Sojourner Truth

Children's Literature

Sojourner Truth lived a long and eventful life through some of the most turbulent times of United States history. Her story is an important one, and Jaffe gives relevant and fascinating information that is easy for a child to understand. Truth was born Isabelle, and since she was a slave, she did not have a last name. She was sold away from her family when she was eleven and three more times before she attained her freedom. When her previous owner sold her son to a man who lived out of state, she went to court and won to get her son returned. It was not until several years later that she changed her name to Sojourner Truth, choosing "Sojourner" to indicate her many travels, and "Truth" to emphasize that she would always tell the truth. It was under this name that she spoke in public about the rights of women. Sojourner Truth is truly an important person of 19th century America. The book is richly illustrated with photos of Truth and her family and also includes illustrations from this period of American history. Words defined in the glossary of the book are printed in bold throughout the text. A diagram of important dates in Truth's life as well as brief facts about her life and a list of sources are included. Part of the "Compass Point Early Biographies" series. 2001, Compass Point Books, $19.93. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Danielle Williams

School Library Journal

Gr 1-4-In this brief biography, readers learn about a woman who was born a slave but worked hard and became a famous writer and civil rights leader. Slim, attractive, and full of photographs, the book leads readers through Sojourner Truth's life chronologically in large, inviting print. Despite its visual attractiveness, the content is oversimplified and repetitive. The author reports Truth as being thrilled upon being freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, and harps on Truth's "hard work" yet reveals no sources. While appropriate biographies are desperately needed for new and reluctant readers, especially about figures such as Sojourner Truth, this book is disappointing.-Kate McLean, DeKalb County Public Library, Tucker, GA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.