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96th out of 101 books
—
3 voters
Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass
The inspirational, true story of how Frederick Douglass found his way to freedom one word at a time.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...more
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published
January 3rd 2012
by Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
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Glee is in short supply in Words Set Me Free, but that's to be expected when you recount the life of Fredrick Douglass who started life as a slave and finished it as a respected and erudite abolitionist. In chronicling Douglass' nascent memories of his mother, his workload, and his powerlessness, there's not a whole lot of glee to go around.
Still the illustrations, lush watercolors that bring a sepia toned time frame into technicolor liveliness, work well with this story. This child's world is s...more
Still the illustrations, lush watercolors that bring a sepia toned time frame into technicolor liveliness, work well with this story. This child's world is s...more
There is a lot to appreciate in this title. I like the idea of showing the events that formed a famous activist--I think it's great for young people to understand that who we are as adults is directly related to who we are as children. I also appreciate that James Ransome didn't shy away from showing some of the raw indignities of slavery, from the children being forced to eat like animals or the ropes binding hands or the beatings & physical harm.
However, I am having a super hard time with...more
However, I am having a super hard time with...more
Frederick Douglass was born a slave in Talbot County, Maryland. In this story, Lisa Cline-Ransome tells about his childhood and being loaned out as a slave in Baltimore. His master's wife taught him how to read, a dangerous and unusual skill for a slave to have. After Douglass's master dies, he's sent back to the plantation for back-breaking labor and teaches other slaves to read in secret. Douglass hatches a plan to use his words to literally set himself free -- he writes his own pass so that h...more
I have read several biographies on Frederick Douglass before. I have always been fascinated with his life story. However, I have never read a kid’s book on him or seen one about his childhood – before the Underground Railroad. So when I saw this book on the new kid’s biography shelf I knew I needed to read it
It is strictly about his childhood and written with the intended age of 6-10 year olds. I absolutely loved the story. (view spoiler)...more
It is strictly about his childhood and written with the intended age of 6-10 year olds. I absolutely loved the story. (view spoiler)...more
Just in time for Black History Month is a handsome new picture book biography of iconic abolitionist, orator and author Frederick Douglass, written and illustrated by the husband-wife team of author Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrator James E. Ransome.
Told in the first person by Frederick, the story introduces us to the young slave's boyhood and the influence that the power of reading had on his life. Raised by his grandmother as a young child, Frederick was sent away at the tender age of eight...more
Told in the first person by Frederick, the story introduces us to the young slave's boyhood and the influence that the power of reading had on his life. Raised by his grandmother as a young child, Frederick was sent away at the tender age of eight...more
This is just so good. To give my thoughts some context, I started reading None Dare Call It Conspiracy today and had a great discussion with a friend who is passionate about the historical patterns of forms of government. I've got freedom and constitutional republics and the kind of slavery that could be our future if we do not abide by the principles of freedom as laid out by the Founders on my mind. All this to say that this book, while I'm sure is moving and inspiring on a normal day, has me...more
The inspirational, true story of how Frederick Douglass found his way to freedom one word at a time. 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. Award-winning husband-wife team Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome present a moving and captivating look at th...more
Words Set Me Free is a beautifully illustrated look at the young life of Frederick Douglass. Lexi and Kate (6 & 7) were gripped by the story of how Frederick was born and separated from his mother, fed from a trough, and treated so poorly, as just a boy their age. How Frederick learned to read and built upon his basic instruction was very inspiring. His love for others propelled him to teach many other slaves to read.
The book flowed so well until the end, where we learn of one escape attempt...more
The book flowed so well until the end, where we learn of one escape attempt...more
An inspirational account of Frederick Douglass' childhood. As a young child, he was separated from his mother and sent to live with his grandmother. At eight years old, Frederick was sent to Baltimore to work for Hugh Auld where his master's wife taught him how to read. This simple act changed the course of his life as learning to read "would forever unfit him to be a slave." Frederick yearned to learn and the words he learned "lit a candle" to his world. Upon his return to the Great Farm House,...more
CLN - Caldecott possibility #4
MY VOTE: #1 "Oh No!" by Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann
#2 "Extra Yarn" by Mac Barnett
#3 "A House Held Up by Trees" by Ted Kooser and Jon Klaassen
#4 "Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass"
by Lesa Kline-Ransome and John E. Ransome
"Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass" is an important story, though it has been told well many times, in many formats.Though the book is gorgeously illustrated (my favorite was the spread with the...more
MY VOTE: #1 "Oh No!" by Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann
#2 "Extra Yarn" by Mac Barnett
#3 "A House Held Up by Trees" by Ted Kooser and Jon Klaassen
#4 "Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass"
by Lesa Kline-Ransome and John E. Ransome
"Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass" is an important story, though it has been told well many times, in many formats.Though the book is gorgeously illustrated (my favorite was the spread with the...more
Beautifully written picture book biography of Frederick Douglass. Written as though being told be the man, himself, and it is very effective. Bright yellow endpapers contrast with the darker, deeper color used throughout the book. Powerful words and images work together to portray the brutality of slavery. I love the way the author stresses Frederick's great desire to learn to read, how he persevered and used his knowledge to help other slaves. Interesting that the author chose to end the book w...more
Ransome is a hugely talented writer and this is an excellent story. Interestingly, Ransome notes about three different sources, including the Douglass's narrative of his own life. However, she doesn't say how her story is derived from these sources and whether the dialogue is made up or used directly from Douglass' narrative. Because this biography has the potential for being a library must-have, I wish she were more exact about how she used her sources.
