Plot Summary

Frederick Douglass: Slave, Fighter, Freeman

Arna Bontemps
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Frederick Douglass: Slave, Fighter, Freeman

Nonfiction | Biography | YA | Published in 1961

Book Brief

Arna Bontemps

Frederick Douglass: Slave, Fighter, Freeman

Nonfiction | Biography | YA | Published in 1961
Book Details
Pages

912

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 19th Century

Theme
Publication Year

1961

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

11-14 years

Lexile Level

1080

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Super Short Summary

Frederick Douglass: Slave, Fighter, Freeman by Arna Bontemps chronicles the life of Frederick Douglass, born a slave in 1818 Maryland. Separated from his mother early, he later moved to Baltimore, where he learned to read despite opposition. After enduring severe abuse from a "slave-breaker," Douglass escaped with help from Anna Murray, whom he married. In Massachusetts, he became a leading abolitionist, publishing his autobiography and founding the newspaper The North Star. Douglass also championed women's rights and held various political roles, including consul-general to Haiti, before passing away in 1895. The biography entails experiences of extreme violence and dehumanizing conditions.

Inspirational

Challenging

Emotional

Hopeful

Informative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

8 ratings

88%

Loved it

0%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Arna Bontemps' biography, Frederick Douglass: Slave, Fighter, Freeman, is broadly praised for its vivid portrayal of Douglass' life and achievements, offering rich historical context and insightful analysis. However, some critics find it lacks depth in certain areas and occasionally leans toward dramatization over strict adherence to facts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Frederick Douglass: Slave, Fighter, Freeman?

Fans of historical biographies like Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington or Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave would appreciate Frederick Douglass: Slave, Fighter, Freeman by Arna Bontemps for its compelling account of Douglass's life and his impactful fight for freedom and equality.

4.0

8 ratings

88%

Loved it

0%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

912

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 19th Century

Theme
Publication Year

1961

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

11-14 years

Lexile Level

1080

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