Let my people go : Bible stories told by a freeman of color to his daughter, Charlotte, in Charleston, South Carolina, 1806-16 /
by Patricia and Fredrick McKissack ; illustrated by James E. Ransome.
- first edition.
- New York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers, (c)1998.
- vii, 134 pages : color illustrations ; 29 cm.
"An Anne Schwartz book."
The daughter of a free black man who worked as a blacksmith in Charleston, South Carolina, in the early 1800s recalls the stories from the Bible that her father shared with her, relating them to the experiences of African Americans. In a triumphant celebration of the human spirit, here are 12 favorites from the Old Testament. Each breathtaking illustration adds exquisite clarity. Full-color illustrations. "Come join me as I take you back to Charleston, South Carolina, to my father's forge in the early 1800's. Sit with me on the woodpile as he tells a tale of faith, hope, or love." In this extraordinary collection, Charlotte Jefferies and her father Price, a former slave, introduce us to twelve best loved Bible tales, from Genesis to Daniel, and reveal their significance in the lives of African Americans--and indeed of all oppressed peoples. When Charlotte wants to understand the cruel injustices of her time, she turns to her father. Does the powerful slaveholder, Mr. Sam Riley, who seems to own all that surrounds them, also own the sun and moon? she wonders. Price's answer is to tell the story of Creation. How can God allow an evil like slavery to exist? she asks. Price responds by telling the story of the Hebrews' Exodus --
97019983
African Americans--Juvenile fiction. Slavery--Juvenile fiction. Fathers and daughters--Juvenile fiction.