Love Twelve Miles Long

By Glenda Armand, Colin Bootman
Paperback: $11.95

A moving story about young Frederick Douglass and his mother, who walks twelve miles at night from a nearby plantation to visit him.

Description

It’s late at night, and Frederick’s mother has traveled twelve miles to visit him. When Frederick asks Mama how she can walk so far, Mama recounts her journey mile by mile. Every step of the way is special, as it brings them closer together; and Mama passes the time by remembering, listening, praying, singing, and more.

Set on a plantation in 1820s Maryland, this story based on the life of young Frederick Douglass shows the power of his mother’s love. The faith she has in her son puts him on a path to escape enslavement and to become a champion of human rights, an influential writer and speaker, and an unforgettable leader.

Expressive, candlelit paintings illuminate the bond between parent and child in this heartfelt story. Love Twelve Miles Long will resonate with children of all backgrounds who cherish the tender moments they share with those they love.

About the Creators

Glenda Armand

Glenda Armand is the author of many picture and chapter books. She won Lee & Low's New Voices Award for the manuscript Love Twelve Miles Long. Glenda has had a long career as a teacher and school librarian. She loves reading about history and is passionate about sharing the stories of important but little-known historical figures. She lives in Los Angeles, California. To learn more, visit glenda-armand.com.

Colin Bootman

Colin Bootman has illustrated numerous award-winning books for children, including Almost to Freedom, a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Honor Book. Bootman grew up in Trinidad and the United States. Much of his artwork portrays the rich diversity of experiences among people of African descent. In addition to creating illustrations for books and periodicals, Bootman enjoys teaching students and young artists. He lives in Texas, and can be found on the Web at colinbootman.net.

Reviews

  • "Share this with young readers as a series of homilies on dreams and a family love strong enough to overcome any adversity."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "As an ode to the love a mother has for her son, it is sweetly successful."

    - School Library Journal
  • Bootman's beautiful, double-page watercolor spreads show mother and son together in the candlelit kitchen, Bailey as a strong woman at work in the cornfields, and finally on her long, tough, moonlit journey, during which, she tells her son, each mile is special. . . Starting with the boy's elemental question, "Mama, why can't I live with you?," the words and pictures tell the family separation story in all its heartbreak and hope.

    - Booklist
  • "Inspired by the childhood of Frederick Douglass, Armand's debut reveals a poignant conversation between young Frederick and his mother, paired with Bootman's arresting and emotive paintings. . . Bootman (A Storm Called Katrina) deftly uses candlelight and moonlight to give his art a lovely iridescence, and presents intimate portraits of mother and son."

    - Publishers Weekly
  • "This poignant story, based on Frederick Douglass's childhood, tells how his mother, a slave, would walk twelve miles at night for a brief visit with her son. Soothing text describes how she overcomes the monotony and loneliness through songs (joyful and sad), the solace of prayer, and love. Emotional paintings capture moods, especially the joy of reunion that wipes away weariness."

    - The Horn Book
  • "In a story brimming with hope and love, the real-life horrors of slavery lie elsewhere, where an older audience can grapple with them. The author's note gives additional information about Frederick Douglass, who changed his surname in order to obscure his identity from the master he escaped. . . We can all use a comforting story of love, even—or especially—if it is ripped from a brutal past."

    - New York Journal of Books

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781620142547
  • Publication Date Apr 01, 2013
  • Trim Size 9.2 × 8.3 × 0.1 in
  • Weight 0.375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781600602450
  • Publication Date Apr 01, 2013
  • Trim Size N/A
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • 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, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Discrimination, Dreams & Aspirations, Empathy / Compassion, Families, Fiction, Gratitude, Heroism, History & Civics, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Mothers, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, People In Motion, Persistence / Grit, Poverty, Pride, Realistic Fiction, Religion / Spiritual, Responsibility, Self Control / Self Regulation, Slavery, Social & Emotional Learning, United States History
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 11
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 6
  • Guided Reading U
  • ATOS Book Level 3.2
  • DRA 44
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 6
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 530
  • Reading Level Grades 2 - 3
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
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