Children's Literature
Slavery remains one of the darkest chapters in American history. For nearly 250 years, millions of African Americans remained chattel in a society that prided itself on the liberty that it afforded its citizens. Despite the fact that slavery was a "legal" institution, opposition to slavery existed throughout those years. African Americans worked against slavery in a variety of ways. Slave revolts, sabotage, running away, working with the Underground Railroad and fighting as soldiers were all means for black men and/or women to resist the crushing bondage they experienced. In addition, whites who supported the abolitionist cause also worked in many ways to put an end to an institution that they saw as cruel, immoral, unjust and a moral cancer in their beloved land. In the end the Civil War was fought, primarily due to slavery. That war ended the repulsive institution and set the stage for African Americans to become a vibrant part of free society. In this volume of the "Pages from History" series, readers are afforded an opportunity to review the fight against slavery via primary source documents. Selections from memoirs, diaries, publications, letters and illustrations provide readers with a first hand look at what slavery was like as well as the views of those who opposed it. This is a wonderful resource book and one that will help illuminate the nature of slavery in the antebellum world. 2001, Oxford University Press, $32.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck
School Library Journal
Gr 7 Up-This excellent series entry brings together hundreds of primary documents to tell the history of slavery. Waldstreicher takes a chronological approach, covering the subject from pre-Colonial America through the end of the Civil War in 1865. Along the way, readers are introduced to slaves and masters, freedmen and abolitionists, the famous and the infamous. The author of each of the featured documents is identified (when known) and commentary addresses its significance. The illustrations are carefully chosen to match the text and add a great deal to readers' understanding. One chapter has an interesting photo-essay on how slaves and ex-slaves were depicted in photographs and illustrations. A valuable resource for students and for teachers.-Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
