William Still and his freedom stories : the father of the underground railroad

Title:

Author:

Summary:

The remarkable, little-known story of William Still, known as the Father of the Underground Railroad from award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate. 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. And then 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 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. Don Tate brings to life the incredible true story of William Still's life and work as a record keeper of enslaved people who had fled to freedom. Tate's powerful words and artwork are sure to inspire readers in this first-ever picture book biography of the Father of the Underground Railroad.

Edition:

First edition.

Physical Description:

36 unnumbered pages : color illustrations ; 26 x 29 cm

Genre:

Biographies.

Picture books.

Personal Subject:

Still, William, 1821-1902-Juvenile literature.

Still, William, 1821-1902. Underground Railroad.

Subject Term:

Underground railroad -- Juvenile literature.

African Americans -- History -- 19th century -- Juvenile literature.

Fugitive slaves -- United States -- Juvenile literature.

Publisher:

Peachtree Publishing Company Inc.,

Publication Date:

2020

ISBN:

9781561459353

Publication Information:

Atlanta, Georgia : Peachtree Publishing Company Inc., 2020.

Call Number:

P TATE

Holds: Copies:

Available:*

Item Barcode	Collection	Call Number	Status	Item Holds
33607003519371	Picture Books	TATE	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable

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Summary

From award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate comes a remarkable picture book biography of William Still, known as Father of the Underground Railroad.
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, 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.

Author Notes

Don Tate grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, where he learned about Black history at the Center for Study and Application of Black Theology. He grew up to become an author and illustrator of numerous award-winning children's books, including It Jes' Happened- When Bill Traylor Started to Draw and Poet- The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton, both of received Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor awards. He lives in Austin, Texas.

Reviews (2)

School Library Journal Review

Gr 1--5--In gentle and straightforward prose, Tate describes the extraordinary life of Black abolitionist William Still. Still's father, mother, and siblings were enslaved on a Maryland farm in the 1700s. Still's father, Levin, purchased his freedom and headed north. Still's mother, Sidney, later escaped with her two daughters. After the family settled in Washington Township, NJ, they changed their last name from Steel to Still in order to protect themselves from slave catchers. Their family grew to 15 children. In 1821, Still was born. As a young boy, Still helped enslaved people escape by guiding them through the woods. As an adult, he secured a job as the office clerk for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society. He worked hard to earn the respect of his employers and one day became the manager. Still was instrumental in the abolitionist movement. His home served as a "station" on the Underground Railroad, and he recorded the stories of people who were enslaved in order to reunite them with their families. The text recounts the oppression and dehumanization of slavery but is not too graphic for the target age demographic. Near the end of the narrative, readers will be pleased to learn about a surprise family reunion that was the direct result of Still's work. Tate's expressive, colorful illustrations work well with the text to convey this important part of American history. VERDICT This inspirational true story combines fact with a very readable narrative, spotlighting a pivotal figure in the abolitionist movement. A book that deserves a place on school and public library shelves.--Margaret Nunes, formerly at Gwinnett County P.L., GA

Publisher's Weekly Review

Author-illustrator Tate (Swish!: The Slam-Dunking, Alley-Ooping, High-Flying Harlem Globetrotters) profiles abolitionist William Still in this clear, comprehensive narrative. Graceful free verse opens on Still's family history: Levin and Sidney Steel escaped enslavement in Maryland--the former by buying his freedom, the latter by escaping with the couple's two daughters--but their two sons were left behind. Reuniting and changing their name to Still, the couple grew their family in New Jersey, until William was born in 1821 as the youngest of 15. Tate concisely details Still's schooling, his hiring at age 26 as the office clerk for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, and a fortuitous meeting with an Underground Railroad passenger that led Still to transcribe the stories of each freedom seeker he met. Textural digital illustrations and expressive characters punctuate the affecting text ("Peter's story was sad. Tragic./ Miraculous. And extraordinary./ And Peter's story restored his family"). An illuminating picture book biography of a lesser-known hero. Back matter includes a timeline, an author's note about the book's inspiration, and a bibliography. Ages 6--10. (Nov.)