Answering the Cry for Freedom: Stories of African Americans and the American Revolution

Gr 4-9--There is a dearth of resources available to students interested in the history and inner lives of free and enslaved African Americans in early U.S. history. This informational text uncovers a bit of that lost history through accounts and stories of 13 individuals who lived through or fought in the Revolutionary War while grappling with their own lack of freedom and autonomy. Through the use of personal testimonies, Woelfle presents an approachable but detailed narrative. Pull quotes in bold and simple but telling illustrations allow the work to flow like a storybook. Individuals profiled include Boston King, Agrippa Hull, James Armistead Lafayette, Phillis Wheatley, Elizabeth "Mumbet" Freeman, Prince Hall, Mary Perth, Ona Judge, Sally Hemings, Paul Cuffe, John Kizell, Richard Allen, and Jarena Lee. Each short profile examines the subject's family history, personal life, and fight for freedom. In the back matter, each individual covered receives an author's note, time line, bibliography, and source notes--encouraging readers to go further in their own exploration. VERDICT Researchers and history fans alike will surely appreciate this work that brings attention to a missing part of U.S. history. Recommended for libraries and classrooms that serve middle school students.--Nikitia Wilson, Queens Library, NY

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Biographical sketches tell of 13 remarkable black men and women... (t)he well-told stories, illustrated with striking silhouettes by Christie, can be read independently of one another.... Accessible, inspiring accounts of courageous men and women." —Kirkus Reviews

"Author Woelfle and illustrator Christie share the stories of African American patriots of the American Revolution, an important and interesting part of history that is not often covered in texts. The personal stories will inspire and guide many who are forging their own path for equal rights today....a well researched book that will make history relatable for students." - VOYA

"Woelfle's storytelling clips nicely along. What elevates this effort are the saucy, old-timey ink illustrations by Christie." - The Atlanta Journal Constitution

"Students will easily identify with the challenges faced by these notables...Teachers will love the extensively researched text, and librarians will love the in-text quotes, poems, journal excerpts, letters, epitaphs, testimonies, and other primary source content. Skillfully written by multiple award-winning author, Woelfle, and illustrated with pen and ink drawings by award-winning illustrator, Christie, this book...is ideally suited for all middle grades studying early American history, civil rights, and government. Highly Recommended." - School Library Connection

"This outstanding book is not just a history of African Americans, but rather an honest look at the complicated, often hypocritical definitions that Americans have ascribed to the idea of liberty from our earliest days." -Booklist

"Through the use of personal testimonies, Woelfle presents an approachable but detailed narrative. Pull quotes in bold and simple but telling illustrations allow the work to flow like a storybook. Researchers and history fans alike will surely appreciate this work that brings attention to a missing part of U.S. history." - School Library Journal

"Thirteen combined biographies showcase the different experiences of African Americans in the years surrounding the American Revolution. Each tale carefully highlights both the individual's unique story (soldier; slave; minister, trader, etc.) and unifying themes." - The Horn Book Guide