Frederick's Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass (A Big Words Book, 8) by Doreen Rappaport

Frederick's Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass (A Big Words Book, 8) Reviews

• 
  Calista

  Powerful! Powerful life, powerful story. This reminds you how much a person can actually overcome in a life given persistence and circumstance.
  
  Doreen has another great biography. I learned much from this book. I did know he and Harriet Tubman were friends. They supported each other quite a bit.
  
  This whole idea of what life was like is difficult for the kids to comprehend. They did like the story.
• 
  Jill

  After Frederick Douglass escaped from slavery, he went on to educate himself and take a prominent role on the national stage during the time of Lincoln, the Civil War, and the struggle for black suffrage that followed. The author incorporates quotations from Frederick Douglass’s into this biography for children, which showcases how poetic and stirring Douglass could be. The author begins with this quote from Douglass's autobiography:
  
  “You have seen how man
  was made a slave;
  You shall see how a slave
  was made a man.”
  
  Rappaport then takes us through the events of his life using lyrical free verse along with Douglass’s own words. In fact, Douglass’s life was so remarkable I can’t imagine how the author was able to narrow it down to the confines of a picture book. One of her decisions was to make a lot of the book about Douglass’s childhood, which might be of greater interest to the target audience of grades 3-5.
  
  His adult life doesn’t get much coverage, but there is enough to show that he was a major player in the events before and after the Civil War, in spite of having been born a slave and growing up in a society willing to go to war over the desire of the South to preserve and protect the institution of slavery. And after the slaves were emancipated, Douglass didn’t stop there, but agitated for the right to vote.
  
  Again quoting Douglass:
  
  “Slavery is not abolished
  until the black man has the ballot.”
  
  I am continually astounded by Douglass’s erudition, courage, and perseverance. I think young readers will get a sense of this as well not only from the text in this book, but from the striking acrylics by illustrator London Ladd.
  
  The book ends with notes by both the author and illustrator, a list of important dates relevant to Douglass’s life, and selected sources for further research.
  
  Evaluation: It’s hard to go wrong with a biography of such a heroic and influential man as Frederick Douglass.
  
• 
  Nancy Kotkin

  Picture book biography covering the entire life of Frederick Douglass. Really does credit to the inspiring role model he was, and still is. Effectively incorporates some of his own words, quoted from his passionate, eloquent writing. Illustrations are just as remarkable as the text, and convey an emotional depth that reaches right out of the pages. Includes a timeline and bibliography in the back of the book. Highly recommend.
  
• 
  Rani

  Be inspired by the life story of Frederick Douglass who rose above all the limitations to become a powerful, educated free man.
• 
  Samantha

  This overview of the life of Frederick Douglass is great for young readers just beginning to learn about this legendary man. Text is supported by quotes from Douglass on nearly every page.
  
  The author's and illustrator's notes are well worth the read. I especially enjoyed reading about how the illustrator approached this project on such a personal level.
  
  A timeline is included as is selected research sources.
  
  Highly recommended for grades 3-5+ for classroom use, especially during Black History Month.
• 
  Mary

  Another well researched accessible biography by Rappaport in the Big Words series. This is a picture book overview that gives the young reader a framework for Douglass’s life story using quotations from his autobiography. His life is inspirational and his words are powerful. Ladd’s illustrations are stunning. A beautiful introduction to an important historical figure.
• 
  Morgan

  When I checked this out from my campus library, I didn't realize quite how relevant he would be...(see: BHM "statement" from the White House). Good primer for little kids about this always-inspiring man.
• 
  Jenny

  Lovely illustrations accompany this beautiful text describing Frederick's life, struggles, accomplishments and courage. Many of Douglass' own words are incorporated into the text. This is a wonderful introduction to Douglass. Includes an author's note, illustrator's note, timeline and bibliography as well.
• 
  Darin Raguse

  Rationale: This book is a biography of Frederick Douglass. It vividly describes all phases of his life starting with a childhood that saw him pulled from his mother's arms and his recollection that he never saw her face in the daylight. The author's words, intertwined with quotes from Douglass, and complemented by captivating illustrations provide a powerful portrait of this iconic African American man. This biography captures the dedication, determination, inner strength, and brilliance of Douglass while also providing important lessons for readers on the horrors of slavery. American history is filled with stories of founding fathers that are almost exclusively white. This book demonstrates that it is extremely important to recognize and celebrate the amazing contributions that individuals from other races and backgrounds have made, often under dire circumstances, to American society.
  
