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Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells: The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist
In 1863, when Ida B. Wells was not yet two years old, the Emancipation Proclamation freed her from the bond of slavery. For her family and others like them, it was a time of renewed faith in America's promise of freedom and justice for all. Blessed with a strong will, an eager mind, and a deep belief in this promise, young Ida never turned away from the challenges she faced.
She insisted on holding her family together after the death of her parents. She defied convention and went to court when a railroad company infringed on her rights. And she used her position as a journalist to speak out about injustice.
But Ida's greatest challenge arose after one of her friends was lynched. How could one headstrong young woman help free America from the shadow of lawlessness that loomed over the country?
Author Philip Dray tells the inspirational story of Ida B. Wells, from her birth into a slave family in Mississippi and her early encounters with racism to her lifelong commitment to end injustice. Award-winning illustrator Stephen Alcorn's remarkable illustrations recreate the tensions that threatened to upend a nation a century ago while paying tribute to a courageous American hero.
She insisted on holding her family together after the death of her parents. She defied convention and went to court when a railroad company infringed on her rights. And she used her position as a journalist to speak out about injustice.
But Ida's greatest challenge arose after one of her friends was lynched. How could one headstrong young woman help free America from the shadow of lawlessness that loomed over the country?
Author Philip Dray tells the inspirational story of Ida B. Wells, from her birth into a slave family in Mississippi and her early encounters with racism to her lifelong commitment to end injustice. Award-winning illustrator Stephen Alcorn's remarkable illustrations recreate the tensions that threatened to upend a nation a century ago while paying tribute to a courageous American hero.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2008
About the author
Philip Dray
13 books52 followersPulitzer Prize finalist and winner of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Book Award.
Lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 26, 2021
A picture book biography on Ida B. Wells written by Philip Dray and illustrated by Stephen Alcorn.
Ida B. Wells was born a slave, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, in 1862. She was the oldest of eight children born to her parents. Ida’s father was a carpenter that worked in a shop for his owner. Her mother was the cook for that family. They fared better then most slaves in that they were treated well and had enough food and clothing. However, they were still slaves and subject to their owners wishes.
When slavery ended Ida’s father worked for his former owner as a paid employee. This continued until he refused to vote for who his employer wanted him to vote for. He voted for the candidate whe he thought would do the best job. He then lost his job and moved his family and opened his own carpentry shop.
Ida was able to attend school learning to read and write. She read every novel that was available in her church and school. Some nights she would read the newspaper to her father and his friends.
When Ida was sixteen her area was plagued with Yellow fever. She lost both parents and her youngest brother to this disease. When some wanted to separate her and her siblings, Ida stepped up and said that she would take care of them herself. Ida took a job as a teacher to support herself and her surviving siblings. Later, Ida took a teaching job in Memphis where she was able to get a better salary.
In Memphis Ida got involved with a group that met to discuss current issues and write essays. From this Ida started to write a weekly article for The Living Way. She wrote articles attaching Jim Crow laws, and became known as the princess of the press. Ida’s writing was noticed after she wrote an article about her treatment on a train where she was removed even though she had a first class ticket. She sued and was awarded a $500 judgement. The railroad appealed and the verdict was overturned. She wrote an editorial about this that caught the eye of many people.
Later, Ida lost a black friend who was lynched because a white competitor did not like the fact that he was doing so well in his business. Ida began to do research and found that there were many lynching happening and she became an advocate to stop it. Ida got the attention of many, including Frederick Douglass who said that her writing was a revelation of a crime that many people were unaware of. Wells was invited to speak about this around the country.
Ida B. Wells was a great educator and journalist. She went on to also write books about lynching. She was an early advocate for Civil Rights.
This book is for children ages 10-14.
Black History Month Read
Ida B. Wells was born a slave, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, in 1862. She was the oldest of eight children born to her parents. Ida’s father was a carpenter that worked in a shop for his owner. Her mother was the cook for that family. They fared better then most slaves in that they were treated well and had enough food and clothing. However, they were still slaves and subject to their owners wishes.
When slavery ended Ida’s father worked for his former owner as a paid employee. This continued until he refused to vote for who his employer wanted him to vote for. He voted for the candidate whe he thought would do the best job. He then lost his job and moved his family and opened his own carpentry shop.
Ida was able to attend school learning to read and write. She read every novel that was available in her church and school. Some nights she would read the newspaper to her father and his friends.
When Ida was sixteen her area was plagued with Yellow fever. She lost both parents and her youngest brother to this disease. When some wanted to separate her and her siblings, Ida stepped up and said that she would take care of them herself. Ida took a job as a teacher to support herself and her surviving siblings. Later, Ida took a teaching job in Memphis where she was able to get a better salary.
In Memphis Ida got involved with a group that met to discuss current issues and write essays. From this Ida started to write a weekly article for The Living Way. She wrote articles attaching Jim Crow laws, and became known as the princess of the press. Ida’s writing was noticed after she wrote an article about her treatment on a train where she was removed even though she had a first class ticket. She sued and was awarded a $500 judgement. The railroad appealed and the verdict was overturned. She wrote an editorial about this that caught the eye of many people.
