Frederick Douglass: From Slave to Statesman (The Library of American Lives and Times)

Alice Fleming's story opens with an incident that took place when Frederick Douglass was a 15-year-old slave hired out to a cruel farmer, Edward Covey, who inflicted daily beatings on the young man. After six months of abuse, Douglass fought back, finding the courage to reclaim his spirit and beginning his journey from slave to statesman. Roscoe Orman's performance is spellbinding. His deep, melodious voice has authority and credibility as he relates the inhumanity of slavery and the hypocrisy of white abolitionists speaking out against slavery while still viewing blacks as less than equals. The only weakness in the production is the way notes are inserted--introduced by a tone and then read by an obviously white voice that sounds measured and condescending. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Grade 4–8—Alice Fleming's biography (Rosen, 2004) of Frederick Douglass opens with a dramatic account of the young slave fighting back against a brutal master. It then discusses his birth into slavery, early years as a slave, and eventual escape, emphasizing his independent spirit and his determined pursuit of education. Douglass's lengthy career as an abolitionist writer and speaker, civil rights activist, and federal office holder is also covered, with an explanation of how his lifelong commitment to fighting racism and discrimination influenced his actions. Some details about his personal life are also included. In addition to the biographical material, Fleming provides considerable background about slavery, sectionalism, and the causes of the Civil War so that listeners can place Douglass's legacy into the larger context of American history. Sesame Street regular Roscoe Orman does an outstanding job of reading the text, and his deep voice is both authoritative and pleasant. His narration is occasionally interrupted by tones, which signal a change in the text, and another male voice reads the sidebars that accompany the book's regular text. This production will help middle-level students understand Douglass's role in ending slavery and creating the foundation for African-American suffrage and civil rights.—Mary Mueller, Librarian, Rolla Junior High School, MO END