This book tells the remarkable story of how former slave Isabella Baumfree transformed herself into the preacher and orator Sojourner Truth. She was an iconic figure of the abolitionist and women’s rights movements. 6-10 years
So Tall Within: Sojourner Truth’s Long Walk Toward Freedom
By Gary D. Schmidt, Illustrated by Daniel Minter
Sojourner Truth was born into slavery but possessed a mind and a vision that knew no bounds. So Tall Within traces her life from her painful childhood through her remarkable emancipation to her incredible leadership in the movement for rights for both women and African Americans. 4-8 years
Only Passing Through: The Story of Sojourner Truth
By Anne Rockwell, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
Sojourner Truth traveled the country in the latter half of the 19th century speaking out against slavery and telling her story. She was sold three times by age 13, beaten for not understanding her master’s orders, and watched her parents die of cold and hunger when they could no longer work. Sojourner’s simple yet powerful words helped people understand the truth about slavery. 6-9 years
Who Was Sojourner Truth?
By Yona Zeldis McDonough, Illustrated by Jim Eldridge
Almost 100 years before Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat, Sojourner Truth was mistreated by a streetcar conductor. She took him to court and won her case. Born a slave in New York around 1797, she was later sold and separated from her family. Even after she escaped from slavery, she knew her work was not done. She changed her name from Belle to Sojourner and traveled around America sharing her story until her death at age 86. 8-12 years
Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride
By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Brian Pinkney
Born into slavery, Belle had to endure the cruelty of several masters before she escaped to freedom. But she knew she wouldn’t really be free unless she helped to end the injustice of slavery. That’s when she changed her name to Sojourner Truth and traveled across the country demanding equal rights for African Americans and women. Many people weren’t ready for her message, but she was brave and her truth powerful. And slowly, but surely as her step-stomp stride, Americans began to change. 5-9 years
Sojourner Truth: Path to Glory
By Peter Merchant, Illustrated by Julia Denos
Sojourner Truth had a difficult childhood. She was born a slave and many of the families she worked from treated her poorly. But when she escaped from slavery, she used her life to teach others about the power of freedom. Level 3 reader, 6-8 years
When Harriet Met Sojourner
By Catherine Clinton, Illustrated by Shane W. Evans
This book is about two women with similar backgrounds. Both were slaves, both were fiercely independent, and both were great in different ways. Harriet Tubman was a brave pioneer who led her fellow slaves to freedom. Sojourner Truth was a strong woman who spoke up for African American rights. One day in 1864, they met. This is a portrait of two remarkable women, from their inauspicious beginnings to their pivotal roles in the battle forAmerica’s future. 4-8 years
Sojourner Truth: Fighting for Freedom
By Jeri Cipriano, Illustrated by Scott R. Brooks
Sojourner Truth was born to slaves. She had no choice. But when she grew to be a young mother herself, she ran away with her child looking for freedom. She used her voice to speak for all slaves wanting to be free. 5-8 years
The book descriptions 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
In her book, Revolutionary Friends, Selene Castrovilla, brings to life the friendship of George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette.
Marquis de Lafayette
In the spring of 1777, nineteen-year-old Lafayette had a dream. He would go to America and help General George Washington win the Revolutionary War against Britain. King Louis XVI rejected the idea. But Lafayette left France for America determined to help.
After a long and difficult voyage, Lafayette reached South Carolina. And as Selene Castovilla writes: “…suffered a month of broken carriages, lame horses, and nightly mosquito raids as he trekked hundreds of miles” to meet George Washington inPhiladelphia.
Marquis de Lafayette meets General George Washington
When Lafayette arrived in America in June, the war was not going well. The Continental Congress needed help. They believed that Lafayette’s connections in France might be the answer. He may be able to strengthen America’s ties to his country.
The congress appointed him a major general in the Continental Army. This was an honorary appointment. But perhaps Lafayette misunderstood. He expected his role in the war would be that of a division commander.
At first, Washington complained to the Continental Congress about Lafayette’s desire to command a division. But soon Washington softened. Lafayette told him, “I am here to learn, not to teach.” Lafayette became a part of Washington’s military family. He visited the troops and rode with Washington in parades.
Washington and Lafayette
Washington and Lafayette were together at Brandywine Creek, thirty-two miles from Philadelphia. Word reached their headquarters that the Americans fighting in the Battle of Brandywine were in trouble. Lafayette asked to join the fight.Washington gave his permission. He knew that Lafayette was taking a risk.
At Brandywine, Lafayette watched the America soldiers scatter. He dismounted from his horse. Then bravely rallied them to fight the British. A musket ball tore through his leg. He was gravely wounded. But he continued the charge. The Americans again retreated. Lafayette tried to regroup the soldiers, but the battle had been lost.
General George Washington
George Washington sent his own physician to take care of Lafayette’s wound. Lafayette wrote to his wife, “When he sent me his personal surgeon, he told him to take care of me as if I were his son…” Washington asked the Continental Congress to commission Lafayette a major general.
In January 1779, Lafayette sailed to France, a hero. He named his new son George Washington Lafayette. Lafayette returned to America in April 1780. This time it was with the king’s permission. The king gave his commitment to aid America in the war. Lafayette wrote to Washington upon his arrival, “here I am, My dear General, and in the Mist of the joy I feel in finding Myself again one of your loving soldiers.”
Major General Lafayette
The French military helped the Americans at the Battle of Yorktown in October 1781. Lafayette commanded a division. The British lost the battle and the war. Lafayette realized his dream to help America win its independence. The war formally ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
Lafayette Visits George Washington at His Home, Mount Vernon, in 1784
George Washington and Lafayette wrote to each other until Washington’s death on December 14, 1799. Ten years earlier, on July 14, 1789, the French Revolution began. It was inspired by the ideals of the America Revolution. With the destruction of the prison, the Bastille, Lafayette sent the key to Washington. It hangs today in Washington’s home, Mount Vernon.
Statue of Washington and Lafayette, Washington, D. C.
