Based on an actual memoir written by Maritcha Rémond Lyons, who was born and raised in New York City, this poignant story tells what it was like to be a black child born free during the days of slavery. Everyday experiences are interspersed with high-point moments, such as visiting the U.S.'s first world's fair.
The book concludes with her fight to attend a whites-only high school in Providence, Rhode Island, and her triumphant victory, making her the first black person in its graduating class. The book includes photographs of Maritcha, her family, and friends, as well as archival and contemporary maps, photographs, and illustrations.
Maritcha is a Coretta Scott King Honor Book.
"Maritcha's achievements were extraordinary for her time, gender, and race.... Strength of family and education were the driving forces in this girl's life. Bolden emphasizes these themes as she skillfully presents interesting facts and a personal view of an often-overlooked segment of history." -- School Library Journal
"Bolden supplements quotes from Lyon's accounts with extensive research and enthralling detail, and the result is both an inspirational portrait of an individual and a piercing history about blacks in the nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries -- subjects rarely covered in books for youth. An author's note describes Lyon's adult achievements and lends insight into Bolden's research." -- Booklist
Recommended Age | 6 - 10 |
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Author | Tonya Bolden |
ISBN | 0810950456 |
Publication Date | Feb 1, 2005 |
Publisher | Harry N. Abrams |
Language | English |