They Call Me Teach: Lessons in Freedom
From the very first page of James E. Ransome’s art, I was smitten with this story. Lesa Cline-Ransome has written a lyrical—at times heart-thumping—story about a young man in the 19th-century American South who risks everything to teach other enslaved people how to read. The detail-rich art complements the spare text beautifully.
It’s not a story with a Hollywood happy ending, but one that ends on a determined note. It leaves the reader hopeful but still aware of the dangers that lie ahead. I especially like how the author incorporates various small ways people defied the system, such as gathering information and news to share, and clandestinely helping others with needed paperwork.
This book would be an excellent addition to any family or classroom collection. Its theme of freedom being furthered by reading, understanding, and acting on that knowledge is still relevant today. Ages 5-8.
