Frederick Douglass: Rising Up from Slavery

Sterling Biographies

by Frances E. Ruffin

Loads of information are packed into each title of this series about world inventors and innovative thinkers, including time lines, sidebars, a glossary, maps, rare photographs, and world-class writing that makes these books accessible and dramatic.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Audiobook

124 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2008

Reviews

[Sher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having just finished a book on Abraham Lincoln and slavery, I found this book to be much more enjoyable and understandable than I otherwise would have. The life story of Frederick Douglass is tragic and triumphant. He was a true hero to the people of this country during the pivotal years between 1845 and 1870 or thereabouts. He was so important in the crusade to liberate the slaves both before and after gaining his own freedom. Once that was achieve, he worked tirelessly to help the blacks achieve a level of equality that they struggled to win. He was a great role model to them and to everyone. He never backed down.

The book is written for young people and is easily understood. I listened to this book, and my one big complaint is that the narrator, in spite of having a great voice and speaking clearly, did a horrible job with proper inflections. I found myself thinking, "now wait. . . . What did he just say/mean?" But I also found myself crying over the horrendous treatment Frederick and his fellow slaves endured at the hands of cruel task masters. I highly recommend this book, but be sure you are knowledgeable about Lincoln and the slave issue before you read it.

[Samuel Bierig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read a good portion of this with my 5 yr old. It was brutal and wonderful. spurred on many difficult and necessary conversations. Douglass was a sterling figure. I look forward to getting into a few more substantive bio's of him someday, but this was a solid intro.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at the life of one of America's most ardent abolitionists. Born a slave in 1818, he suffered under the cruelty of several owners and masters; others were more tolerant and kind. He had a compelling desire to attain his freedom (which he did in his twenties), then to fight for freedom for all blacks. He became a proflic writer and founded his own newspaper (the North Star) which advocated the abolition of slavery and also for women's sufferage. He was a very capable orator, and was in great demand not only in the United States, but also in Great Britain. Though he did not agree with all of President Lincoln's policies, he supported and greatly admired him. He was an ardent Republican and thought that party, better than the Democrats, could best help the black cause. His life spanned a pivotal period in American history when civil rights took its largest leap forward. He played a leading role in that cause and was perhaps the most well known and respected black man of his age.

[Tahir · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very informative. But as a young African American child it makes me sad to read stuff like this. To know that people like Fredrick were considered property and were shipped off from place to place like a couch. To know that Fredrick lived this way until he was twenty five sort of stabbed a whole in my heart. It truely made me feel for Fredrick. But it also made me happy to know that after all he had been through he had the courage to fight back. When I read the chapter about fredrick fighting back against the slave breaker and won, I sort of cheered on the inside and knowing this made me feel like it was a great feat for the African American community and I. And I can't wait to finish the book and see what else he accomplished

[Se Jun Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I though that this book described what people were going through during slavery and how people were affected by it. Fredrick Douglass was just one example of how blacks were treated and I think that it is also very assuring to see an example of one that was successful at the end. Also, I think that people who ever doubted him were probably pissed because he was so successful. Also, i think that he was so brave to stand up to his owners. I would have never stood up, because i would be afraid that i would get beat up by my owners, or even killed.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, informative biography of Frederick Douglass, the first American civil rights leader. Born into slavery, he was determined to educate himself and live as a free man. He escaped from slavery, and rose to national and international prominence as a powerful orator for the abolitionist movement. He exemplified a clear vision of justice and also embraced the cause of women's suffrage and women's rights.

[Joni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was SO informative and interesting. The pictures were really well-chosen, and they definitely enhanced my understanding of and appreciation for FD's life. He was truly an amazing person. He set a great example for everyone around him and inspired others to stand up for themselves. I would like to mold my own actions after many of his.

[Mark Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this book in one sitting (driving) as an audiobook from audible.com. I found it very fascinating. I learned more about the mistreatment of slaves, abolitionist mov't and the wide circles that Douglass ran in and impacted. I'm a history buff and think this is a solid read/listen.

[Brent Ursenbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

easy read- biography of a great American that was one of the most influential civil rights champions of our Country.

[M. D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and educational -- a good read

[KristenNakiaaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

i wish Frederick went into more detail about his & others feelings about the physical and emotional pain that was endured. It seemed like a general overview but not a in-depth explanation! Nevertheless, I am grateful for such a book - it made me feel more connected to my ancestors and has given me a solid foundation in which to build upon for learning about my ancestry, revolution, history & the dark side of human psychology.

[Sandy Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

UNABRIDGED
Narrated by Cornelius Jones
PUBLISHER Audible, Inc.

Summary:

"From slave to freedom fighter: that was the long and hard journey taken by Frederick Douglass. Douglass was America's first great civil-rights leader, and he threw off the physical, mental, and legal chains of slavery to become one of America's greatest champions for human rights. It was said that his life was proof that once black people could read and write about their injustices, they would have the power to end slavery.

Frances E. Ruffin explores this inspiring figure in all his complexity, and captures the hardships, prejudice, and violence Douglass endured as he fought for justice.
©2008 Sterling; (P)2009 Audible, Inc."

At about 3.5 hours, this is not a long biography. It could be easily stopped if you are sharing with a child. If you want to listen in one go, easy. Not only did I learn much about Mr. Douglas that was never taught in high school and college. I also learned much about the history after the war.

If you feel your history was a bit vague or you are a home schooler who wants to give your kids more information about the war and its aftermath, I recommend this book! It's a good thing!

[Doc · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short, YA biography that provides a good overview of Dougalss's life. The narrator, however, is definitely not a pro. He puts pauses and accents in odd places, so that phrases and sentences often don't "scan."

[Leonard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Inaccurate information, such as West Virginia possibly seceding if Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation (hint: WV ain't a state at that time) plagued it, and the narration on the audio book was fairly bad.

[James Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a biography about Frederick Douglass, covering his life and including a lot of extra information about other people he was involved with. There's a lot of photos in the book, and it's written in a manner which is not boring, but is very informative at the same time.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The biography was good but I wasn't overly thrilled with the narrator. As a history buff I did learn a lot about the time and Douglass that I didn't know.

[Rohi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am done with it.It was good reading the book.See my review.

[Ellen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Middle of the road biography that may be useful to the intended audience of children researching a historical figure and the days of slavery, but I found it a little too simplistic and a bit dull.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes young-adult books are just fine for getting "the basics."