Later, Ida lost a black friend who was lynched because a white competitor did not like the fact that he was doing so well in his business. Ida began to do research and found that there were many lynching happening and she became an advocate to stop it. Ida got the attention of many, including Frederick Douglass who said that her writing was a revelation of a crime that many people were unaware of. Wells was invited to speak about this around the country.
Ida B. Wells was a great educator and journalist. She went on to also write books about lynching. She was an early advocate for Civil Rights.
This book is for children ages 10-14.
Black History Month Read
January 28, 2010
This is a very interesting biography of Ida B. Wells-Barnett. I think kids, especially those interested in history or human rights, will like and learn from this picture book biography. I know that I learned quite a bit about this incredibly inspiring woman. Every time I thought I was touched (when she took over raising her younger siblings) or whenever I was impressed (when she refused to move to another seat on the train, when she spoke up and wrote, when she found a way to support herself as a journalist) there was more, and then there was even more about her I found to admire. She was an extraordinarily brave and bright woman.
This book not only doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects such as lynching: it highlights them. I approve, given who is the subject of this biography.
I love the afterword, which includes photos and more information and a timeline that includes both events in Ida’s life and in the history of slavery and the civil rights movement. It includes sections about both Ida and about lynching.
I must admit I was surprised by how few lynchings there actually were, especially after the Great Depression. Even one was obviously too many, but I thought that particular atrocity was even more prevalent than it was.
There’s also awonderful (though not that long) bibliography that lists books for different age groups: 4-8, 9-12, and 13 and up.
The title comes from Ida’s signature: Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells. Given what this woman worked for and accomplished (for women’s rights as well as the rights of African-Americans) this was a fitting signature.
I appreciate that Ida’s story shows how one person really can make a difference, and I think this book does a superb job of showing how the human rights that Ida fought for, often very successfully, was not done by her alone, but shows that many people worked and fought for what was right.
There’s a note in the back of the book that gives the page numbers where quotes appear that are taken directly from Ida B. Wells-Barnett’s writings.
This book doesn’t dumb anything down and I think it’s partly because this author wrote a book about lynching for adults, which is how he got to know about this woman, probably because of the anti-lynching work she did after her friend was lynched. This is his first children’s book.
I thought the illustrations fit the story very well. There are a lot of them and they take up a great deal of room on the pages, yet there’s a lot of text too.
This book not only doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects such as lynching: it highlights them. I approve, given who is the subject of this biography.
I love the afterword, which includes photos and more information and a timeline that includes both events in Ida’s life and in the history of slavery and the civil rights movement. It includes sections about both Ida and about lynching.
I must admit I was surprised by how few lynchings there actually were, especially after the Great Depression. Even one was obviously too many, but I thought that particular atrocity was even more prevalent than it was.
There’s also awonderful (though not that long) bibliography that lists books for different age groups: 4-8, 9-12, and 13 and up.
The title comes from Ida’s signature: Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells. Given what this woman worked for and accomplished (for women’s rights as well as the rights of African-Americans) this was a fitting signature.
I appreciate that Ida’s story shows how one person really can make a difference, and I think this book does a superb job of showing how the human rights that Ida fought for, often very successfully, was not done by her alone, but shows that many people worked and fought for what was right.
There’s a note in the back of the book that gives the page numbers where quotes appear that are taken directly from Ida B. Wells-Barnett’s writings.
This book doesn’t dumb anything down and I think it’s partly because this author wrote a book about lynching for adults, which is how he got to know about this woman, probably because of the anti-lynching work she did after her friend was lynched. This is his first children’s book.
I thought the illustrations fit the story very well. There are a lot of them and they take up a great deal of room on the pages, yet there’s a lot of text too.
May 23, 2018
Young Ida B. Wells learned from her father never to compromise your beliefs. Growing up just after the end of slavery, this was a powerful lesson for Ida to learn. Throughout her life she fought injustice where she saw it and stood up for herself and her people.
I didn't know anything about her early life, only her journalistic career. I had no idea she sued a train company for trying to force her to move to 3rd class though she had a first class ticket. This was before Plessy v. Ferguson so she actually did win her case at the local level but not at the state. I really like how mentally tough she was to go through all the challenges in her life and continue to fight. This book is a straight up biography for beginning readers. It is not for young children. This is a long biography and the author made the bold choice to talk about lynching. He included an author's note about Ida B. Wells and also a note on lynching with a timeline of civil rights events in U.S. history to the 1950s interspersed with events from Ida's life and the number of lynchings in the U.S. I'm not sure how widely read this book is because of such a difficult topic to discuss with children. I especially liked how the author included quotes in Ida's own words.
The illustrations are very Art Deco stylized. The colors are bright but muted, if that makes sense. Some of the illustrations show Ida's thoughts or feelings or interpret what happened rather than depict Ida in a scene in real life.
While I enjoyed learning more about this amazing woman, I'm not sure my nieces and nephews would sit through this or understand it just yet.
