A Free Black Girl Before the Civil War: The Diary of Charlotte Forten, 1854

by Christy Steele and Charlotte Forten

Book Overview

The diary of Charlotte Forten, a sixteen-year-old free African American who lived in Massachusettts in 1854 who records her schooling, participation in the anti-slavery movement, and concern for an... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0736803459
• ISBN13: 9780736803458
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Capstone Press
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 7.3" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 8 to 4 years
• Grade Range: Grade 3 and higher

Customer Reviews

A valuable glimpse at 19th century African American life

I first encountered Charlotte Forten Grimke as an adult, when I read the hefty (more than 600 pages) edition of her journals published as part of the Schomburg Library of 19th Century Black Women Writers. I was captivated by her inquisitive mind and vivacious spirit, which clearly came through in her prose."A Free Black Girl Before the Civil War" is a selection from the journals of the young Charlotte Forten (Grimke was her married name), all written in 1854. These writings offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of an educated free black girl during the era of slavery. We learn about Charlotte's love for nature, her participation in abolitionist activities, her admiration for the pioneering African American poet Phillis Wheatley, and other topics. Editor Christy Steele and company have provided a rich and colorful assortment of study aids: photographs and illustrations from Charlotte's era, a map of the "Underground Railroad," a timeline, and other resources. At 32 pages, the book is a lot less intimidating than the adult version which I first read!The book also encourages its young readers to start their own diaries, and offers some tips. A list of relevant Internet sites further adds to the interactive nature of the book. This is an outstanding book for younger readers. Adults who also enjoy it would be wise to seek out the Schomburg Library edition of Charlotte's journals, edited by Brenda Stevenson. Both versions of these historic documents are excellent contributions to the field of African American studies.