BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
George Moses Horton was a slave who, despite the odds, learned to read and, eventually, to write. His love of language was so strong that he began to compose poems. As word got out about his beautiful writing, local college students began hiring him to write love poems for their sweethearts. Despite this, he was still a slave -- and one who could be punished severely for knowing how to read and write in the time of uprising centered around the Civil War.
Horton's story was new to me, and I found it absolutely fascinating.The illustrations are lovely, as are the snippets of poetry throughout. It would pair well with a broader selection of Horton's poetry, or even an entire book. I could see using it in a unit on persistence, poetry, slavery, biographies, and ways in which those in power find to oppress those they consider beneath them (e.g. limiting schooling options in order to prevent uprisings).
Sydney G., Elementary Library Media Specialist
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