A Voice of Her Own

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the idea of justice or feeling like their voice doesn't matter in a big world. This biography tells the remarkable true story of Phillis Wheatley, a girl stolen from her home in Africa and sold into slavery in Boston who eventually became the first published African American poet. It is a powerful exploration of how creativity and intellect can serve as tools for survival and liberation. While the subject of slavery is heavy, the book focuses on Phillis's resilience, her hunger for education, and the extraordinary way she used her words to challenge the prejudices of the American colonies. It is an ideal choice for elementary and middle schoolers to begin discussing American history through a lens of individual strength and artistic achievement.