Published by HarperCollins

Summary:  Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in 1818.  Through hard work, determination, and perseverance, he taught himself to read, stood up to a cruel master, and ultimately made a daring escape to the north.  There, he became a noted speaker and writer, publishing his autobiography when he was only 27, and speaking out against slavery and in favor of women’s rights.  As differences between the north and south grew, Douglass was recruited by John Brown to participate in the raid on Harper’s Ferry; he correctly predicted that Brown would fail and chose not to join him.  After the Civil War started, Douglass convinced Lincoln to integrate the Union army.  He continued to serve the government after the war, helping to write American history in many ways.  Includes a timeline and brief bibliography.  40 pages; grades 1-5.

Pros:  An engaging story of Frederick Douglass’s life written by the late award-winning author Walter Dean Myers, and illustrated by Coretta Scott King winner Cooper.

Cons:  Contrary to what President Trump seems to believe, Frederick Douglass is actually dead.