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erine's review against another edition
5.0
I love Don Tate's illustration style. There's something incredibly emotional about the way he draws, and here he must balance the seriousness of the time period and topics (slavery and Reconstruction, injustice) with the fact that this is a book intended for kids. Somehow he threads that needle and depicts serious and violent things without graphic imagery.
Recently I read [b:Monumental: Oscar Dunn and His Radical Fight in Reconstruction Louisiana|55783024|Monumental Oscar Dunn and His Radical Fight in Reconstruction Louisiana|Brian K. Mitchell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1603740116l/55783024._SX50_.jpg|87002855], and with recent events, the Reconstruction period seems like it's just begging for some extra attention. So I appreciated learning about how Oscar Dunn was elected to Lieutenant Governor in Louisiana in 1868. And in this biography, I learned that John Roy Lynch was elected to Mississippi's House of Representatives in 1869, and as a Mississippi representatives to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1872. One of the most heartbreaking parts of Reconstruction was the way it ended after offering so much hard-won hope and opportunity. This is addressed here mainly as an afterward, but there is ample context for Lynch's life depicting his childhood in slavery, his young adulthood as a newly freed independent worker, and then his early adult life as a representative.
Another book to add to this group of Reconstruction biographies is [b:The Escape of Robert Smalls: A Daring Voyage Out of Slavery|43587007|The Escape of Robert Smalls A Daring Voyage Out of Slavery|Jehan Jones-Radgowski|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1554317598l/43587007._SX50_.jpg|67816524], another Reconstruction politician.
Recently I read [b:Monumental: Oscar Dunn and His Radical Fight in Reconstruction Louisiana|55783024|Monumental Oscar Dunn and His Radical Fight in Reconstruction Louisiana|Brian K. Mitchell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1603740116l/55783024._SX50_.jpg|87002855], and with recent events, the Reconstruction period seems like it's just begging for some extra attention. So I appreciated learning about how Oscar Dunn was elected to Lieutenant Governor in Louisiana in 1868. And in this biography, I learned that John Roy Lynch was elected to Mississippi's House of Representatives in 1869, and as a Mississippi representatives to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1872. One of the most heartbreaking parts of Reconstruction was the way it ended after offering so much hard-won hope and opportunity. This is addressed here mainly as an afterward, but there is ample context for Lynch's life depicting his childhood in slavery, his young adulthood as a newly freed independent worker, and then his early adult life as a representative.
Another book to add to this group of Reconstruction biographies is [b:The Escape of Robert Smalls: A Daring Voyage Out of Slavery|43587007|The Escape of Robert Smalls A Daring Voyage Out of Slavery|Jehan Jones-Radgowski|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1554317598l/43587007._SX50_.jpg|67816524], another Reconstruction politician.
mommagray's review against another edition
5.0
A powerful book about reconstruction, a man who went from slave to US Congressman in ten years, and how this first small progress quickly fell short. Growing up in the south, I feel my education around this time period is rather biased, and this book was a nice antidote to that. My children 13, 11, 10 and 6 also enjoyed it.
elephant's review against another edition
5.0
This beautifully illustrated picture book includes historical notes, a timeline and notes from the author and illustrator at the end of the book. The story of John Roy Lynch, son of an Irish father and enslaved mother, who went from being a teenage field slave to a US Congressman in ten years - from 1862 to 1872, is told in a way that children can understand and relate to and the illustrations help to tell the story. The story tells about the life of John Roy Lynch and about the Civil War and Reconstruction period that followed it and how he fought for civil rights during that time. The story is informative and touching and I love the illustrations.
missyp's review against another edition
4.0
In 1875, US Representative John Roy Lynch (R-MS) proclaimed in support of the civil rights bill:
I found it remarkable that Rep Lynch included women and children in his statement; that seemed very forward thinking only six years after African-American men were granted suffrage and more than 40 years before women would be given the right to vote.
What is truly remarkable about Rep. Lynch is that he gave this speech only 25 years after he had been born into slavery.
