I, Dred Scott: A Fictional Slave Narrative Based on the Life and Legal Precedent of Dred Scott - Softcover

Moses, Shelia P

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1481427482 ISBN 13: 9781481427487

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2014

Synopsis

Title: I Dred Scott( A Fictional Slave Narrative Based on the Life and Legal Precedent of Dred Scott) <>Binding: Paperback <>Author: SheliaP.Moses <>Publisher: MargaretK.McElderryBooks

About this title

Review:

From 1846 to 1857, Dred Scott tried to get courts to recognize his right to freedom. His lawyers argued that since he had spent considerable time in free states he ought to be free, according to the Missouri Compromise. Lower courts went back and forth in a series of cases and appeals, and in 1857, in Scott v. Sanford, Supreme Court Justice Roger Taney read a 50-page, two-hour decision stating that African-Americans were not citizens and had no rights. Dred Scott remained a slave until a new owner granted him his freedom shortly thereafter. Moses's fictional slave narrative is an important work that gives voice to a pivotal American, whose case edged the nation closer to war. However, Scott's narrative voice seems disembodied; there's too little character development and historical context to make Dred Scott seem like a real person. Much is told, but there's no drama in the telling. Christensen's illustrations aptly complement the text, and the foreword by the great-grandson of Dred Scott will remind readers of Dred Scott's legacy. (author's note, the impact of the decision, chronology, bibliography) (Fiction. 10-14) (Kirkus Reviews)

About the Author:

Poet, author, playwright, and producer Shelia P. Moses was raised the ninth of ten children on Rehobeth Road in Rich Square, North Carolina. She is the coauthor of Dick Gregory's memoir, Callus on My Soul, as well as the award-winning author of several books for young readers: The Legend of Buddy Bush; The Return of Buddy Bush; I, Dred Scott: A Fictional Slave Narrative Based on the Life and Legal Precedent of Dred Scott; and The Baptism. Shelia lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

About this edition

• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1481427482
• ISBN 13: 9781481427487
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 112
• Illustrator: Christensen Bonnie