William Still and His Freedom Stories: The Father of the Underground Railroad

Gr 1-5--In gentle and straightforward prose, Tate describes the extraordinary life of Black abolitionist William Still. Still's father, mother, and siblings were enslaved on a Maryland farm in the 1700s. Still's father, Levin, purchased his freedom and headed north. Still's mother, Sidney, later escaped with her two daughters. After the family settled in Washington Township, NJ, they changed their last name from Steel to Still in order to protect themselves from slave catchers. Their family grew to 15 children. In 1821, Still was born. As a young boy, Still helped enslaved people escape by guiding them through the woods. As an adult, he secured a job as the office clerk for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society. He worked hard to earn the respect of his employers and one day became the manager. Still was instrumental in the abolitionist movement. His home served as a "station" on the Underground Railroad, and he recorded the stories of people who were enslaved in order to reunite them with their families. The text recounts the oppression and dehumanization of slavery but is not too graphic for the target age demographic. Near the end of the narrative, readers will be pleased to learn about a surprise family reunion that was the direct result of Still's work. Tate's expressive, colorful illustrations work well with the text to convey this important part of American history. VERDICT This inspirational true story combines fact with a very readable narrative, spotlighting a pivotal figure in the abolitionist movement. A book that deserves a place on school and public library shelves.--Margaret Nunes, formerly at Gwinnett County P.L., GA

Author-illustrator Tate (Swish!: The Slam-Dunking, Alley-Ooping, High-Flying Harlem Globetrotters) profiles abolitionist William Still in this clear, comprehensive narrative. Graceful free verse opens on Still's family history: Levin and Sidney Steel escaped enslavement in Maryland--the former by buying his freedom, the latter by escaping with the couple's two daughters--but their two sons were left behind. Reuniting and changing their name to Still, the couple grew their family in New Jersey, until William was born in 1821 as the youngest of 15. Tate concisely details Still's schooling, his hiring at age 26 as the office clerk for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, and a fortuitous meeting with an Underground Railroad passenger that led Still to transcribe the stories of each freedom seeker he met. Textural digital illustrations and expressive characters punctuate the affecting text ("Peter's story was sad. Tragic./ Miraculous. And extraordinary./ And Peter's story restored his family"). An illuminating picture book biography of a lesser-known hero. Back matter includes a timeline, an author's note about the book's inspiration, and a bibliography. Ages 6-10. (Nov.)