About This Book
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's "Jefferson's Sons" offers a compelling, fictionalized narrative spanning the last two decades of Thomas Jefferson's life at Monticello. Told from the perspectives of three enslaved individuals, including two of Jefferson's sons with Sally Hemings, the book explores the profound complexities of their lives. It delves into themes of identity, family, freedom, and the harsh realities of slavery, providing a nuanced historical lens for young readers. This book is ideal for late elementary to middle schoolers ready to engage with challenging historical topics and moral dilemmas.
A fictionalized look at the last twenty years of Thomas Jefferson's life at Monticello through the eyes of three of his slaves, two of whom were his sons by his slave, Sally Hemings.
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Discussion Prompts
1
What does freedom mean to each of the characters in the book? How do their ideas of freedom differ?
2
How does the book show the complicated relationship between Thomas Jefferson and his enslaved children?
3
What choices do the characters make to survive and find hope in their difficult circumstances?
4
How does learning about this part of history change your understanding of the founding of America?
5
What emotions did you feel while reading about the lives of the enslaved people at Monticello?
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