Book Description
for William Still and His Freedom Stories by Don Tate
From the Publisher
From Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate comes a remarkable picture book biography of William Still, known as Father of the Underground Railroad. Essential for black history collections.
★ “Brings deserved attention to the life of a man who dedicated himself to recording the lives of others.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
★ “An illuminating picture book biography of a lesser-known hero.” —Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
★ “Inspirational.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
William Still’s parents escaped slavery but had to leave two of their children behind, a tragedy that haunted the family. As a young man, William went to work for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, where he raised money, planned rescues, and helped freedom seekers who had traveled north. One day, a strangely familiar man came into William’s office, searching for information about his long-lost family. Could it be?
Motivated by his own family’s experience, William Still began collecting the stories of thousands of other freedom seekers. As a result, he was able to reunite other families and build a remarkable source of information, including encounters with Harriet Tubman, Henry “Box” Brown, and William and Ellen Craft.
Award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate brings to life the incredible, stranger-than-fiction true story of William Still, a man who dedicated his life to recording the stories of enslaved people fleeing to freedom. Tate’s powerful words and artwork are sure to inspire young readers in this first-ever picture book biography of the Father of the Underground Railroad.
Awards:
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book —Chicago Public Library
Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Silver Honor —California Reading Association
Best of Picture Books —Kirkus Reviews
Children’s Crown Award (Nominee) —National Christian School Association
Golden Kite (Finalist, Nonfiction Text for Younger Readers) —Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) —Kansas National Education Association
Also available from Don Tate:
Carter Reads the Newspaper
Poet