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bickie's review against another edition
4.0
Simple, straightforward treatment of a somewhat complex topic - the question of the legality of slavery in pre-Revolutionary Massachusetts. Elizabeth Freeman (Mumbet) is strong and determined to one day win her freedom.
A couple of quibbles with the illustrations:
Mumbet's arm has no scar from the long-festering wound Mrs. Ashley gave her with a coal shovel.
Sedgwick is depicted as left-handed, which was generally not a thing in the 1700s.
A couple of quibbles with the illustrations:
Mumbet's arm has no scar from the long-festering wound Mrs. Ashley gave her with a coal shovel.
Sedgwick is depicted as left-handed, which was generally not a thing in the 1700s.
kristenremenar's review against another edition
4.0
As Colonel Ashley and other white men rail against the injustices the colonists suffer at the hands of the King, Mumbet is dealing with the daily injustice of being a slave. The new constitution states, "All men are born free and equal". How can people not see that Mumbet should be free, too?
Mumbet goes to a lawyer. The new law should apply to her as well. Her lawyer argues that "even though people owned slaves in Massachusetts, no law had ever made it legal. Now the new constitution made it illegal." Mumbet won her case. She was legally free, able to choose the name Elizabeth Freeman, able to leave those who abused her as a slave.
Mumbet goes to a lawyer. The new law should apply to her as well. Her lawyer argues that "even though people owned slaves in Massachusetts, no law had ever made it legal. Now the new constitution made it illegal." Mumbet won her case. She was legally free, able to choose the name Elizabeth Freeman, able to leave those who abused her as a slave.
libraryrobin's review against another edition
3.0
A clever slave gains her freedom in 1700s Massachusetts.
nerfherder86's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting picture book about Mumbet, a woman who was a slave in Revolutionary times. When she overhears men writing the Massachusetts constitution and talking about rebelling against Britain, she goes to a lawyer and demands that it applies to her too. She has a trial and wins her freedom! Changes her name to "Elizabeth Freeman." Though sources are given, there's not a whole lot known about the details of her life; the book has fictionalized dialogue and an author's note that clarifies what is known and what is conjecture.
michelle_neuwirth_gray9311's review against another edition
4.0
This would make a great read aloud in an elementary class to give the chance to learn about African Americans during slavery. It is a great introduction to someone they are probably very unfamiliar with. Beautiful illustrations.
scostner's review against another edition
3.0
Gretchen Woelfle has written an account of Mumbet's desire for freedom and her legal battle to achieve it. Since there are no historical records left by Mumbet (a.k.a. Elizabeth Freeman) herself, the author has taken information recorded by the daughter of Mumbet's lawyer and used it to imagine what Mumbet was feeling and thinking. It is interesting to note that tours of her owner's house focused on his accomplishments and role in history, but recently Mumbet's story has come to the forefront. In a time when the United States was fighting for it's own liberty, she decided to go to court and claim her own rights. The illustrations show the clothing and furnishings of the period and also show Mumbet as a woman in her role of servitude. The pictures underscore the point that she was not big or powerful - she simply stood up for what she knew was right.
The author's note explains that much of what is known came from letters, journals,and an essay written by someone else. There are no primary source documents from Mumbet because she could not read or write. Those facts make your wonder what other stories have been lost over time because those involved didn't have the luxury of an education and no one else recorded what happened.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical stories or books with strong female characters. It would be good to include in social studies units on slavery, colonial life, or the American Revolution.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through Netgalley.
The author's note explains that much of what is known came from letters, journals,and an essay written by someone else. There are no primary source documents from Mumbet because she could not read or write. Those facts make your wonder what other stories have been lost over time because those involved didn't have the luxury of an education and no one else recorded what happened.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical stories or books with strong female characters. It would be good to include in social studies units on slavery, colonial life, or the American Revolution.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through Netgalley.
stephb413's review against another edition
4.0
I appreciate teaching young about the hypocritical notion of "freedom" present since the foundation of the United States. I didn't love the illustrations, but Mumbet's story stills rings throughout the pages. I did not know Mumbet before this picture book, but I'm so glad I do now. This is an important book to have for any little (or big) history buff’s bookshelf.
libscote's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. Fighting for your rights using the justice system and winning? It's a great story with beautiful illustrations.
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