I didn't know anything about her early life, only her journalistic career. I had no idea she sued a train company for trying to force her to move to 3rd class though she had a first class ticket. This was before Plessy v. Ferguson so she actually did win her case at the local level but not at the state. I really like how mentally tough she was to go through all the challenges in her life and continue to fight. This book is a straight up biography for beginning readers. It is not for young children. This is a long biography and the author made the bold choice to talk about lynching. He included an author's note about Ida B. Wells and also a note on lynching with a timeline of civil rights events in U.S. history to the 1950s interspersed with events from Ida's life and the number of lynchings in the U.S. I'm not sure how widely read this book is because of such a difficult topic to discuss with children. I especially liked how the author included quotes in Ida's own words.
The illustrations are very Art Deco stylized. The colors are bright but muted, if that makes sense. Some of the illustrations show Ida's thoughts or feelings or interpret what happened rather than depict Ida in a scene in real life.
While I enjoyed learning more about this amazing woman, I'm not sure my nieces and nephews would sit through this or understand it just yet.
July 29, 2019
Philip Dray, whose adult work on the history of the lynching of African-Americans in the United States -
At the Hands of Persons Unknown: The Lynching of Black America
- was such an important source for me, when I myself was researching the topic in my college days, turns to the story of anti-lynching crusader Ida B. Wells (Barnett) in this biography for younger readers, and the result is a triumph! Born into slavery in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Ida B. Wells came of age just after the Civil War, taking advantage of new educational opportunities to become a teacher, and stepping up and taking care of her younger siblings, when both her parents died in a yellow fever epidemic. Eventually relocating to Memphis, Wells became involved in journalism, gaining a name for herself as the author of a practical advice column. It was the murder of her good friend, Tom Moss - killed by an angry mob of white men, for trying to defend his grocery store from night-time invaders - which set her on the path that would win her so much fame: the investigation and exposure of the atrocity of lynching, which, during its height, claimed the life of an African-American every other day.
Since reading her autobiography, Crusade for Justice , in my younger days, I have considered Ida B. Wells a personal hero - admiring her fierce commitment to truth, and her willingness to endure hardship and danger, for justice - so I was particularly pleased to see that her story was being told for a new generation of readers, and in such an appealing way! Although a picture-book, I would say that Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells: The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist is probably best suited for readers in middle school and up, both because of its subject matter, and because it is so text-heavy. The accompanying illustrations by Stephen Alcorn are lovely, and truly emphasize the heroic nature of Ida B. Wells' struggle, although I did think that the "upswept" nature of many of the images (doves being released, wings seeming to sprout from Ida's back) got a little much at times. Still, that's a minor complaint, when the overall effect is so pleasing, and the text so informative and engaging. Highly recommended to all young readers with an interest in biography, American History, Women's Studies, and the African-American experience!
Since reading her autobiography, Crusade for Justice , in my younger days, I have considered Ida B. Wells a personal hero - admiring her fierce commitment to truth, and her willingness to endure hardship and danger, for justice - so I was particularly pleased to see that her story was being told for a new generation of readers, and in such an appealing way! Although a picture-book, I would say that Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells: The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist is probably best suited for readers in middle school and up, both because of its subject matter, and because it is so text-heavy. The accompanying illustrations by Stephen Alcorn are lovely, and truly emphasize the heroic nature of Ida B. Wells' struggle, although I did think that the "upswept" nature of many of the images (doves being released, wings seeming to sprout from Ida's back) got a little much at times. Still, that's a minor complaint, when the overall effect is so pleasing, and the text so informative and engaging. Highly recommended to all young readers with an interest in biography, American History, Women's Studies, and the African-American experience!
January 31, 2011
*Read for the Black History Month Theme in the Picture Book Club at Children's Book Group*
The story of Ida B. Wells, born in 1863 and barely two years old when the Emancipation Proclamation freed her from the slavery she was born into. A strong and intelligent young woman, at age sixteen Ida took over the care of her six younger siblings when an epidemic left both parents dead and she supported them by becoming a local schoolteacher. Her kind spirit, keen intelligence and penchant for writing soon led her to better teaching positions and put her into contact with other intelligent people. They exchanged ideas and talked about important social issues of the day. Ida began writing articles for a self-published newspaper to promote racial equality since white supremacy continued to wound blacks in the south and Jim Crow laws did nothing to help the cause. Though she wrote on a number of issues, including votes for women, Ida's special cause was to speak out against lynchings since one of her close friends was a victim of lynching and she saw this as a particularly horrendous outrage against humanity.
I very much admire the work Ida did and I was so eager to read this book and perhaps my expectations were too high because it fell a little flat for me. Despite the rich subject matter and the very poignant issues addressed, I didn't find myself particularly moved or inspired by the way the story was told. (That said, Ida herself is a very inspiring figure!) Also, while I loved some of the artwork (such as the cover image), some of it was just a little dark for my taste (such as the wealthy white businessman on one side of the scale of justice, and the skulls of blacks on the other scale). I do think everyone should know about Ida and her courageous efforts--worthy of praise in any case, but especially so considering the barriers Ida had to overcome not only against public opinion in the day but because she was a woman and a black woman at that! But, this book left me wanting more in both substance and style. I especially wanted to know more about Ida's parents; what did they teach her that she became such a remarkable person, or was it just an innate gift?