The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch, written by Chris Barton and illustrated by Don Tate, relates the remarkable life of a man who made his way from working as an enslaved person in the fields of Tacony Plantation in Louisiana, to serving as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives and the US House of Representatives.
Once again, a children’s picture book biography has introduced me to an important and inspiring person who had not been part of my earlier education. The entire period of Reconstruction is often glossed over or skimmed through after the tumultuous era of the Civil War. Barton and Tate provide an accurate, unsentimental, yet child-appropriate look at the life of a man who was born into slavery, rose to achievement in the Reconstruction era, and ultimately faced oppression of Jim Crow laws and racial discrimination until his death in 1939.
For an excellent description of the writing and illustration, I point to the review by Betsy Bird, children’s literature guru and local (Evanston) librarian.
After reading a picture book biography or a historical fiction, I like to search the online newspaper archives from that period to see if I can find articles that relate to the person or event. I was delighted to find that Rep. John Roy Lynch continued to succeed and serve the nation after leaving politics as a member of the US Army during the Spanish-American War. I found articles in four Midwestern newspapers from August 1901, announcing Lynch’s appointment by President McKinley to captain and assistant paymaster, the first African-American man commissioned for staff duty.
The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch is a great introduction for children and adults to a man whose life of service merits appreciation and celebration to this day.
When every man, woman, and child can feel and know that his, her, and their rights are fully protected by the strong arm of a generous and grateful Republic, then we can truthfully say that this beautiful land of ours, over which the Star Spangled Banner so triumphantly waves, is in truth and in fact, the “land of the free and the home of the brave.”
I found it remarkable that Rep Lynch included women and children in his statement; that seemed very forward thinking only six years after African-American men were granted suffrage and more than 40 years before women would be given the right to vote.
What is truly remarkable about Rep. Lynch is that he gave this speech only 25 years after he had been born into slavery.
The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch, written by Chris Barton and illustrated by Don Tate, relates the remarkable life of a man who made his way from working as an enslaved person in the fields of Tacony Plantation in Louisiana, to serving as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives and the US House of Representatives.
Once again, a children’s picture book biography has introduced me to an important and inspiring person who had not been part of my earlier education. The entire period of Reconstruction is often glossed over or skimmed through after the tumultuous era of the Civil War. Barton and Tate provide an accurate, unsentimental, yet child-appropriate look at the life of a man who was born into slavery, rose to achievement in the Reconstruction era, and ultimately faced oppression of Jim Crow laws and racial discrimination until his death in 1939.
For an excellent description of the writing and illustration, I point to the review by Betsy Bird, children’s literature guru and local (Evanston) librarian.
After reading a picture book biography or a historical fiction, I like to search the online newspaper archives from that period to see if I can find articles that relate to the person or event. I was delighted to find that Rep. John Roy Lynch continued to succeed and serve the nation after leaving politics as a member of the US Army during the Spanish-American War. I found articles in four Midwestern newspapers from August 1901, announcing Lynch’s appointment by President McKinley to captain and assistant paymaster, the first African-American man commissioned for staff duty.
The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch is a great introduction for children and adults to a man whose life of service merits appreciation and celebration to this day.
amdame1's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
John Roy Lynch had an Irish father but since his mother was black and a slave, he automatically became a slave as well. The Emancipation Declaration during the Civil War made him a free man and he was one of the few who managed to do quite well during the Reconstruction era. He was even elected into the US Congress at one point.
Whimsical illustrations throughout by Don Tate add much to the text. In the note at the end he explains his reasoning for the particular style used here. There is also a historical note and an author's note in addition to a timeline, additional resources, and maps.
I wish there had been more information about what Lynch was able to do while in his roles as Congressman and Justice of the Peace.
John Roy Lynch had an Irish father but since his mother was black and a slave, he automatically became a slave as well. The Emancipation Declaration during the Civil War made him a free man and he was one of the few who managed to do quite well during the Reconstruction era. He was even elected into the US Congress at one point.
