Books For Kids: Frederick Douglass

Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass

By Lesa Cline-Ransome, Illustrated by James E. Ransome

This picture book biography chronicles the youth of Frederick Douglass, one of the most prominent African American figures in American history. Douglass spent his life advocating for the equality of all, and it was through reading that he was able to stand up for himself and others. This is a moving and captivating look at the young life of the inspirational man who said, “I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.”

Frederick Douglass: Voice for Justice, Voice for Freedom

By Frank Murphy, Illustrated by Nicole Tadgell

Frederick Douglass was a keystone figure in the abolitionist movement, and his story has impacted generations of people fighting for civil rights in America. He was born to an enslaved mother and grew up with the horrors of slavery. In the course of his childhood, he was able to learn to read, and soon realized that reading and language were a source of power, and could be the keys to his freedom. Frederick Douglass spoke and wrote about injustice and equality, and his words profoundly affected the conversation about slavery in America. His activism will resonate with kids today who are observing and participating in our activist culture.

Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History

By Walter Dean Myers, Illustrated by Floyd Cooper

Frederick Douglass was a self-educated slave in the South who grew up to become an icon. He was a leader of the abolitionist movement, a celebrated writer, an esteemed speaker, and a social reformer, proving that, as he said, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”

Who Was Frederick Douglass

By April Jones Prince, Illustrated by Robert Squier

Born into slavery in Maryland in 1818, Frederick Douglass was determined to gain freedom. Once he realized that knowledge was power, he secretly learned to read and write to give himself an advantage. After escaping to the North in 1838, as a free man he gave powerful speeches about his experience as a slave. He was so impressive that he became a friend of President Abraham Lincoln.

Bread For Words: A Frederick Douglass Story

By Shana Keller, Illustrated by Kayla Stark

Frederick Douglass knew where he was born but not when. He knew his grandmother but not his father. And as a young child, there were other questions, such as Why am I a slave? Answers to those questions might have eluded him but Douglass did know for certain that learning to read and to write would be the first step in his quest for freedom and his fight for equality.

Told from first-person perspective, this picture-book biography draws from the real-life experiences of a young Frederick Douglass and his attempts to learn how to read and write. Author Shana Keller personalizes the text for young readers, using some of Douglass’s own words. The lyrical title comes from how Douglass “paid” other children to teach him.

Frederick’s Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass

By Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by London Ladd

Frederick Douglass was born a slave. He was taken from his mother as a baby, and separated from his grandparents when he was six. He suffered hunger and abuse, but miraculously, he learned how to read. Frederick read newspapers left in the street, and secretly collected spellings from neighborhood children. Words, he knew, would set him free. When Frederick was twenty, he escaped to the North, where he spread his abolitionist beliefs through newspaper articles, autobiographies, and speeches. He believed that all people-regardless of color or gender-were entitled to equal rights. It is Douglass’s words, as well as his life, that still provide hope and inspiration across generations.

Frederick Douglass: The Last Day of Slavery

By William Miller, Illustrated by Cedric Lucas

Born into slavery, young Frederick Douglass dreams of the day he and his people will be free. Yet until that day, his only escape is through the books he reads. They take him to worlds far from his own. When a menacing overseer named Covey sees that Frederick is different from the other slaves, he sets out to “break” him. But Frederick’s surprising response to Covey’s brutality is an act of courage that frees forever what no person can hold captive: his spirit. 

Frederick Douglass Abolitionist Hero

By George E. Stanley, Illustrated by Meryl Henderson

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery. He was separated from his family when he was young. He worked day and night and was beaten for no other reason than the color of his skin. How could anyone ever overcome such overwhelming odds? But Frederick eventually became a famous abolitionist, author, statesman, and reformer. He triumphed over impossible obstacles and paved the way for others to achieve freedom.

Frederick Douglass: National Geographic Readers

By Barbara Kramer

Discover the world of one of America’s most celebrated abolitionists, writers, and orators and learn about his life, achievements, and the challenges he faced along the way.

Frederick Douglass (True Books)

By Josh Gregory

Born into slavery, Frederick Douglass knew from an early age that all people deserved freedom. Discover how he secretly educated himself and taught fellow slaves how to read. And how he escaped to freedom and became one of the nation’s most persuasive voices for abolition.

Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas

By Dean Robbins, Illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Aiko

Two friends, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass get together for tea and conversation. They recount their similar stories fighting to win rights for women and African Americans. This story is inspired by a statue in their hometown of Rochester, New York, which shows the two friends having tea.

