Facing Frederick

December 18, 2017
Adopting a conversational tone, Bolden (Crossing Ebenezer Creek) recounts the “legend’s life” of “the de facto president of black America,” Frederick Douglass, né Bailey (1818–1895). Douglass—a self-emancipated slave, orator, writer, newspaper editor and owner, abolitionist, desegregationist, women’s rights advocate, Underground railroad conductor, civil servant, and diplomat—believed that slavery and racism constituted “twin-monsters of darkness.” He fought against both, encouraging his audience to invest in durable assets such as education and skills, in order to improve their world. This informative, handsomely designed biography posits that Douglass’s break from William Lloyd Garrison in the late 1840s constituted a turning point in Douglass’s career; Bolden charts, in detail, his independent voice thereafter, through the battle for emancipation to enfranchisement and the fight against Jim Crow–era “black codes.” Contrasting the leonine and financially successful public figure—backed in his early days by English abolitionists—and fallible private person, Bolden skillfully interweaves the political developments of Douglass’s time with his personal life. Archival photographs and illustrations, journalistic extracts, a timeline, and other resources are included. Ages 10–14. Agent: Jennifer Lyons, Lyons Literary.

Starred review from November 1, 2017

Gr 7 Up-Bolden successfully demonstrates in this biography how monumental a figure Frederick Douglass is in U.S. history. Rather than provide readers with a straightforward chronological account, Bolden begins Douglass's story with his first speaking engagement and the publishing of his autobiography. She tells of Douglass's work as a publisher, a diplomat to Haiti, a bank president, and a prolific writer. The chapter titles are quotes from Douglass; each section features excerpts from his publications, quotes from Douglass or his contemporaries, and images, making the read even more engaging. Bolden immerses students in Douglass's world, effectively capturing the atmosphere of the times: "As bombs, bullets, and bayonets bloodied and blew away lives, Frederick ratcheted up his rhetoric on slaveholders." Bolden supplements her text with photographs, drawings, and images of his publications. What elevates these visuals are Bolden's meticulous descriptions of each one (albumen print, daguerreotype, watercolor, lithograph, etc.). VERDICT Bolden adroitly demonstrates the wealth of Douglass's life and accomplishments with this stellar biography. A must for all nonfiction collections.-Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from October 15, 2017
The story of one of the most iconic and photographed figures in American history. Frederick Douglass wanted to be viewed as more than an escaped slave, and Bolden emphasizes that point by beginning his story when he makes the decision to break with abolitionist publisher William Lloyd Garrison to begin his own newspaper. Douglass' history is nevertheless revealed as he contemplates changing his course. In his paper, the North Star, he pressed for an end to slavery and was outspoken in favor of women's suffrage. Once the nation's struggles between freedom and slavery led to armed conflict, he pushed President Abraham Lincoln to allow black men to fight in the Union cause. After the Civil War, Douglass remained tireless in seeking to improve the lives of African-Americans until the end of his life. This narrative about a well-known figure feels fresh due to Bolden's skilled storytelling. It fully captures his outsized personality and provides clarity for nuanced episodes such as his disagreements with Garrison, his refusal to support efforts to colonize blacks outside of the United States, and his reservations about John Brown's raid. Complications in his personal life are handled with sensitivity. In addition, Douglass was a celebrity at the dawn of photography and became the era's most photographed figure, and this handsome volume includes many, as well as period illustrations. A spirited biography that fully honors its redoubtable subject. (author's note, timeline, source notes, selected sources, index) (Biography. 10-14)

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Starred review from October 15, 2017
Grades 7-12 *Starred Review* Most folks know Frederick Douglass as an escaped slave turned abolitionist. Bolden's insightful and impeccably researched biography reveals, instead, a multifaceted man who would travel many paths and constantly redefine himself. And instead of commencing with Douglass' life as a slave, as many biographies do, this account begins after his escape, as he becomes one of the most in-demand speakers for the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society and launches his place in history as a great orator against the twin monsters of darkness, slavery and racism. It balances Douglass' personal and financial successes and accolades with his frustrations, controversies, and setbacks, which only encouraged him to question the Constitution and fight harder for freedom, racial justice, and women's suffrage. Framing the biography are more than a dozen photographs of Douglass from his early twenties to just before his death at age 77, with a note explaining his love for photography, because of its democratizing quality. Many other period photographs, colorful reproductions, and quotes from the media of the time add to the impressive visuals. Author, newspaper owner, lecturer, Underground Railroad conductor, Union army recruiter, abolitionist, and presidential campaigner are just some of Douglass' roles described here. Bolden's beautiful, sophisticated narrative demonstrates that throughout all of his responsibilities, Douglass never lost sight of his biggest rolehumanitarian.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)