This picture book tells the story of Frederick Bailey, who would grow up to become the great Frederick Douglass. His biography is also the story of the power of the written word and the ability to read. Born a slave, Frederick was separated from his mother early in life and sent to live with his Grandmamma. His mother would walk 12 miles at night to see him while he slept. At age 8, Frederick was sent to work for another master in Baltimore. It was there that he first learned his letters, until...more
Another small slice, a chapter of a biography. I enjoy these where the authors spend the time and space in the book to focus on a moment of interest: in this one on just how Douglass learned to read and write and how this made him 'unfit to be a slave.' This is one of few biographies I have read so far where violent treatment of enslaved people was mentioned directly, although this was only hinted at subtly in a shadow in one illustration.
One of our 5th grade history standards includes understanding the reality of the slavery situation. Words Set Me Free would be a wonderful addition to this social studies instruction. It's the type of biography that young readers will really enjoy. But the message throughout the story of how it was truly words that set Frederick Douglass free is incredibly powerful.
This is also a Cybils nonfiction picture book nominee this year.
This is also a Cybils nonfiction picture book nominee this year.
This book is part of Frederick Douglass' biography. It does not give the whole picture, but rather a snapshot of his life. It would be good to have in a collection for an example of a biography. The illustrations and text are both superb.
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Title: Words Set me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Date: April 8, 2013
Genre: Biography/Autobiography
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Title: Words Set me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Date: April 8, 2013
Genre: Biography/Autobiography
"Free on the inside, but not yet free on the outside." Powerfully presented - hits many hard, heart-breaking points without evoking pity. My only issue - and it's pretty minor - is that it ends with a failed escape attempt, but it'll only be clear to kids that the escape failed if they read the "author's note." I think some young readers will feel misled by this.
PB 12: this book has pictures that look like beautiful artwork. It talks about life for a slave on a plantation. It really captures how sad it is for a slave when they get rented out to a new family. It is so transformative when the slave says he is treated like a paid slave. Then he get in trouble for learning how to read.
Another biography of Frederick Douglass published just in time for Black History Month. But this one really does stand apart. It's one of the great inspirational stories of personal triumph in American history--right up there with Helen Keller.
Must read for a study of the abolition movement in America. This well done book gives an captivating portrayal of the early life of Fredrick Douglas. This book is available for check out at the Gadsden County Public Library.
The story of Frederick Douglass growing up as a child. His father was his master, his mother sold to another plantation owner, and, when learned how to read when he was rented to another master in Baltimore.
The powerful and inspiring story of how words literally set Frederick Douglass free. Not crazy about the use of first-person narrative for a biography.
Picture book biography. Powerful, good at explaining realities of slavery without being graphic. Makes Douglass more interesting to children.
Well told story of Frederick Douglas' early childhood and the importance of his learning to read. Includes author's note and biblioraphy.
Very powerful picture and text when he tells of his childhood. Shows slaves being fed in a trough like animals.
I found this book to be confusing. (For example, the cover says "the story of Frederick Douglas" but throughout the entire book he is referred to as Frederick Bailey. You have to read the author's note understand why.) Also, I found a major mistake, a very confusing pronoun issue.
Frederick Douglas. Excellent story and illustrations. The Ransomes are really amazing as a team!
This was a brief but informative story of Frederick Douglass. It didn't attempt to tell his entire life, simply the roll that learning to read played in his destiny. I love the focus on the power of reading. A valuable lesson for all ages. I did finish wanting to renew my knowledge about this interesting historical character.
Powerful picture book biography.
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