Frederick Douglass for Kids: His Life and Times with 21 Activities

By Nancy I. Sanders

Few Americans have had as much impact on this nation as Frederick Douglass. Born on a plantation, he later escaped slavery and helped others to freedom via the Underground Railroad. In time he became a bestselling author, an outspoken newspaper editor, a brilliant orator, a tireless abolitionist, and a brave civil rights leader. He was famous on both sides of the Atlantic in the years leading up to the Civil War, and when war broke out, Abraham Lincoln invited him to the White House for counsel and advice. 9 years+

Friends for Freedom: The Story of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass

By Suzanne Slade, Illustrated by Nicole Tadgell

No one thought Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass would ever become friends. The former slave and the outspoken woman came from two different worlds. But they shared deep-seated beliefs in equality and the need to fight for it. Despite naysayers, hecklers, arsonists, and even their own disagreements, Susan and Frederick remained fast friends and worked together to change America. 6-9 years

The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

You may like: Books For Kids Sojourner Truth https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-sojourner-truth

Harriet Tubman https://barbaralowell.com/harriet-tubman

Books For Kids Underground Railroad https://barbaralowell.com/books-kids-underground-railroad

Frederick Douglass https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/history/african-american-heroes/frederick-douglass/

Lincoln and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare

Gene Barretta asks in his book Lincoln and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare: “How much could these two presidents have in common?” The answer is: an amazing amount.

100 Years Apart

Abraham Lincoln was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1846. He was nominated to be a vice-presidential candidate in 1856. And he was elected president in 1860.

John F. Kennedy was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1946. He was nominated to be a vice-presidential candidate in 1956. And he was elected president in 1960.

Their vice-presidents were born one hundred years apart. Lincoln’s (second v.p) in 1808 and Kennedy’s in 1908.

Lincoln defeated Stephen A. Douglas born in 1813 and Kennedy defeated Richard M. Nixon born in 1913 in their respective presidential bids.

Names

Lincoln’s secretary was Mrs. Kennedy and Kennedy’s secretary was Mrs. Lincoln.

Lincoln’s second vice-president was Andrew Johnson. Kennedy’s vice-president was Lyndon B. Johnson. 

Civil Rights

Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation giving freedom to slaves living in the Confederacy during the Civil War.

Kennedy proposed civil rights laws to end segregation and discrimination of African-Americans. He gave a speech in 1963, a few months before his death, outlining these laws. Kennedy’s successor, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Death

Both presidents were assassinated on a Friday shortly before a major holiday — Lincoln before Easter and Kennedy before Thanksgiving.

We know the two assassins by three names: John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln’s assassin, and Lee Harvey Oswald, Kennedy’s assassin.

Booth shot Lincoln in a theater. He was captured in a barn that served as a warehouse storing tobacco. Oswald shot Kennedy from a warehouse, The Texas Book Depository. He was captured in a theater. Both men were killed soon after the assassinations.

Lincoln and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare has more examples comparing these two great presidents.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

You may like:

Kids Books: John & Jacqueline Kennedy https://barbaralowell.com/kids-books-john-jacqueline-kennedy

Books For Kids: Abe Lincoln https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-abe-lincoln

 

Kids Books: Thanksgiving in History

Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving

By Laurie Halse Anderson, Illustrated by Matt Faulkner

The holiday might have started with a jubilant feast on Plymouth’s shore. But by the 1800s, America’s observance was waning. None of the presidents nor congress sought to revive the holiday. And so one invincible “lady editor” named Sarah Hale took it upon herself to rewrite the recipe for Thanksgiving as we know it today. In 1863, Hale’s thirty-five years of petitioning and orations got Abraham Lincoln thinking. He signed the Thanksgiving Proclamation that very year, declaring it a national holiday. 

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Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade

By Melissa Sweet

Everyone’s a New Yorker on this special day, when young and old rise early to see what giant new balloons will fill the skies for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Who first invented these “upside-down puppets”? Meet Tony Sarg, puppeteer extraordinaire! 

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Molly’s Pilgrim

By Barbara Cohen, Illustrated by Daniel Mark Duffy

This touching story tells how recent Russian Jewish immigrant Molly leads her third-grade class to discover that it takes all kinds of pilgrims to make a Thanksgiving. Based on a true story. 

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1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving

By Catherine O’Neill Grace

Countering the prevailing, traditional story of the first Thanksgiving, this illustrated photo-essay presents a more measured, balanced, and historically accurate version of the three-day harvest celebration in 1621.

