Kidnapped from her home in Senegal and sold as a slave in 1761, a young girl is purchased by the wealthy Wheatley family in Boston. Phillis Wheatley—as she comes to be known—has an eager mind and it leads her on an unusual path for a slave—she becomes America’s first published black poet. “Strong characterization and perceptive realism mark this thoughtful portrayal.”—Booklist
The daughter of Paul Revere tells of her father’s secret—and her own: “A lively, exciting picture of Boston going to war…excellent.”—VOYA Thirteen-year-old Sarah Revere knows her father is a Patriot hero, a champion of the Colonies against the British. But she also knows that Paul Revere guards a secret about the start of the Revolutionary War that he will tell no one—not his new wife, not his best friend, not even his trusted daughter. It seems everyone in her family has secrets. Sarah’s even got one of her own—and it's tearing her apart…. This is a “beautifully crafted” novel of a young girl growing up—and a country’s battle for independence (School Library Journal). “As usual, Rinaldi has done her homework; the book is solidly researched and extremely well written. Readers will not soon forget these characters…Vivid in the best sense of the word.”—Kirkus Reviews A New York Public Library “Book for the Teen Age” Includes a reader's guide
Harriet Hemings, rumored to be the daughter of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, one of his black slaves, struggles with the problems facing her--to escape from the velvet cage that is Monticello, or to stay, and thus remain a slave.
Based on an extraordinary true story, this young adult novel follows of one young enslaved woman’s struggle to take what is rightfully hers. When I was four and my daddy left, I cried, but I understood. He had become part of the Gone. Oney Judge is a slave. But on the plantation of Mount Vernon, the beautiful home of George and Martha Washington, she is not called a slave. She is referred to as a servant, and a house servant at that—a position of influence and respect. When she rises to the position of personal servant to Martha Washington, her status among the household staff—black or white—is second to none. She is Lady Washington’s closest confidante and for all intents and purposes, a member of the family…or so she thinks. Slowly, Oney’s perception of her life with the Washingtons begins to crack as she realizes the truth: No matter what it’s called, it’s still slavery and she’s still enslaved. Oney must make a choice. Does she stay where she is, comfortable, with this family that has loved her and nourished her and owned her since the day she was born? Or does she take her liberty—her life—into her own hands, and like her father, become one of the Gone?
Sis Goose is a beloved member of Luli's family, despite the fact that she was born a slave. But the family is harboring a terrible secret. And when Union soldiers arrive on their Texas plantation to announce that slaves have been declared free for nearly two years, Sis Goose is horrified to learn that the people she called family have lied to her for so long. She runs away--but her newly found freedom has tragic consequences. Includes an author's note.
A surprising Revolutionary War tale of a family beset by a mother’s mental illness: “Often gripping…the portrayal of Patrick Henry is unusually complex.”—Publishers Weekly Patrick Henry, the famous statesman of the American Revolution, has a secret: He keeps his wife in the cellar. It’s the only alternative to an asylum, for, slowly losing her mind, Sarah Henry has become a serious danger to herself and her children. Narrated by the Henrys’ two daughters, Patsy and Anne, who must take on new responsibilities, this compassionate novel explores the possibility that Patrick Henry’s immortal cry of “Give me liberty or give me death” may have first been spoken by his wife as she pled for her freedom—and “delivers another intriguing spin on history” from the popular author of young adult fiction (Kirkus Reviews). Includes a reader's guide
All my life I have done what my family wanted. I have performed and made them happy. Until now. Now I have broken out on my own Sarah Tracy has spent her entire life under constant supervision, always under the thumb of one older sibling or another. Now, at eighteen it's time for her to get married, so she is sent to dinner parties, plays, teas, soirees, talks, and chaperoned walks -- always accompanied, always watched. Sarah's tired of it -- tired of being shipped around, tired of being reminded that it's time to find a suitable husband. She knows that a husband is definitely not what she wants. But the year is 1861 and it's not proper for girls of Sarah's age to be single or independent. Then Sarah sees an advertisement looking for a young woman to oversee Mount Vernon, the beloved, though now dilapidated, family home of George Washington. Intent on securing the position, she lies to her family and her potential employer, and she becomes mistress of this decaying symbol of American freedom. And then comes the American Civil War. As battles rage around her, Sarah is determined to create a haven of peace at Mount Vernon. With consummate skills, feminine wiles, and a true sense of diplomacy, Sarah single-handedly manages to keep Mount Vernon out of the war. But while she is able to influence generals, soldiers, and even the president, she learns she doesn't hold such sway over her own heart -- as she also discovers true love. Based on a true story, this is the amazing tale of one girl's path to womanhood.
A beloved Newbery Medalist pens a gripping adventure set during the Revolutionary War. After witnessing the execution of Nathan Hale in New York City, newly occupied by the British army, Sophia Calderwood resolves to do all she can to help the American cause, including becoming a spy.
As a teen, Sarah Wheelock has vowed never to let a man control her. With this conviction, she leaves her life on a Michigan farm, disguises herself as a boy, and fights in the Civil War.