Whimsical illustrations throughout by Don Tate add much to the text. In the note at the end he explains his reasoning for the particular style used here. There is also a historical note and an author's note in addition to a timeline, additional resources, and maps.
I wish there had been more information about what Lynch was able to do while in his roles as Congressman and Justice of the Peace.
libscote's review against another edition
5.0
This is an important book. How often do we read about former slaves who went from that status to Congress in ten years? I can't remember any. This book explains a time in America's history that we like to forget/ignore/gloss over well. Barton clearly did a lot of research about his subject.
tashrow's review
5.0
John Roy Lynch grew up as a slave in Mississippi, the son of an overseer who tried to free his children from slavery. Unfortunately, his untimely death led to them continuing to be enslaved until the Emancipation Proclamation. Lynch found a job, his first paying job, on a steamer ship and worked his way up. At age 17, John Roy went to work for a photographer whose studio was right across from a school. Listening in on the classes and attending night school, John Roy was able to learn to write eloquent letters. He also started being active in politics, buying land, and speaking out. He was appointed Justice of the Peace at age 21. Soon he was elected as the Mississippi Speaker of the House and then in 1872, he became the first African-American US Congressman. Throughout, John Roy Lynch spoke to the needs of the people he represented and the importance of civil rights for all.
Barton provides just enough information for children to understand the time period and the implications of the Emancipation Proclamation. This look at the Reconstruction Period offers a view of an important time in American history, one that is often overlooked in children's books. The amazing fortitude and resilience of John Roy Lynch keeps this book moving as his own life progresses forward in unexpected ways. Clearly it is his intelligence and gift for communication that carries Lynch forward into a very different life than others around him. More information on Lynch is offered in the final pages of the book with a complete timelines and bibliography.
The illustrations by Tate are done with a light touch, creating a book that depicts darker subjects at time but also infusing the book with a sense of hope and wonder. This makes a book covering such a heavy topic as well as such an important part of history much more appealing and approachable.
An important book focused on an important figure in a dynamic time in American history, this picture book biography will inform new audiences about the potential for both progress and defeat during the Restoration. Appropriate for ages 7-10.
Barton provides just enough information for children to understand the time period and the implications of the Emancipation Proclamation. This look at the Reconstruction Period offers a view of an important time in American history, one that is often overlooked in children's books. The amazing fortitude and resilience of John Roy Lynch keeps this book moving as his own life progresses forward in unexpected ways. Clearly it is his intelligence and gift for communication that carries Lynch forward into a very different life than others around him. More information on Lynch is offered in the final pages of the book with a complete timelines and bibliography.
The illustrations by Tate are done with a light touch, creating a book that depicts darker subjects at time but also infusing the book with a sense of hope and wonder. This makes a book covering such a heavy topic as well as such an important part of history much more appealing and approachable.
An important book focused on an important figure in a dynamic time in American history, this picture book biography will inform new audiences about the potential for both progress and defeat during the Restoration. Appropriate for ages 7-10.
circleofreadersdruid's review
5.0
Wow. Wow. Wow. I loved this picture book biography of John Roy Lynch. Unfortunately, not many people know who this very important figure in Mississippi and American history was. Chris Barton and Don Tate do a fantastic job of bringing his story to life. This will be one you'll want to discuss with your kids after reading. Highly recommended.
rachel_from_avid_bookshop's review
5.0
Reconstruction and the consequences of its' failure delayed the civil rights movement for far too long. THE AMAZING AGE OF JOHN ROY LYNCH tells the story of the son of an Irish American and African American born into slavery in 1847. At the age of 24, John Roy Lynch was elected to the U.S. Congress representing Mississippi. Only 10 years before he had been a field slave. His remarkable story is told in this lovely book. With an author's note, illustrator's note, bibliography, maps, and timeline, THE AMAZING AGE OF JOHN ROY LYNCH will be a key part of your resources on Reconstruction and the civil rights movement.
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