Frederick Douglass: Slave, Fighter, Freeman
Nonfiction | Biography | YA | Published in 1961
912
Biography • Nonfiction
United States • 19th Century
1961
YA
11-14 years
1080
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
8 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
8 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
912
Biography • Nonfiction
United States • 19th Century
1961
YA
11-14 years
1080
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