Lasky, Kathryn A Voice of her Own: the story of Phillis
Wheatley, slave poet, 35pgs.
Candlewick Press, 2003. $14.99. Language: G (0 swears, 0 "f"); Mature Content: PG
(descriptions of slavery); Violence: PG (mention of Boston Massacre).
Life as she knew it ended when a young
girl from Senegambia was kidnapped and forced upon a slave boat headed for
America. Malnourished and terrified, she was purchased to be a servant girl for
the Wheatley family of Boston. Named after the ship that carried her across the
ocean, Phillis was fortunate to come to a kind home. Her mistress, Susannah,
decided to teach her to read and write, and encouraged Phillis when she demonstrated
a desire to write poetry. With encouragement from the Wheatleys, Phillis became
the first black woman poet in America.
This is a beautifully written and inspiring account of one
woman who was able to use her pen to express her feelings and observations
about a society about to enter into war. The author and illustrator notes at
the end as well as the index and additional sources make this a useful
classroom research tool.
EL, MS - ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Joy Hafen
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