I also think parents should use caution in reading this book to young/sensitive readers given the artwork I mentioned and also the subject of lynching--it is not discussed graphically in the text (the author's note is a bit more grim) but curious minds will be bound to ask questions and parents need to be ready to answer them since this book goes beyond just saying blacks were mistreated by whites and gives a very grim and violent aspect of that.
The story of Ida B. Wells, born in 1863 and barely two years old when the Emancipation Proclamation freed her from the slavery she was born into. A strong and intelligent young woman, at age sixteen Ida took over the care of her six younger siblings when an epidemic left both parents dead and she supported them by becoming a local schoolteacher. Her kind spirit, keen intelligence and penchant for writing soon led her to better teaching positions and put her into contact with other intelligent people. They exchanged ideas and talked about important social issues of the day. Ida began writing articles for a self-published newspaper to promote racial equality since white supremacy continued to wound blacks in the south and Jim Crow laws did nothing to help the cause. Though she wrote on a number of issues, including votes for women, Ida's special cause was to speak out against lynchings since one of her close friends was a victim of lynching and she saw this as a particularly horrendous outrage against humanity.
I very much admire the work Ida did and I was so eager to read this book and perhaps my expectations were too high because it fell a little flat for me. Despite the rich subject matter and the very poignant issues addressed, I didn't find myself particularly moved or inspired by the way the story was told. (That said, Ida herself is a very inspiring figure!) Also, while I loved some of the artwork (such as the cover image), some of it was just a little dark for my taste (such as the wealthy white businessman on one side of the scale of justice, and the skulls of blacks on the other scale). I do think everyone should know about Ida and her courageous efforts--worthy of praise in any case, but especially so considering the barriers Ida had to overcome not only against public opinion in the day but because she was a woman and a black woman at that! But, this book left me wanting more in both substance and style. I especially wanted to know more about Ida's parents; what did they teach her that she became such a remarkable person, or was it just an innate gift?
I also think parents should use caution in reading this book to young/sensitive readers given the artwork I mentioned and also the subject of lynching--it is not discussed graphically in the text (the author's note is a bit more grim) but curious minds will be bound to ask questions and parents need to be ready to answer them since this book goes beyond just saying blacks were mistreated by whites and gives a very grim and violent aspect of that.
November 15, 2016
Ida was a child when the Emancipation Proclamation declared her parents free from slavery. She grew up with an enthusiasm for freedom and justice. Though she and her family were free, discrimination and hatred prevailed throughout the country. In many instances she saw and was personally affected by injustice and discrimination. She fought these things by speaking out against them as a journalist. Many of her stories and articles were published in newspapers, even printing her own on pink paper to make it recognizable. Ida was particularly passionate about spreading the truth about lynching. It was still occurring at incredible rates. Her 1892 "article had shown lynching for what it really was: an attack on the freedom promised to all Americans." Thanks to her, lynchings decreased and eventually stopped happening.
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Ida is an incredibly inspiring person. She once said, "What is or should be a woman? ...A strong, bright presence with a sense of her mission on earth and a desire to fill it." Clearly she knew her mission and passionately, fearlessly worked to fulfill it. The pictures in the book are lovely. They are colorful, symbolic, and have great curves and lines. There is quite a lot of text, but her story is so compelling it is an engrossing read. Included in the back of the book are an author's note, a timeline, and a historical note about lynching. A great book to teach history, introduce inspirational women, and discuss equality with children.
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Ida is an incredibly inspiring person. She once said, "What is or should be a woman? ...A strong, bright presence with a sense of her mission on earth and a desire to fill it." Clearly she knew her mission and passionately, fearlessly worked to fulfill it. The pictures in the book are lovely. They are colorful, symbolic, and have great curves and lines. There is quite a lot of text, but her story is so compelling it is an engrossing read. Included in the back of the book are an author's note, a timeline, and a historical note about lynching. A great book to teach history, introduce inspirational women, and discuss equality with children.
June 2, 2017
My thoughts: A well-done picture book biography for young children that is especially good for teaching the period of history associated with the emancipation proclamation. It will encourage African-Americans to discover their heritage and it will enlighten all children in America's history and those who shaped it.
The author generously provides a narrative that is somewhat extensive for a picture book and yet the illustrations are abundant so that young readers and reluctant older readers can learn of Ida B. Wells. The topic is a bit heavy for typical picture book readers and perhaps might be best read to or by older middle elementary age students because the subject of lynching is articulated as well as social injustices.
Illustrated using a style somewhat cubist, the colors and actions depicted in the art work tell the story well and fit well with the text.
As a freed slaved and crusading journalist she was, as a woman and as an African-American woman, a real pioneer in the field of social injustices and employment of a woman as a teacher and also as a journalist.
This is a good book for elementary libraries and would be quite informative for studies on the Emancipation Proclamation.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Peachtree Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given.
November 17, 2009
Although I had heard of Ida B. Wells in conjunction with women’s history, all I had known was that she was important to the American woman’s suffrage movement and that she had been some sort of journalist. I did not even know she was African-American. As I read this well-researched biography (the author used both primary and secondary sources), I learned that Ida B. Wells had first been a teacher and that her focus as a journalist was to let others know of the injustices committed against African-Americans during the late-1800s and early-1900s (the time period in which she lived.). A central focus of her writing was to let people know about the lynching of African-Americans. Through this book I learned about all of this, as well as her dedication to her family and to educating not only her students, but thousands of people through her writing.
