Answering the Cry for Freedom: Stories of African Americans and the American Revolution - Hardcover

Woelfle, Gretchen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 162979306X ISBN 13: 9781629793061

Publisher: Calkins Creek, 2016

Synopsis

The lives of thirteen African-Americans who fought during the Revolutionary War are highlighted in this nonfiction book for young readers by Gretchen Woelfle, illustrated by Caldecott-Honor winning artist R. Gregory Christie.

Even as American Patriots fought for independence from British rule during the Revolutionary War, oppressive conditions remained in place for the thousands of enslaved and free African Americans living in this country. But African Americans took up their own fight for freedom by joining the British and American armies; preaching, speaking out, and writing about the evils of slavery; and establishing settlements in Nova Scotia and Africa. The thirteen stories featured in this collection spotlight charismatic individuals who answered the cry for freedom, focusing on the choices they made and how they changed America both then and now. These individuals include: Boston King, Agrippa Hull, James Armistead Lafayette, Phillis Wheatley, Elizabeth Mumbet” Freeman, Prince Hall, Mary Perth, Ona Judge, Sally Hemings, Paul Cuffe, John Kizell, Richard Allen, and Jarena Lee. Includes individual bibliographies and timelines, author note, and source notes.

About this title

Review:

“Woelfle’s storytelling clips nicely along. What elevates this effort are the saucy, old-timey ink illustrations by Christie.” – The Atlanta Journal Constitution

"Biographical sketches tell of 13 remarkable black men and women (t)he well-told stories, illustrated with striking silhouettes by Christie, can be read independently of one another . Accessible, inspiring accounts of courageous men and women." Kirkus Reviews

There is a dearth of resources available to students interested in the history and inner lives of free and enslaved African Americans in early U.S. history. This informational text uncovers a bit of that lost history Through the use of personal testimonies, Woelfle presents an approachable but detailed narrative. Researchers and history fans alike will surely appreciate this work that brings attention to a missing part of U.S. history. Recommended for libraries and classrooms that serve middle school students.” School Library Journal

This book features 13 inspirational biographies of African Americans who overcame tremendous obstacles in their quest for liberation during the American Revolution students will easily identify with the challenges faced by these notables, especially since many were in their teens or younger at the time of the war. Teachers will love the extensively researched text, and librarians will love the in-text quotes, poems, journal excerpts, letters, epitaphs, testimonies, and other primary source content. Skillfully written by multiple award-winning author Woelfle, and illustrated with pen and ink drawings by award-winning illustrator Christie, this book supports fifth grade Common Core social studies standards and is ideally suited for all middle grades studying early American history, civil rights, and government.” Library Media Connection, Highly Recommended

Author Woelfle and illustrator Christie share the stories of African American patriots of the American Revolution, an important and interesting part of history that is not often covered in texts. The personal stories will inspire and guide many who are forging their own path for equal rights today. a well researched book that will make history relatable for students.” VOYA

About the Author:

Gretchen Woelfle is the author of multiple award-winning fiction and nonfiction books for young readers, including Jeannette Rankin: Political Pioneer, Write On, Mercy!: The Secret Life of Mercy Otis Warren, and Mumbet’s Declaration of Independence. She lives in Los Angeles, California. gretchenwoelfle.com

R. Gregory Christie is the award-winning illustrator of over fifty children’s books, including The Palm of My Heart: Poetry by African American Children, edited by Davida Adedjouma, which won a Coretta Scott King Honor for illustration, and Only Passing Through: The Story of Sojourner Truth, which was selected as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book. He lives in Decatur, Georgia, where he also owns and operates a bookstore that sells autographed children’s books. gas-art.com

About this edition

• Publisher: Calkins Creek
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 162979306X
• ISBN 13: 9781629793061
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 240
• Illustrator: Christie R. Gregory