If You Were a Kid at the First Thanksgiving

By Melissa Sarno, Illustrated by Lluis Farre

As one of the few young children living in the Plymouth colony, Miles Allterton is always looking to make new friends. In a nearby Wampanoag settlement, a girl named Aquina wants to hunt with her father and brothers. When the two children meet during preparations for a harvest feast, they quickly strike up a friendship. Readers will follow along as the children and their families attend the first Thanksgiving celebration. 7-9 years

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Thanksgiving in the White House

By Gary Hines, Illustrated by Alexandra Wallner

President Abraham Lincoln’s youngest son, Tad, is very fond of Jack the turkey. He has tamed him and taught him tricks. The bird follows him all around the White House yard. But Jack was meant to be the main dish of the first official Thanksgiving celebration. Tad doesn’t want his pet to be eaten for dinner, not even for a day as special as this. Can he convince his father to save Jack’s life?

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What Was the First Thanksgiving?

By Joan Holub, Illustrated by Lauren Mortimer

The history of the feast! After their first harvest in 1621, the Pilgrims at Plymouth shared a three-day feast with their Native American neighbors. Of course, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag didn’t know it at the time, but they were making history, celebrating what would become a national holiday.

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Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving

By Joseph Bruchac, Illustrated by Greg Shed

In 1620, an English ship called the Mayflower landed on the shore inhabited by the Pokanoket. It was Squanto who welcomed the newcomers and taught them how to survive. When a good harvest was gathered, the people feasted together — a tradition that continues almost four hundred years later.

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Sarah Gives Thanks: How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday

By Mike Allegra, Illustrated by David Gardner

During the nineteenth century, Sarah Josepha Hale dedicated her life to making Thanksgiving a national holiday, while raising a family and becoming a groundbreaking writer and women’s magazine editor. Sarah Hale’s inspiring story is the tale of one woman who wouldn’t take no for an answer.

You may like Abraham Lincoln Pardons a Turkey https://barbaralowell.com/lincoln-pardons-a-turkey

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

 

Books For Kids — Abe Lincoln

Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books

by Kay Winters, Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

In a tiny log cabin a boy listened with delight to the storytelling of his ma and pa. He traced letters in sand, snow, and dust. He borrowed books and walked miles to bring them back. When he grew up, he became the sixteenth president of the United States. His name was Abe Lincoln. He loved books. They changed his life. He changed the world.

My Little Golden Book About Abe Lincoln

By Bonnie Bader, Illustrated by Viviana Garofoli

Bright pictures and a simple story capture the essence of one of our most popular presidents. Little ones will enjoy key anecdotes about Lincoln, beginning with young Abe’s love of reading. Fun facts at the end—such as Lincoln’s declaration of the final Thursday in November as Thanksgiving day—round out this nonfiction book full of Little Golden Book charm. 2-5 years

Abe’s Honest Words

By Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

From the time he was a young boy roaming the forests of the unsettled Midwest, Abraham Lincoln knew in his heart that slavery was deeply wrong. A voracious reader, Lincoln spent every spare moment of his days filling his mind with knowledge, from history to literature to mathematics, preparing himself to one day lead the country he loved towards greater equality and prosperity. 

Despite the obstacles he faced as a self-educated man from the back woods, Lincoln persevered in his political career, and his compassion and honesty gradually earned him the trust of many Americans. As president, he guided the nation through a long and bitter civil war and penned the document that would lead to the end of slavery in the United States. 8-12 years

Lincoln Clears a Path: Abe’s Agricultural Legacy

By Peggy Thomas, Illustrated by Stacy Innerst

Throughout his life, Abraham Lincoln tried to make life easier for others. Then during the darkest days of the Civil War, when everyone needed hope, President Lincoln cleared a path for all Americans to a better future.

As a boy, Abraham Lincoln helped his family break through the wilderness and struggle on a frontier farm. When Lincoln was a young man, friends made it easier for him to get a better education and become a lawyer, so as a politician he paved the way for better schools and roads. President Lincoln cleared a path to better farming, improved transportation, accessible education, and most importantly, freedom. Author Peggy Thomas uncovers Abraham Lincoln’s passion for agriculture and his country while illustrator Stacy Innerst cleverly provides a clear look as President Lincoln strives for positive change. 7-10 years

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Lincoln Tells A Joke: How Laughter Saved The President (And The Country)

by Kathleen Krull, Illustrated by Paul Brewer

Poor Abe Lincoln! His life was hardly fun at all. A country torn in two by war, citizens who didn’t like him as president, a homely appearance — what could there possibly be to laugh about? And yet he did laugh. Lincoln wasn’t just one of our greatest presidents. He was a comic storyteller and a person who could lighten a grim situation with a clever quip.