Through the picture-book, narrative format of this book, students can learn about the life of this remarkable woman. The story is very approachable, and not at all dry. It could be included in a read-aloud for 2nd to 4th graders, or as a reference for these or older students. For further study, the author includes a list of books broken down by appropriate age groups. In the “Ages 13 and Up” list, a link is listed for www.pbs.org/wnet/jimcrow/stories_even.... However, after looking up this site, I found that the link is now http://www.pbs.org/wnet/jimcrow/stori.... This page contains a biography of Ida B. Wells, and has links to related pages. One of these is a copy of a pamphlet she wrote about lynching entitled “Lynch Law in Georgia.” The book could be used in a study of the treatment of African-Americans during the Jim Crow era, in a study of influential African-Americans, or a study of influential women in American history. It could also be used in a study of Chicago. Although most of the book takes place before she moved to Chicago, it could be used along with other books to help understand her earlier history.
Through the picture-book, narrative format of this book, students can learn about the life of this remarkable woman. The story is very approachable, and not at all dry. It could be included in a read-aloud for 2nd to 4th graders, or as a reference for these or older students. For further study, the author includes a list of books broken down by appropriate age groups. In the “Ages 13 and Up” list, a link is listed for www.pbs.org/wnet/jimcrow/stories_even.... However, after looking up this site, I found that the link is now http://www.pbs.org/wnet/jimcrow/stori.... This page contains a biography of Ida B. Wells, and has links to related pages. One of these is a copy of a pamphlet she wrote about lynching entitled “Lynch Law in Georgia.” The book could be used in a study of the treatment of African-Americans during the Jim Crow era, in a study of influential African-Americans, or a study of influential women in American history. It could also be used in a study of Chicago. Although most of the book takes place before she moved to Chicago, it could be used along with other books to help understand her earlier history.
March 16, 2008
I really didn't know much about Ida B. Wells-Barnett until I read this outstanding children's book. Not only was the text informative and interesting, but the illustrations flowed from page to page and were filled at times with striking, symbolic images. My favorite picture, on page 14, is of a black man have bowed over, straining to push against a giant white hand attached to an sleeve that says "Whites only". It's a striking image, and gets the idea of Jim Crow across in seconds.
For me, one thing that stood out in her story is that, after the mob destroyed the office of her newspaper, Free Speech, Ida was offered a job as a journalist with a larger newspaper in New York City. As Philip Dray says, "The mob that had silenced the Free Speech had actually helped Ida spread the truth about lynching." Censors never truly censor anything--they just draw more attention to the very thing they want to hide.
Dray includes more information about Ida's life at the end of the book, and includes a photo of Ida with her four children, and a timeline of events in her life with major events of her time. Dray also includes more information on the history of lynching in the United States. An especially nice bibliography, with titles grouped by age level, ends the book.
I've just got to read more about this woman now! Highly recommended, especially for women's history and black history studies!
For me, one thing that stood out in her story is that, after the mob destroyed the office of her newspaper, Free Speech, Ida was offered a job as a journalist with a larger newspaper in New York City. As Philip Dray says, "The mob that had silenced the Free Speech had actually helped Ida spread the truth about lynching." Censors never truly censor anything--they just draw more attention to the very thing they want to hide.
Dray includes more information about Ida's life at the end of the book, and includes a photo of Ida with her four children, and a timeline of events in her life with major events of her time. Dray also includes more information on the history of lynching in the United States. An especially nice bibliography, with titles grouped by age level, ends the book.
I've just got to read more about this woman now! Highly recommended, especially for women's history and black history studies!
February 26, 2011
“The way to right wrongs is to turn to light of truth upon them.”
That was one of the memorable quotes by Ida B. Wells herself and there are more quotes coming along in this review! “Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells” is an inspirational children’s book by Philip Dray along with illustrations by Stephen Alcorn and it is about an African-American woman named Ida B. Wells who made history by exposing the horrors of lynching through the newspaper. “Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells” is clearly one of the best books about Ida B. Wells ever written!
Whew! This book was a stretch to read, but it was worth it! Philip Dray has definitely done an excellent job at writing this inspirational story about an African-American woman’s struggles in promoting awareness to the mistreatment of African-Americans during the 1800s. I loved the way that Philip Dray made this biography extremely intense and uplifting at the same time as I truly felt pure passion for Ida’s pursuits in stopping segregation during that time and I was truly horrified at the mistreatment that blacks had to endured during that time, including being lynched for no reason and cutting them out of society. I also loved the various quotes from Ida B. Wells that Philip Dray provided in this book. Some of my quotes were:
“I had hoped for such great things from my suit for my people and just now if it were possible [I] would gather my race in my arms and fly away with them.”
