Book Review: Freedom's Pen

Freedom's Pen
by Wendy Lawton
Moody Publishers, 2009

There are many excellent biography series for middle-grade readers. But none portrays the childhood of extraordinary women of faith with the depth of Wendy Lawton's biographical fiction series, "Daughters of Faith." Previous books in this "real girls who made a difference" series include accounts of the childhoods of Harriet Tubman, Mary Chilton, and Pocahontas--all women whose faith deepened in the face of overwhelming circumstances. Freedom's Pen, the latest "Daughters of Faith" title, chronicles the childhood of little-known African-American poet Phillis Wheatley.

After slave traders rip her from her family in Africa, seven-year-old Phillis survives a harrowing voyage to America. After landing in Boston, she is sold to the Wheatley family. Through it all, Phillis maintains her deep love of language and words.

Susannah Wheatley, Phillis' mistress, recognizes her unique gifts and helps Phillis realize her dreams of reading and writing. Some of the other household slaves resent her "special" treatment and place in the Wheatley household, leaving Phillis caught between two worlds. But as her faith in God grows, Phillis' poetry sings of the faithfulness of God as well as her passionate belief in freedom for all. By age twelve, Phillis, her fame growing, captures the attention of George Washington and other Patroits. Freedom's Pen closes with Phillis receiving her own desired emancipation.

Freedom's Pen reflects Ms. Lawton's trademark meticulous research and attention to detail, coupled with vibrant storytelling that will appeal to its middle-grade audience as well as teens and adults. Freedom's Pen resonates with messages of hope, perseverance, courage, and freedom that stay with the reader long after the last page is read.

Tip for parents, teachers, & librarians:
Most "regular" biographies for children include sketchy details about the subject's childhood. So, let's say a child comes to the library and asks for a biography on Phillis Wheatley. The historical accuracy of "Daughters of Faith" titles is such that I'll not hesitate to give the child a copy of Freedom's Pen (as I've done with other titles in the series) along with a "regular" biography about Phillis Wheatley. Thanks to Wendy Lawton's account of Phillis Wheatley's childhood, I know this child will leave the library with two books that together provide the complete life story of this courageous poet.

About the author: Wendy Lawton, an award-winning writer, sculptor, and doll designer, founded the Lawton Doll Company in 1979. A devotee of classic Christian literature, Wendy is an active Sunday school teacher and frequent speaker for women's groups. Currently Wendy works as an agent for the Books & Such Literary Agency. For more information about the "Daughters of Faith" series visit Wendy's web site: http://www.wendylawton.com/