Frederick Douglass: the Lion who Wrote History

Reviewed by: Margy Soule - Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2017

Review

Walter Dean Myers added another important book to his distinguished list of writings before his recent death. Frederick Douglass: The Lion who Wrote History is a powerful picture book biography for children ages 5 to 8. Douglass’ moving life story includes teaching himself to read, escaping slavery, speaking out as a leading abolitionist, advocating for women’s rights, urging President Lincoln to enlist black soldiers into the Union army, and serving in the government after the Civil War. When teachers and parents ask for books about perseverance and grit, here is book you can share with them. Myers does not write down to his young audience. There is no fictionalization, and primary sources are listed at the back. Readers learn of some of the terrible struggles of life as a slave, and this knowledge adds to the reader’s appreciation of what Douglass achieved in his lifetime. The illustrations by Coretta Scott King Award Winner Floyd Cooper add to the book’s appeal. His oil on board paintings softened the story of Douglass’ struggles and provide historical details and emotional depth. This book is highly recommended for all collections. Even those libraries that already have a picture book biography on Douglass will want to consider adding this work.

Overall Book Score: excellent