Bread for Words: A Frederick Douglass Story

"Bread for Words: A Frederick Douglass Story" is a captivating picture-book biography that immerses middle-school readers in the early life of one of America’s most powerful voices for racial justice and education equity, Frederick Douglass. Published on January 15, 2020, this compelling narrative, penned by Shana Keller, explores Douglass's formative years as a young slave who intuitively understood the transformative power of literacy. Using Douglass's own words to enrich the text, Keller poignantly illustrates his relentless pursuit of knowledge under oppressive circumstances and his ingenious methods of learning to read and write—like trading bread for lessons with other children. This book not only highlights Douglass's journey towards freedom and equality but also encourages readers to reflect on the enduring impact of education and the ongoing struggle against racial injustice. It prompts young minds to consider, "How can education become a tool for justice in my own life and community?"