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 What Lincoln Said

by Sarah L. Thomson, Illustrated by James E. Ransome

This is the story of one of America’s most revered presidents in his own words.

“I could scarcely believe my eyes. By honest work I had earned a dollar.” Abraham Lincoln resolved always to work hard and be honest. With much perseverance, he became a lawyer and a politician. 

“Just think of such a one as me as president!” He laughed when his wife said he could lead the country. But Lincoln had great changes he wanted to make. He campaigned saying, “If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong.” And he won the election in 1860.

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Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: A Tall Thin Tale (Introducing His Forgotten Frontier Friend)

by Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by John Hendrix

The year is 1816. Abe is only seven years old, and his pal, Austin Gollaher, is ten. Abe and Austin decide to journey down to Knob Creek. The water looks scary and deep, and Austin points out that they don’t know how to swim. Nevertheless, they decide to traverse it. I won’t tell you what happens, but let’s just say that our country wouldn’t be the same if Austin hadn’t been there to help his friend.

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Who Was Abe Lincoln

by Janet Pascal, Illustrated by John O’Brien

Born to a family of farmers, Lincoln stood out from an early age — literally! He was six feet, four inches tall. As sixteenth President of the United States, he guided the nation through the Civil War and saw the abolition of slavery. But Lincoln was tragically shot one night at Ford’s Theater — the first President to be assassinated.

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Abe Lincoln’s Dream

by Lane Smith

When a schoolgirl gets separated from her tour of the White House and finds herself in the Lincoln bedroom, she also discovers the ghost of the great man himself. Together they embark on a journey across the country to answer Lincoln’s questions and quiet his concerns about the nation for which he gave his life. This wholly original tale is signature Lane Smith; Abe Lincoln’s Dream is funny, touching, and surprising in a way only possible from this master picture book creator.

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Looking at Lincoln

by Maira Kalman

Abe Lincoln was an unforgettable man. He is on your five-dollar bill and on your pennies. And when you see a tall hat, who but Abe Lincoln comes to mind? And our country is still the United States because he helped hold it together. But who was he, really? Maira Kalman’s charming text and bold artwork make Abraham Lincoln come alive in a fresh and exciting way.

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Abraham Lincoln

by Ingri & Edgar Parin d’Aulaire

This is the 75th Anniversary edition of the d’Aulaire’s 1940 Caldecott Medal Winner. Abe Lincoln continues to stand as America’s most beloved president. Of our nation’s historical icons, Lincoln is the quintessential embodiment of American possibility in his mythic-like rise from rail-splitter to Chief Executive and Emancipator of the oppressed. The admiration felt by Americans for Lincoln’s humble integrity, his noble statesmanship, and his keen sense of justice, is beautifully captured in the d’Aulaire’s art and prose.

The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

You may like: Lincoln and Kennedy a Pair to Compare https://barbaralowell.com/lincoln-and-kennedy

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Abraham Lincoln Pardons A Turkey

On October 3, 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation making Thanksgiving a national holiday. It would be celebrated on the last Thursday of November. Soon after the tradition of pardoning a turkey began.

According to a November 2012 article on Smithsonian.com, a live turkey was delivered to the White House for Abraham Lincoln’s family Christmas dinner in late 1863.

Abraham Lincoln’s son Tad, named the turkey Jack. Tad taught Jack to follow him closely as he wandered around the White House grounds. When the time came to turn Jack into Christmas dinner, Tad protested, saying, “He’s a good turkey, and I don’t want him killed.”

Tad Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln always a kind father and a great animal lover, gave in and pardoned Jack. Lincoln’s pardon was the first for a White House turkey. The tradition continues today.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

You may like: Books For Kids: Abe Lincoln https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-abe-lincoln

The Smithsonian article can be found at: 

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-history-of-pardoning-turkeys-began-with-tad-lincoln-141137570/

Books For Kids:

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Thanksgiving in the White House

By Gary Hines, Illustrated by Alexandra Wallner

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Lincoln and His Boys

By Rosemary Wells, Illustrated by P.J. Lynch

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Mr. Lincoln’s Boys

By Staton Rabin, Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline

Kids Tell the Story of the First Thanksgiving: