A Day in the Life of a Colonial Sailmaker

by Laurie Krebs

Book Overview

Students follow a day in the life of James Forten, the son of a free black family living in colonial Philadelphia. Forten became one of the leading sailmakers of his time. Students will learn how... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1435836863
• ISBN13: 9781435836860
• Release Date: August 2003
• Publisher: PowerKids Press
• Length: 24 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 5 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 5

Customer Reviews

James Forton, free black sailmaker and one of the richest men in Philadelphia!

Growing up in Philadelphia, James Forton was the son of free black parents. His father made sails for the ships. After his father's death, James has some exciting and frightening adventures during the Revolution! In 1784, he fulfills his dream of becoming an apprentice sailmaker and then a foreman who later was able to own the shop. James Forton became on of the richest men in Philadelphia. He never neglected his own people, and used his own home as a hiding place for escaped slaves. The process of sailmaking is described with numerous illustrations and photographs. This is accurate history, entertainingly presented with a website for further study.