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Book Review:Walking the Road to Freedom: A Story about Sojourner Truth

Title & Author:Walking the Road to Freedom: A Story about Sojourner Truth by Jeri Ferris, Illustrated by Peter E. Hanson; Carolrhoda Books, 1988.

Length:64 pages with full-page illustrations every 5-6 pages.

Print size: Fairly large but with enough words on each page so as not to appear childish. Illustrations are also frequent but not reminiscent of picture books.

Other readability issues: This book has harder words than one might expect (see list below), so students may need some practice. Also, this book explores fairly complex relationships and issues, including the ambivalence of Belle (Sojourner Truth's name as a slave) about freedom, her belief that her master was like God, and her difficulties in keeping touch with her children. The book has a special appeal to people struggling with reading, because Sojourner Truth is a clearly intelligent woman who did not know how to read or write, yet had a lasting impact on society. Books for older readers about her life include interesting insights not included in childrens' books, so this book can also be used as a springboard towards more challenging material about the same topic.

Summary: Traces the life of Sojourner Truth from slavery in New York State, winning a court case concerning her son, becoming a traveling speaker and activist for women's rights and the abolition of slavery.

Typical words: Here are some typical words from the stories; it would be wise to see how many of these your students can read before expecting them to read independently.