Stephen Alcorn’s illustrations are truly creative and inspiring especially of Ida herself as she is shown to be a beautiful and independent woman and I really loved the illustrations of how they literally take the situation shown in the book, such as illustrating the school that Ida goes to as a huge opened book while Ida and her mother walk towards the huge book and how the situation about blacks being denied their freedom was shown as an image of a huge hand pushing a black man away while having a “whites only” sign on its arm and I also loved the way that Stephen Alcorn made Ida seem like she is flying across each page, which makes her seem like an angel and a savior to African-Americans.
Parents should know that this book is pretty lengthy and smaller children might be bored with this book in one day. Also, the heavy themes of racism in this book might be upsetting to smaller children, especially the scenes where African-American men are being lynched. Parents need to explain to their children about the terrible experiences that African-Americans had to go through during the 1800s and how they can also help in stopping racism and prejudice from spreading like Ida did.
Overall, “Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells” is a truly brilliant and inspiring book that actually goes into the depths of racism and prejudice that every child should really enjoy. I would recommend this book for children ages six and up since the book is too long for smaller children and the racism themes might be too intense for smaller children.
That was one of the memorable quotes by Ida B. Wells herself and there are more quotes coming along in this review! “Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells” is an inspirational children’s book by Philip Dray along with illustrations by Stephen Alcorn and it is about an African-American woman named Ida B. Wells who made history by exposing the horrors of lynching through the newspaper. “Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells” is clearly one of the best books about Ida B. Wells ever written!
Whew! This book was a stretch to read, but it was worth it! Philip Dray has definitely done an excellent job at writing this inspirational story about an African-American woman’s struggles in promoting awareness to the mistreatment of African-Americans during the 1800s. I loved the way that Philip Dray made this biography extremely intense and uplifting at the same time as I truly felt pure passion for Ida’s pursuits in stopping segregation during that time and I was truly horrified at the mistreatment that blacks had to endured during that time, including being lynched for no reason and cutting them out of society. I also loved the various quotes from Ida B. Wells that Philip Dray provided in this book. Some of my quotes were:
“I had hoped for such great things from my suit for my people and just now if it were possible [I] would gather my race in my arms and fly away with them.”
Stephen Alcorn’s illustrations are truly creative and inspiring especially of Ida herself as she is shown to be a beautiful and independent woman and I really loved the illustrations of how they literally take the situation shown in the book, such as illustrating the school that Ida goes to as a huge opened book while Ida and her mother walk towards the huge book and how the situation about blacks being denied their freedom was shown as an image of a huge hand pushing a black man away while having a “whites only” sign on its arm and I also loved the way that Stephen Alcorn made Ida seem like she is flying across each page, which makes her seem like an angel and a savior to African-Americans.
Parents should know that this book is pretty lengthy and smaller children might be bored with this book in one day. Also, the heavy themes of racism in this book might be upsetting to smaller children, especially the scenes where African-American men are being lynched. Parents need to explain to their children about the terrible experiences that African-Americans had to go through during the 1800s and how they can also help in stopping racism and prejudice from spreading like Ida did.
Overall, “Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells” is a truly brilliant and inspiring book that actually goes into the depths of racism and prejudice that every child should really enjoy. I would recommend this book for children ages six and up since the book is too long for smaller children and the racism themes might be too intense for smaller children.
February 4, 2021
This biography tells the story of Ida B. Wells from her birth during the Civil War to her death. It focuses mostly on the path that led to her famous anti-lynching article in the New York Age. In the afterword, there are more details about Ms. Well’s life, more information on lynchings in the US, a timeline, and a bibliography. The bibliography breaks down the resources by age groups they are written for.
Tags: Wells-Barnett, Ida B., -- 1862-1931 -- African American women civil rights workers -- Biography -- United States -- African American women educators --African American women journalists -- African Americans -- Civil rights -- History-- Social conditions -- To 1964 -- Lynching -- Race relations --
August 1, 2008
A very clear and simple biography about this important historical figure without shying away from some of the more difficult topics, especially about lynching. The illustrator has a distinctly personal style, combining literal portrayal of scenes and figures with symbolic drawings -- the large book with a golden road leading to the sun for Ida B.'s getting an education, and the giant hand/arm withe WHITES ONLY on the sleeve pushing down at an African American man are two examples... though the one with Ida B.'s profile talking about lynching (with a noose encircled by speech bubbles) is slightly less effective than the others.
There is just the right amount of text on each page and the placement of the text blocks are well-incorporated into the illustrations. Very successful!
There is just the right amount of text on each page and the placement of the text blocks are well-incorporated into the illustrations. Very successful!
September 17, 2008
A wonderful picture book about one of my heroes, Ida B. Wells, whose story should be much more widely known than it is. Great for a primary school child.
February 6, 2020
Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells: The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist is a children's picture book written by Philip Dray and Stephen Alcorn. It is a wonderful biography of crusader and journalist Ida B. Wells.
February, at least in my part of the world is Black History Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Ida Bell Wells-Barnett was an African-American investigative journalist, educator, and an early leader in the civil rights movement. She was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Wells arguably became the most famous black woman in America, during a life that was centered on combating prejudice and violence and who fought for equality for African Americans, especially women.
