Suzanne Slade is a former engineer and the author of more than ninety books for children, including Climbing Lincoln's Steps, The House That George Built, Susan B. Anthony- Fighter for Freedom and Equality, and Frederick Douglass- Writer, Speaker, and Opponent of Slavery. She lives near Chicago.
Offering a new perspective, this informational picture book details
the deep friendship between Susan B. Anthony and Frederick
Douglass. Even though their friendship was taboo for the time
period, they were able to withstand prejudice and even violence,
including the brawls and fights that broke out when the two spoke
against slavery together, and being pelted with rotten eggs. The
illustrations are simple and realistic, focusing on the strength of
their rapport. The author eloquently weaves together information
about the fight against slavery and the battle for women's rights,
setting this title apart from others. An extensive author's note
provides more information on research and on the bronze sculpture
of Anthony and Douglass in Rochester, New York. A solid addition
that will spark conversations about gender and racial equality.
-School Library Journal
Two important historical figures from separate worlds come together
for the common purpose of freedom. From the first line of this work
of creative nonfiction, the author makes clear the contrasts
between Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony: The cabin in which
the slave, Frederick, was born had clay floors; the two-story house
in which Susan was born had floors of polished wood. Despite
differences in race, class and upbringing, Douglass and Anthony
determined to be friends despite the taboos against cross-racial
friendships. Both Slade's text and Tadgell's watercolor
illustrations emphasize the passion each had for social justice as
well as the lengths to which they both went to maintain their
friendship. Often, characters in the background peer at them,
looking disgusted or scandalized. In one illustration, enemies
throw rotten eggs at them; Douglass' angry expression and Anthony's
upraised fist speak to their determination to make their friendship
an example of how America should be. The backmatter, which includes
a photograph of bronze sculptures in Rochester, New York, of
Douglass and Anthony having tea together, also offers useful
information from the author in which she delineates the facts
versus the fiction in the story. This biographical gem places the
spotlight on a friendship far ahead of its time.
-Kirkus Reviews
*At a time when “it wasn’t proper for women to be friends with men”
and “You weren’t supposed to be friends with someone whose skin was
a different color,” Anthony and Douglass sought out each other
based on mutual respect and a shared commitment toward equality.
Tadgell’s carefully drafted and evocative watercolors capture both
the past and present obstacles Anthony and Douglass faced, from
Douglass’s youth as a slave to rotten eggs hurled at the two when
they appeared in public together and combative differences of
opinion, as when the Fifteenth Amendment proposed to give voting
rights to black men but not to women. Author and artist notes and a
time line conclude a powerful testament to a friendship that
spanned decades as it challenged conventions and “helped America
grow up, too.”
-Publishers Weekly, *starred review
Can a friendship change a nation? In a most inappropriate
friendship for their time, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass
worked together to gain equality for African Americans and women.
The overall focus of the book is their amazing relationship, which
lasted more than 45 years. The book begins with a brief
introduction of both characters, noting the sharp contrast of their
childhoods: Anthony’s was one of privilege, while Douglass’ was one
of “chopping, plowing and planting.” Despite a major disagreement
over the Fifteenth Amendment, the short pages of text show how they
helped the nation make profound progress in the area of “liberty
and justice for all.” The watercolor illustrations provide
historical context. Back matter includes richly detailed notes from
the author and illustrator, a bibliography, source notes, and a
time line.
-Booklist
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