Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 5-9-By making heavy use of carefully selected excerpts from the narratives of enslaved persons and setting these quotations in a compassionate, sensitive, yet unflinching description of the historical circumstances and conditions of slavery in America, Stepto has created a deeply moving and accurate account of its painful and horrifying history. She presents a remarkably complete picture, from captivity and transportation; through oppression, exploitation, and resistance; to escape and freedom. Slavery’s role in the economic development of the New World, especially in the South, is made clear. Through Frederick Douglass’s narrative, Stepto highlights the important role that control of literacy played in keeping people enslaved. While the selections detail the many cruelties slaves were forced to undergo, they also describe the many parallel forms of resistance. The well-reproduced illustrations, including photographs, reproductions, and written documents, add to the impact. A powerful book for all collections.
Stephen Del Vecchio, Family Academy, New York City
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 5-7. This compact book does an excellent job of recounting the story of American slavery as seen through the eyes of its victims. In excerpts from narratives, autobiographies, and other historical documents, former slaves speak for themselves, recounting the indignities and cruelties they endured under slavery as well as the sweetness and opportunity of freedom. The book is particularly well designed: Both format and historical prints invite readers to take a closer look. This will be a valuable adjunct to American history collections; teachers, librarians, and students will find myriad uses for it. Ilene Cooper
