Free at Last!: Stories and Songs of Emancipation

By Doreen Rappaport

Book Overview

True stories and traditional songs shed light on a lesser known era in African-American history -- the crucial decades between Emancipation and the start of the Civil Rights movement.

In the dark of night, a mother risks her life to search for her four children, stolen by her former master. A wife refuses to hand her husband over to an angry white-hooded mob, despite the wailing of her babies -- and the foot stomping on her pregnant belly. A woman calmly takes her seat in a first-class coach and is ordered to leave: "I'm a lady. All ladies sit here," argues journalist Ida B. Wells before she is carried from the car, seat and all.

These are some of the vignettes presented in Free at Last , interwoven with spirituals, work songs, blues lyrics, poems, and a compelling narrative recounting the experience of black Americans in the South from the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 through the dawn of the Civil Rights era in 1954. Drawing from true accounts, Doreen Rappaport writes of hopes for equality dashed by new "legal" injustices, and of a climate of fear and uncertainty fueled by intimidation, lynchings, and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan. But she tells also of the courageous struggle to re-create family and community life, achieve economic independence, explore creative expression, and eventually mount a successful legal challenge against segregation. Masterfully matched by Shane W. Evans's bold, emotion-filled paintings, this is an invaluable resource for teachers, parents, librarians, students, and everyone else who values what it means to be truly free. Back matter includes a list of important dates, an artist's note, sources, resources for further information, and an index.

An International Reading Association Teachers' Choice
A Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice
A Chicago Public Library Best Book

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0763631477
• ISBN13: 9780763631475
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 9.5" x 11.2"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Excellent book of history

Beautifully written and depicted, this book outlines the history of African Americans in the United States from the Civil War to school desegregation in the 1950's. Twenty-four events are described and illustrated. The great thing about this book is it is written for children to read and understand in terms they will be familiar with. However, children will need a strong background in order to read this book independently or used as a discussion tool. The author conveniently incorporates songs, poetry, and stories of famous African Americans. This allows for greater understanding of the event being described and offers the chance to take different perspectives. It is important to note, Doreen Rappaport reports accurate information on the more serious occurrences that took place during emancipation. For example, the Klu Klux Klan and lynchings are mentioned and described in the book and are accompanied by illustrations. This book also describes the "white violence" towards the African Americans. It is critical the children are mature enough and have enough background knowledge to understand the seriousness of the information being discussed. I believe this book should be a staple in every classroom! The illustrations, stories, songs, and events give accurate historical information and are written simply so children understand and enjoy. Please do not hestiate to make this book part of your classroom library!

An educational picture book about difficult struggles

An award-winning team, author Doreen Rappaport and illustrator Shane W. Evans present Free At Last!: Stories And Songs Of Emancipation, a captivating picture book surveying the history of African-Americans since the Civil War. This is a serious account suitable for young readers in covering such elements of the African-American experience as fear, violence, institutionalized injustice, lynchings, as well as the courageous acts of others, including those who spoke out against segregation and dared to make a difference. Strong, bold color illustrations add an unforgettable contribution to Free At Last!, an educational picture book about difficult struggles and which carries the absolute highest recommendation for both school and community library collections.