Cover of Only Passing Through

Only Passing Through

Author Anne Rockwell Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

Grades 1-4 Ages 6-9

A powerful picture book biography of one of the abolitionist movement's most compelling voices.

Sojourner Truth traveled the country in the latter half of the 19th century, speaking out against slavery. She told of a slave girl who was sold three times by age 13, who was beaten for not understanding her master's orders, who watched her parents die of cold and hunger when they could no longer work for their keep. Sojourner's simple yet powerful words helped people to understand the hideous truth about slavery. The story she told was her own.

Only Passing Through is the inspiring story of how a woman, born a slave with no status or dignity, transformed herself into one of the most powerful voices of the abolitionist movement. Anne Rockwell combines her lifelong love of history with her well-known skill as a storyteller to create this simple, affecting portrait of an American icon.

Available Formats

Trade Paperback 9780440417668

Awards

New York Times Best Illustrated Book - WINNER 2000

ALA Notable Children's Book - WINNER 2001

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book - WINNER 2000

Random House Children's Books Teachers and Librarians