  Reflection: Text to Self and Text to World - I was drawn to this book because I have always had an interest in American History. As I've grown older, I recognize that when I was in elementary school, history was often told from the perspective of white males that occupied positions of importance in the military, government, or business. This biography of Frederick Douglass literally made me stop reading at several points to contemplate the perspective of American History from the eyes of an African American man. This book demonstrates to me, and I believe to others of all backgrounds, that this man, and many like him, showed more resolve and endurance through greater hardship than the individuals that are traditionally celebrated as the "founders" of our country.
  
  Discussion Questions:
  1. Knowledge - What is the name of the country Frederick moved to after he escaped slavery?
  2. Understand- Why did Frederick use the money he made polishing boots to buy books of speeches about freedom?
  3. Apply - What about Frederick's life was different from yours? What about his life was the same as something in yours?
  4. Analyze - How was Frederick's life as a slave different from when he was free? How was it the same?
  5. Evaluate - Why, even after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and the North won the war, did Frederick encourage other African Americans with the words, "What is possible for me is possible for you."?
  6. Create - Frederick Douglass said, "If there is no struggle, there is no progress". Write about a time when you or someone you know went through a struggle before finding progress or success.
• 
  Elizabeth

  I enjoyed Frederick's Journey quite a lot. The illustrations are gorgeous and I love how Rappaport uses quotes from Frederick Douglass to emphasize that this is his story. She does this in a way that doesn't interrupt the flow of the book at all- which is amazing. All she does is change the font & add quotation marks to let you know they are quotes. I also liked that she didn't hide the fact that North in the US still held a large amount of discrimination. Often times when kids hear "north" in reference to escaped slaves they don't realize it isn't the New England area being talked about.
  
  I think my only concern is that she says the black men were awarded the vote in 1870- which is true and important for kids to know- but she doesn't mention at all the struggles they faced trying to actually vote. I think this is a shame because if I remember correctly Frederick Douglass continued to fight to make sure they had access to their rights. It's just a little misleading and can cause some confusion for the younger kids that this book is meant for.
  
  I received a copy of this book for award consideration.
• 
  Annette

  FREDERICK’s JOURNEY by Doreen Rappaport tells the inspirational true story of a slave boy who ultimately achieves freedom and spreads his abolitionist beliefs to promote change.
  
  The author skillfully weaves together a nonfiction narrative that combines Douglass’ life story with excerpts from his writings and speeches. Amazing illustrations by London Ladd add to the power of this important story.
  
  In addition to the narrative itself, the book also includes an Author’s Note, Illustrator’s Note, timeline, and sources.
  
  The Big Words series is an excellent way to introduce youth to key historical figures. Librarians will find Frederick’s Journey to be an excellent addition. Consider creating a display that features this entire series. Incorporate a timeline that shows how the books are connected chronologically and thematically.
  
  To learn more about the author, go to
  http://doreenrappaport.com/.
  
  To learn more about the illustrator, go to
  http://www.londonladd.com/.
  
  Published by Disney-Hyperion on November 3, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
• 
  Da'Quan Love

  Doreen Rappaport’s Frederick’s Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass provides upper-elementary readers with a detailed account of the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass. Unlike other biographical texts, I appreciate how the author explains Douglass’ life beginning with his enslavement and early life. The sensory details used throughout the story, along with visual images, contribute to the powerful story being shared with many readers for the first time. In my classroom, I would use this book as an introductory text to a unit studying the contributions of influential African Americans. Students could then use that prior knowledge to further engage with the social studies unit. Further, for a lower-elementary class, I would use this text as a read-aloud for the whole class as it is complimented by excellent illustrations on each page. To extend even more, I could ask students to create a timeline of Frederick Douglass using the timeline as a critical project resource.
• 
  Luann