Dray's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Dray brings his expertise to a younger audience with this eloquent biography of anti-lynching crusader and journalist Ida B. Wells. Alcorn's striking, symbol-infused hand-colored prints on creamy vellum get star billing.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. The narrative peppered with anecdotes guides readers through defining moments of Wells' life, from her 1884 lawsuit against a railroad company whose Jim Crow policies prevented her, a black woman, from riding in the first-class compartment, to her growing career as a newspaper columnist, to the 1892 lynching of her close friend.
All in all, Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells: The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist is a wonderful informative biography about one of the most important progenitors for the Civil Rights Movement – Ida B. Wells.
February, at least in my part of the world is Black History Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Ida Bell Wells-Barnett was an African-American investigative journalist, educator, and an early leader in the civil rights movement. She was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Wells arguably became the most famous black woman in America, during a life that was centered on combating prejudice and violence and who fought for equality for African Americans, especially women.
Dray's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Dray brings his expertise to a younger audience with this eloquent biography of anti-lynching crusader and journalist Ida B. Wells. Alcorn's striking, symbol-infused hand-colored prints on creamy vellum get star billing.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. The narrative peppered with anecdotes guides readers through defining moments of Wells' life, from her 1884 lawsuit against a railroad company whose Jim Crow policies prevented her, a black woman, from riding in the first-class compartment, to her growing career as a newspaper columnist, to the 1892 lynching of her close friend.
All in all, Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells: The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist is a wonderful informative biography about one of the most important progenitors for the Civil Rights Movement – Ida B. Wells.
December 15, 2020
My foray into the world of children's books continues, this time into the life Ida B. Wells - accompanied by beautifulll whimsical illustrations that give shape to the hope, strength, and sheer courage that was her life, makin you dreammm. Something in me feels solid.. solidifies as I imagine kids reading a book like this in today's climate. I'd imagine it goes a long way in helping them make sense of movements for the dignity of allll peoples, that have been many generations of legacies in the making. I just wonder if books like these are in libraries and households that need 'em the most across this country...
February 7, 2018
This is the fascinating non-fiction biography of Ida B. Wells, who became a crusader for equal rights and whose journalistic work on lynching helped end the practice. Ida was an incredibly intelligent, brave woman and her story is inspiring.
I would recommend this book for kids in the second grade and up. This book is likely too long for most preschoolers. For older elementary students however, this is a great book about an interesting woman. It shows how everyone can make a difference, even when the odds are against them.
It's a great book for history fans.
I would recommend this book for kids in the second grade and up. This book is likely too long for most preschoolers. For older elementary students however, this is a great book about an interesting woman. It shows how everyone can make a difference, even when the odds are against them.
It's a great book for history fans.
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December 3, 2019This is a great book about Ida B. Wells and all the amazing things she did to bring awareness to all of the injustices that were happening to black people. It brings a lot of focus on all of the awareness she brought about lynching and how it was being used on innocent people. This is a good book but since it does carry heavy material I would use it for older kids, even into high school. It's a great teaching tool.
Read
November 17, 2020Ida B. Wells Barnett was a prolific writer and crusader for justice. She challenged unfair racial practices, fought against segregation, and brought nationwide attention to lynching. Ida B. Wells Barnett even helped to start the first black kindergarten in Chicago! Additional information about her life and lynching is found at the back of the book. The illustrations are bold, dreamy, and inviting.
April 4, 2020
Ida B. WELLS was born a slave in Holly, Springs, Mississippi, in 1862. when she was born the Civil war just started year before. Then when she was 3 years old, the Civil war ended. She knew that for black people she can’t learn, read, write, and she can’t go to school. Her mom was with her every time she was going outside. Because of desease her parents and a baby brother died.
March 29, 2022
This feels dated...when I read books from this era now I see how far publishing for kids has come even in the past decade and that makes me happy...especially when it talks about racial violence then and now, but still great information and a really nice introduction to her life for the elementary school audience.
March 11, 2021
Ida B Wells a former slave and teacher grew up to fight for the rights of African Americans through newspaper stories. inspiring and great facts outside her life to set the timeline. Elementary and up.
April 1, 2018
Could have been 5 stars if the author would have used the correct plural of Wells.
Read
August 12, 2020Biography in picture book format best suited for grades 3 and up. Long bio, information about lynching.
February 8, 2021
Well-written non-fiction text; the illustration is the standout here, with a clever and legible combination of symbolic and realistic illustration.
June 5, 2023
4 stars for this biographical account of the life of Ida B. Wells
May 14, 2022
Dray and Alcorn have crafted a marvelous picture book biography of Ida B. Wells-Barnett, focusing on her investigative journalism. Most children's materials on Wells-Barnett that I've encountered whitewash her career, glancing over her anti-lynching efforts and overstating her involvement with women's suffrage. Yours for Justice, taking its title from Wells-Barnett's signature, instead highlights her life before marriage and working with suffragists.
Alcorn's illustrations are absolutely splendid, full of movement and color, creatively representing the facts and feelings on the page. Wells-Barnett was known widely for her way with words, and the sometimes fanciful depictions of her career communicate that to young readers through the illustrations. (Dray also quotes her in the text.) Just as we are emotionally carried along by art, so did Wells-Barnett persuade her audience to action through her words.
