My Name is James Madison Hemings

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

A biography told in first-person narrative about the life of James Madison Hemimgs, born 1805 and died 1877. Son and slave of Thomas Jefferson and slave Sally Hemings, this begins "SLAVERY: when one human being owns another human being." the definition continues in a way to evoke thoughtful consideration of the story that follows. This is written in a thoughtful, articulate manner that is age appropriate to introduce young children to an uncomfortable part of American history. Hemings life and confusion over being a son and a slave is told and goes so well with the artwork done in acrylic on bristol board by Terry Widener that sets time and place and is just beautiful. There is just enough information for a child followed by an Author Note that is well done to give background and further information to expand on the topic for an adult to begin a discussion that this book will spark. Each word is carefully selected to make this an excellent picture book. Recommended for both teachers and students interested in race and history of our country.

Overall Book Score: excellent