  This was a very powerful story that I think would work well as a classroom read-aloud. Frederick Douglass went through so much when he was young! I love the fact that he saw power in words and felt that reading was "more valuable than bread." This is a great first book to read about Douglass, and will hopefully inspire students to want to read more about him. I like the illustrations inside, but feel that the cover picture might be a bit forbidding for young students. There were other illustrations of Douglass inside that I would have preferred for the cover.
• 
  Ro Menendez

  04/09/2016 quotes from Frederick’s writing which lends validity and a touch of intimacy that will allow the reader to feel closer to Douglass’s challenges and struggles. Readers will not only confirm what they have learned about slavery through other sources, but will also find inspiration to stand up for others when they are suffering injustices and infringement of civil liberties. Frederick’s Journey invites readers to examine the evolution of civil rights in the United States, how it has changed and what actions were necessary in order to create a more just society for all.
• 
  San Diego Book Review

  Frederick Douglass was a slave, and nobody told him that his mother was sick until she had already died when he was seven. He was raised by his grandmother, who had to leave him when he was six. He was sold to a woman who started to teach him to read, but her husband said, “Slaves shouldn’t learn to read!” so she stopped giving him lessons. Read the entire review at
  http://www.sandiegobookreview.com/fre...
  
  Reviewed by Rachel W
• 
  Earl

  WOW! It's absolutely humbling to read about Frederick Douglass. He didn't let anything get in the way of bettering himself and making sure the world was not the unfair place he was born into but a place where everyone was treated equal. I definitely need to check out his autobiography.
  
  The illustrations were incredible as well.
  
  And, I didn't realize Doreen Rappaport's amazing biographies were part of her Big Words series. I'll definitely read them all!
• 
  Sierra

  Beautifully illustrated overview of who Frederick Douglass was & why everyone should know of his accomplishments & influence on civil rights today. Even though the text is minimal, there are quotes on nearly every page along with powerful illustrations. I want to get a copy for my high school freshmen.
• 
  Amy

  Doreen Rappaport does it again -- her large format picture book biographies are illustrated in bold brushstrokes and convey a simple sense of power to the subjects of her books.
  
  Learn about the journey that Frederick Douglass made from slavery, to literacy and finally to freedom. Quotes from his life are interspersed in the text.
• 
  Meredith Spidel

  Such a treat to receive an advanced copy of this book, which is a super way to read about the life of this man and teach your children about the mark he made on American history. Beautifully illustrated!
• 
  Lynn

  Douglas' life is made accessible through strong illustrations and strong precise text. Students may be surprised to learn of the difficulties he (and other blacks) also experienced in the north when trying to become employed.
  
• 
  Laura Phelps

  A beautiful introduction to Frederick Douglass; I really like the quotations interspersed throughout the text and the illustrations are stellar. I wish there was just a bit more content, but as a general intro to one of our most important historical figures, it is quite captivating!
• 
  Christina Getrost

  Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Short text, concise, sprinkled with appropriate quotations (all cited properly) from Frederick Douglass. Beautiful realistic large two-page spread paintings. Has timeline, sources, bibliography.
• 
  Karen Arendt

  Excellent work. The only sad thing is that Rochester, NY is only mentioned as part of the illustrations for the newspaper The North Star. As a person living in Rochester for the past 26 years, I was hoping to see it mentioned.
• 
  Thomas Andrikus

  A very inspiring story of a great man who dedicated his life for the freedom of not just himself, but also others. The beautiful illustrations accompanying the book also endears the readers to this quick read.
• 
  Maggie Mattmiller

  Great biography of Frederick Douglass, with amazing illustrations. He's one I feel many elementary students don't hear about, and yet this book will make him accessible to them. Very powerful. Definitely one I would add to my classroom library.
• 
  Susanne

  Beautifully illustrated picture biography. Well told story, with timeline, further resources, and author's notes. May be fun but tricky to read aloud because of the Douglass quotes woven into every page that, despite being great quotes, do not match the voice of the story.
• 
  Elizabeth S

  A very well done picture book biography. I liked how the author used Douglas' own words as part of the story. The art helped tell Douglas' life and history.
• 
  Turrean

  Another fine biography from Rappaport.