Phillis Sings Out Freedom: The Story of George Washington and Phillis Wheatley

Words can be powerful allies during war, suggests this warm tribute to African-American poet Wheatley, who wrote an impassioned poem to Gen. George Washington during the American Revolution. Keeter's oil paintings alternate between scenes of Washington and his haggard soldiers and of Wheatley's upbringing. Taken by slave ship to Boston and sold to an affluent couple, Phillis learns to read and write; after proving the legitimacy of her poems, she is set free and writes to Washington to show her support. Malaspina documents the Continental Army's first victory, and as the British retreat, Wheatley wields a quill and paper: "And with her poems, Phillis Wheatley sang out freedom—for herself and a new nation." Ages 7–10. (Sept.)