Frederick Douglass

The Last Day of Slavery
By William Miller, Cedric Lucas
Paperback: $10.95

The story of the African American abolitionist who, in one dramatic incident, discovered the meaning of freedom.

Description

Born into slavery young Frederick dreams of the day he and his people will be free. Yet until that day comes, his only escape is through the books he reads, which take him to worlds far from his own.

When a menacing overseer named Covey sees that Frederick is different from the others, he sets out to “break” the young reader. But Frederick’s surprising response to Covey’s brutality is an act of courage that frees forever what no person can hold captive: his spirit

In his picture book debut, fine artist Cedric Lucas a hauntingly realistic portrait of a cruel era. William Miller follows up his critically acclaimed Zora Hurston and the Chinaberry Tree with a timeless reminder to readers of all ages and backgrounds that freedom is something to never be taken for granted.

About the Creators

William Miller

William Miller is the award-winning author of numerous books for children for Lee & Low. Mr. Miller lives in York, Pennsylvania, where he teaches African American literature and creative writing at York College.

Cedric Lucas

Cedric Lucas is the illustrator of Night Golf and Frederick Douglass: The Last Day of Slavery (Lee & Low, 1995). He is also a contributing illustrator to America: My Land, Your Land, Our Land. He teaches art to middle school students in Bronx, NY, and lives in Yonkers, New York, with his wife and their two children.

Reviews

  • "The author and the illustrator have created an essential introduction to one of this country's greatest heroes."

    - Smithsonian Magazine
  • "The success of this penetrating book lies in Miller's ability to convincingly convey the abolitionist Frederick Douglass's thoughts and feelings during his formative years as a plantation slave; and in Miller's focus on the limited-and pivotal -period of youth. The result is a searing, personal story that is easily absorbed by young readers."

    - Publishers Weekly
  • "A powerful introduction to [Frederick Douglass] and to the tragedy of slavery. . .. Miller depicts a set of culminating events that reveal the personal strength that carries a young person forward to notable achievement as an adult. . . Lucas's vigorous figures set against richly colored and textured backgrounds effectively illuminate this thought-provoking biographical tale."

    - The Horn Book
  • "A candid revelation of the cruelties of slavery, and an introduction to the early years of the famed abolitionist."

    - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
  • "Miller's narrative is movingly rendered. . .. Lucas's pictures done in pastel on paper treated with pumice and gesso bring the well-told and very human account to life.. Readers will relate to the story's powerful message about the meaning of physical and spiritual freedom."

    - School Library Journal

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781880000427
  • Publication Date Jun 17, 2005
  • Trim Size 9.8 × 8.3 × 0.2 in
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Word Count 952
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781880000175
  • Publication Date Jun 17, 2005
  • Trim Size N/A
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Word Count 952
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / Biography & Autobiography / Social Activists
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / People & Places / United States / African American
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / History / United States / 19th Century
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Biography / Memoir, Bullying, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Conflict resolution, Discrimination, Empathy / Compassion, Forgiveness, History & Civics, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Integrity / Honesty, Leadership, Nonfiction, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence / Grit, Pride, Respect / Citizenship, Self Control / Self Regulation, Slavery, United States History
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 7 - 10
  • Grade Range Grades 2 - 5
  • Guided Reading R
  • ATOS Book Level 4.1
  • DRA 40
  • Interest Level Grades 2 - 5
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 650
  • Reading Level 3
  • SRC 4.1
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

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