Weakened by the voyage and near death in a Boston slave market, Wheatley is bought by a kind family who nurses her back to health and teaches her to read and write. Soon her mistress recognizes that the girl is a quick learner and talented. At the age of 12, a torrent of poetry begins to flow out of Wheatley. Proud of her achievements, her mistress organizes readings in Boston's finest parlors and drawing rooms, and Wheatley's fame spreads. But even when many in Boston are calling her a prodigy and a genius, some remain unsure that a slave should be able to write, much less write poetry. When Phillis travels to London she is a media sensation, feted by the cream of English society. A book of her poems is published, and she finally gains her freedom.
This amazing story, wide in scope, is based on fact and told convincingly from young Wheatley's point of view.
Product Details
ISBN-13: 9781525310867
Media Type: Paperback
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Limited
Publication Date: 05-02-2023
Pages: 152
Product Dimensions: 5.25(w) x 6.85(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range: 10 - 14 Years
About the Author
Afua Cooper is a multi-award-winning and celebrated speaker, scholar, historian, author, poet, performer and social and cultural commentator for organizations worldwide committed to building diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. In alignment with the recent global overtures to end racism, Dr. Cooper's mission is to end racism globally by helping organizations improve racial and ethnic justice in the workplace. She helps boards of directors set long-term strategies to become anti-racist organizations. She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia.