"The go-to Frederick Douglass biography for younger students” ( Booklist  starred review). In this powerful picture book biography, New York Times bestselling author Walter Dean Myers and acclaimed artist Floyd Cooper take readers on an inspiring journey through the life of Frederick Douglass. Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in the South, taught himself to read, and grew up to become an icon. He was a leader of the abolitionist movement, a celebrated writer, an esteemed speaker, and a social reformer, proving that “once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” The story of one of America’s most revered figures is brought to life by the text of award-winning author Walter Dean Myers and the sweeping, lush illustrations of artist Floyd Cooper. This picture book biography draws on Frederick Douglass’s autobiographies and includes a timeline, making it an excellent source for reports. "A stirring testament to the power of words and daring action to create change” ( Publishers Weekly  starred review). Gr 2–5—This picture book biography draws on Frederick Douglass's autobiographies to examine his motivations and his lasting impact on U.S. history. Using erasers and oil on board, Cooper conveys Douglass's determination, portraying him as strong and serious even as a child. The artwork depicts Douglass's growing awareness that a life outside of slavery might be possible. The events covered are well chosen to give young readers insight into the essence of his life and accomplishments. In a child-appropriate manner, the text describes beatings, but the illustrations do not show scars. When Douglass was 16, his owner realized that the teen's independent spirit might be problematic. The owner sent Douglass to another man, Edward Covey, whose mistreatment of slaves often caused them to back down. In a dramatic spread, Douglass is shown standing over Covey as the older man crouches on the ground, Douglass clearly the victor in their confrontation: an image that emphasizes the spirit that drove him to stand up for himself and other African Americans through the abolitionist movement. A time line provides context and further details about Douglass's life. VERDICT Although this title is similar in scope to Doreen Rappaport's Frederick's Journey, the two books complement each other. Recommended for collections looking to further explore Douglass's legacy.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA “Focused, informative writing and strong, effective illustrations combine to make this the go-to Frederick Douglass biography for younger students.” - Booklist (starred review) “[A] stirring testament to the power of words and daring action to create change.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Young readers will certainly come away with an understanding of how one person, in spite of overwhelming odds, can make a difference. Cooper’s signature style brilliantly sings in clear and resounding volumes across every page....A posthumous title of distinction from [Myers].” - Kirkus Reviews “This picture book biography draws on Frederick Douglass’s autobiographies to examine his motivations and his lasting impact on U.S. history....The events covered are well chosen to give young readers insight into the essence of his life and accomplishments. Recommended for collections looking to further explore Douglass’s legacy.” - School Library Journal (starred review) “Douglass’s life story has a magisterial glow in this posthumous work from the esteemed Myers....Cooper’s realistic, slightly smudged art feels equally consequential, balancing dignity and emotion.” - New York Times Book Review Walter Dean Myers was the New York Times bestselling author of Monster , the winner of the first Michael L. Printz Award; a National Ambassador for Young People's Literature; and an inaugural NYC Literary Honoree. Myers was recognized by every single major award in the field of children's literature. He was the author of two Newbery Honor Books and five Coretta Scott King Book Award winners. He was the recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults and a three-time National Book Award finalist as well as the first ever recipient of the Coretta Scott King–Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. Floyd Cooper received a Coretta Scott King Award for his illustrations in The Blacker the Berry and a Coretta Scott King Honor for Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea and I Have Heard of a Land . Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mr. Cooper received a degree in fine arts from the University of Oklahoma and, after graduating, worked as an artist for a major greeting card company. His many beloved books form a lasting legacy.