A few important facts about her life, such as her tours abroad, are left out of the main text and the appendix, only getting a mention in the timeline. The copy I checked out from my library is dated 2021 (originally printed in 2008), so I was disappointed to see that several stylistic errors and typos were still present. However, none of this seriously reduces the value and impact of the book. It would be easy enough to correct these errors when reading aloud to a young audience.
An appendix relates the rest of Wells-Barnett's life, followed by a spread on lynching, and side panels include a timeline of her life. Dray provides a good-size list of works cited (adult materials), and a list of books for young readers grouped by age. This would be fantastic for upper-elementary classroom use, as the text is pretty lengthy and some elements of the story, like chattel slavery and journalism at the end of the 19th century, are not explained.
Content warnings: lynching, murder, chattel slavery, parental death (Wells-Barnett's parents died in her youth)
Alcorn's illustrations are absolutely splendid, full of movement and color, creatively representing the facts and feelings on the page. Wells-Barnett was known widely for her way with words, and the sometimes fanciful depictions of her career communicate that to young readers through the illustrations. (Dray also quotes her in the text.) Just as we are emotionally carried along by art, so did Wells-Barnett persuade her audience to action through her words.
A few important facts about her life, such as her tours abroad, are left out of the main text and the appendix, only getting a mention in the timeline. The copy I checked out from my library is dated 2021 (originally printed in 2008), so I was disappointed to see that several stylistic errors and typos were still present. However, none of this seriously reduces the value and impact of the book. It would be easy enough to correct these errors when reading aloud to a young audience.
An appendix relates the rest of Wells-Barnett's life, followed by a spread on lynching, and side panels include a timeline of her life. Dray provides a good-size list of works cited (adult materials), and a list of books for young readers grouped by age. This would be fantastic for upper-elementary classroom use, as the text is pretty lengthy and some elements of the story, like chattel slavery and journalism at the end of the 19th century, are not explained.
Content warnings: lynching, murder, chattel slavery, parental death (Wells-Barnett's parents died in her youth)
January 30, 2011
We were introduced to this book through the Picture-Book club in the Children's Books group here on Goodreads. It was chosen as one of the selections for February 2011 Black History Month, and I'm very glad that we discovered this book. It was a very informative read and gave a lot of information about civil rights struggles during and after the Civil War. The discussion about lynching and murder is not for young children, and I had to consider whether or not to read this one to our girls, but in the end I decided that they could handle it, although I did not read the expanded notes on lynching aloud as it was more graphic in detail. We did enjoy the additional information about Ida and the timeline of her life, which only reinforced the fact that this is a true story about a real person. Recommended for older elementary school-age children/middle school-age children.
interesting quote: “The way to right wrongs is to turn to light of truth upon them."
interesting quote: “The way to right wrongs is to turn to light of truth upon them."
January 5, 2013
Ida B. Wells-Barnett was an unknown name to be before reading this extremely informative picture book. She led a life that was nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in the tumultuous post-civil war she accomplished more than you would think is possible for anyone, let alone a young African-American woman. She did all this while raising her six siblings after the death of her parents. Ida B. Wells-Barnett's resume would include: teacher, journalist, editor, helped found the NAACP, women's and civil rights activist. To name just a few! Her work inspired such people as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr.
Philip Dray did not only shy away from difficult subjects. In this book he did a wonderful job of describing the horrors and reality of life for African-American's during this time, including lynching, in a way that is appropriate for younger readers. Every school and public library needs at least 1 copy of this book on its shelves.
Philip Dray did not only shy away from difficult subjects. In this book he did a wonderful job of describing the horrors and reality of life for African-American's during this time, including lynching, in a way that is appropriate for younger readers. Every school and public library needs at least 1 copy of this book on its shelves.
March 18, 2014
Ida B. Wells-Barnett was born to slave parents. The Emancipation Proclamation came out when she was about 6 months old and her parents, now freed, worked hard to be good citizens and especially to promote black literacy. Ida was educated,intelligent, and hard-working. At age 16 she provided for her younger siblings after their parents died in an epidemic, teaching school for income; she fought against racial injustice; and she slowly became an important voice in black journalism. Ultimately she married and she and her husband had several children. Ida's crusade against lynchings in the US, usually racially motivated, made a significant impact in reducing their numbers.
Very interesting book, easily read. Lots of pictures. Photographs in the back with a very good timeline included plus a series of age appropriate bibliographies. Probably 4th grade and up for independent reading.
Very interesting book, easily read. Lots of pictures. Photographs in the back with a very good timeline included plus a series of age appropriate bibliographies. Probably 4th grade and up for independent reading.
October 29, 2009
i am always filled with trepidation whenever i see a picture book biography of one of my heroes. even though i was dubious flipping through, i now love it. the book focuses on Ida's early life and her crusades against lynching. the illustrations are interesting and often interwoven. many of the portrayals of Ida show her in an almost superhero persona, always with great shoes. this is totally my image of her as she was more powerful than Superman could ever hope to be. i am saddened that some of my favorite accomplishments (like single-handedly integrating a suffrage parade) are not portrayed. i cry for a sequel.
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