Awards
A 1969 Newbery Honor Book
Synopses & Reviews
To be a slave. To be owned by another person, as a car, house, or a table is owned. To live as a piece of property that could be sold...
This book is about how it felt. The words of black men and women who had themselves been slaves are here, accompanied by Julius Lester's historical commentary and Tom Feelings's powerful and muted paintings, To Be a Slave has been a touchstone in children's literature for over thirty years.
Review
"The dehumanizing aspects of slavery are made abundantly clear, but a testament to the human spirit of those who endured or survived this experience is exalted." Children's Literature
Synopsis
A Newbery Honor Book
What was it like to be a slave? Listen to the words and learn about the lives of countless slaves and ex-slaves, telling about their forced journey from Africa to the United States, their work in the fields and houses of their owners, and their passion for freedom. You will never look at life the same way again.
"The dehumanizing aspects of slavery are made abundantly clear, but a testament to the human spirit of those who endured or survived this experience is exalted." Children's Literature"
About the Author
Julius Lester's books have received numerous awards, including a Newbery Honor for To Be a Slave and the Coretta Scott King Award for Day of Tears. He lives in western Massachusetts.
Kids Q&A
Read the Kids' Q&A with Julius Lester