studying these topics. Industrial Revolution outlines the key people of this time period and their contributions. Francis Scott Key will serve as a resource to units on patriotism or for those studying the American flag or national anthem. Nat Turner provides an example of a slave's life and will enhance a unit on slavery. Each well-organized book has interesting color and black-and-white illustrations, reproductions, and photographs.-Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.