Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass (Paula Wiseman Books) Hardcover – Picture Book, January 4, 2011

I purchased this for my nephew along with other books. I think this is a great gift idea and it went over well with his parents.

I must confess to a passion for beautifully-illustrated picture books, especially biographies, historical incidents and/or depicting resourceful children, and this one scores on all points. Using information from Douglass' own writings, the author tells the story of a young boy born into slavery and left orphaned at age six. Rented out by the Master at age eight, he travels (supervised and in rope shackles) to Baltimore. There the woman of the house, unfamiliar with the plantation-style management of slaves, teaches him to read at night. Her husband angrily puts an end to it saying, "...if you teach him to read...(he) will be forever unfit to be a slave". At that moment Frederick resolves to make learning to read and write the central focus of his life.Allowed to travel from the house for errands and work, he searches for words in the environment, memorizing and collecting them in his mind, and eventually buying a newspaper. After eight years in Baltimore he is sent back to the plantation where he was born and begins an informal clandestine school on Sundays with other slaves who wish to learn. The end of the book tells of a plan to steal a boat to escape and even shows a handwritten note that he fabricated as part of the plan, giving permission to travel over the Easter holiday. I think children will be particularly interested in this.I agree with other reviewers that young readers might want to know more about his eventual successful escape. The very last page fills in broad details of his free life, including the his work in the anti-slavery movement including the establishment of the newspaper The North Star, but I think a few more pages would have made a more satisfying story arc.I think this is a book for 6-8 year olds. Those children familar with slavery as it was practiced in our history will likely be aware of the (carefully mentioned) things human beings might have had to endure. For those for whom this is a new topic, it might be helpful to explain that slavery has existed in many forms and at many periods all over the world. As a five-year old child once explained to me, "I know what slavery is! It's when they make you work and they don't pay you for your work!"Adults who might purchase this book may want to know about brief mentions of brutality towards slaves: ("...whipped bloody for being too slow..." and "whose thumb was chopped off"). Still, the strength and courage (not to mention adult success) of this young man will be an inspiration to anyone who hears it. Further, the lesson that learning has the power to change people's lives is certainly one that cannot be repeated too often.

Always so much information with wonderful storytelling and artwork! I look so forward to books by this team.

This is a beautifully illustrated book on the life of Frederick Douglass. The book's primary focus is on Douglass' childhood, mainly his hardships and determination to overcome social barriers by educating himself, and also passing on the torch of knowledge to other slaves by teaching them to read and write.Although the life of a slave is portrayed accurately throughout the story, the author is careful to keep the content realistic but not horrific for a young reader's impressionable mind."Words Set Me Free" is an excellent text for various ages; the text not only highlights history but also the importance of education, which are essential topics for young minds. The book is also a good pick for in-class discussions and sharpening critical thinking skills. I read the book to my 5 year old son, and never did his attention divert from the images and story. Although he recently learned about slavery in school, the book was able to give him a true account of a young slave, and I believe the account left an impression on my son; we discussed slavery and the importance of determination and motivation when overcoming life's hardships.The colors and graphics work beautifully for this type of book, and the images portray the characters' quite realistically. The facial expressions are so accurately portrayed that any reader can feel the emotions of the characters throughout the story. One of my favorite illustrations is of Douglass' attempt to practice writing the alphabet on a white picket fence; the image is powerful."Words Set Me Free" is great story on the life of Frederick Douglass (Bailey). The story highlights many important themes, such as losing a parent, moving to a new place, being property of someone else, self-education, becoming a leader, and making important life changes for the better of oneself and others. Beautiful story for all ages, but perfect for younger readers.

"Words Set Me Free" is a wonderful story about the young life of Frederick Bailey, later known as Frederick Douglass. Believed to be the son of the Master, young Frederick was separated from his mother and sent to live on another plantation. Believing that words would be his only means of freedom and escape, Frederick yearned to learn the written word. After years of learning through the kindness of some, and teaching himself, he began to teach others and eventually decided to write "letters" of freedom for himself and others.Lesa Ransome's poignant and timely tale (I read it during Black History Month) provides young readers with an example of someone who has a hunger for knowledge, and who didn't accept no for an answer. I also enjoyed the glimpse into the developing years of who would later be known as Frederick Douglass. We are told about the mistreatment he experienced at the hands of his Master(s)...from eating meals from a trough to being denied the right to read....only to see his eventual emergence as one of history's most famous freedom fighters.This book was nicely illustrated and easy to read, therefore, making it the perfect addition to any Elementary School Library. I also like the fact that the author had notes in the rear chronicling Douglass' later years, a timeline and other sources. I think these items are extremely useful for young students to learn basic research methods.