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Black Hands, White Sails
Despite the dangers and challenges of whaling, many African-Americans took on the job between 1730 and 1880. A rare look at an important slice of American history describes their contributions to the whaling industry and their role in the abolitionist movement.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1999
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138 people want to read
About the author
Patricia C. McKissack
189 books206 followersPatricia C. McKissack was the Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Award-winning author of The Dark-Thirty and Porch Lies an ALA Notable Book. She collaborated with Jerry Pinkney on Goin' Someplace Special (Coretta Scott King Award winner) and Mirandy and Brother Wind (Coretta Scott King Award winner and Caldecott Honor Book).
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 18, 2024
It's a Young Adult book, simply (and clearly) written but, also, a fascinating read. I read a lot about whales--and whaling--when I was a kid. And, also, when I was a kid--I think it was in third grade--I read a children's edition of "Moby Dick." So I've known a lot about whaling but this book shed some light on an aspect of that industry that I knew almost nothing about. The McKissacks examine the role that African Americans ( and other black men from Africa and the Caribbean) played in the whaling industry.
Despite the dangers of the sea and the hard physical labor for low pay, runaway slaves were able to find work on the whaling ships operating out of New England ports, especially Nantucket. For a runaway, this was a chance to escape his master and, while the pay was low, he was paid for his work. Free blacks also got jobs in whaling, as it was difficult for them to find jobs. From 1800-1860, African Americans comprised 25% of the whaling crews.
The book looks at the day-to-day life of the black whalers and also portrays notable African Americans connected to whaling. One was Frederick Douglass, who was a runaway slave from Maryland and, in the North, made a living as a ship's caulker for whaling ships in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He made his first speech opposing slavery at the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Convention conference on the island of Nantucket, a whaling center which also became a center for abolitionism. And from there, Douglass went on to become one of the leading abolitionists in America..
In the 1970s, a movement began to "save the whales," those magnificent intelligent and social mammals ( the 19th Century whalers considered them to be big fish ) and end the horrible practice of whaling. Today, I think most countries are trying to protect the whales, although I believe a few countries, such as Japan, still permit the hunting of these great animals. The pollution of the oceans and climate warming (which affects food supplies in the sea) now pose greater threats to the whales than hunting does. We realize now that the whaling industry nearly drove the whales to extinction ( just as the bison were nearly all exterminated by the hide hunters and others) but there was the aspect of it that could be considered positive--the role of African Americans in an industry in which they could find opportunities--and, for the ones escaping slavery, freedom.
Despite the dangers of the sea and the hard physical labor for low pay, runaway slaves were able to find work on the whaling ships operating out of New England ports, especially Nantucket. For a runaway, this was a chance to escape his master and, while the pay was low, he was paid for his work. Free blacks also got jobs in whaling, as it was difficult for them to find jobs. From 1800-1860, African Americans comprised 25% of the whaling crews.
The book looks at the day-to-day life of the black whalers and also portrays notable African Americans connected to whaling. One was Frederick Douglass, who was a runaway slave from Maryland and, in the North, made a living as a ship's caulker for whaling ships in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He made his first speech opposing slavery at the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Convention conference on the island of Nantucket, a whaling center which also became a center for abolitionism. And from there, Douglass went on to become one of the leading abolitionists in America..
In the 1970s, a movement began to "save the whales," those magnificent intelligent and social mammals ( the 19th Century whalers considered them to be big fish ) and end the horrible practice of whaling. Today, I think most countries are trying to protect the whales, although I believe a few countries, such as Japan, still permit the hunting of these great animals. The pollution of the oceans and climate warming (which affects food supplies in the sea) now pose greater threats to the whales than hunting does. We realize now that the whaling industry nearly drove the whales to extinction ( just as the bison were nearly all exterminated by the hide hunters and others) but there was the aspect of it that could be considered positive--the role of African Americans in an industry in which they could find opportunities--and, for the ones escaping slavery, freedom.
November 6, 2015
This book seeks the point of contact between the history of two of the biggest American industries in the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries: slavery and the whaling, particularly in New England. It focuses on dynamics between sailors and captains on whaling ships, and between the sailors themselves.
Though whaling was by no means a perfect occupation, demanding endless work under brutal and dangerous conditions for little compensation, it offered one of the few forms of income available to free and runaway slaves and other non-white workers. While most non-white whalers (and a lot of white ones, too) lived a life of daily struggle for survival, some black whalers came to own whaling ships and accumulated quite a bit of wealth. "Black Hands, White Sails" describes the lives of many who struggled and the few who succeeded.
This book jumps around a bit. I think if the organization were more compelling I would have given it a five. There's a lot of important and fascinating information about the multicultural dynamics on whaling ships, the complex relations between white Quaker whaling captains and their often non-white sailors and whalers, and some of freed slaves, relatives of freed slaves, and other non-white individuals who managed to up-end the many obstacles in the way of prosperity and create for themselves an independent means of wealth.
Though whaling was by no means a perfect occupation, demanding endless work under brutal and dangerous conditions for little compensation, it offered one of the few forms of income available to free and runaway slaves and other non-white workers. While most non-white whalers (and a lot of white ones, too) lived a life of daily struggle for survival, some black whalers came to own whaling ships and accumulated quite a bit of wealth. "Black Hands, White Sails" describes the lives of many who struggled and the few who succeeded.
This book jumps around a bit. I think if the organization were more compelling I would have given it a five. There's a lot of important and fascinating information about the multicultural dynamics on whaling ships, the complex relations between white Quaker whaling captains and their often non-white sailors and whalers, and some of freed slaves, relatives of freed slaves, and other non-white individuals who managed to up-end the many obstacles in the way of prosperity and create for themselves an independent means of wealth.
July 25, 2021
What an informative book! Though a bit dry, I certainly learned a lot about the role of whaling in America, and particularly in the struggle for African Americans seeking freedom and livelihood. Maybe I'll pick up Moby Dick again, and attempt to make it past the chapter on the eight classes of whales, next time...
September 26, 2017
A really good look at the experience of black sailors on whaling ships - from those escaping slavery, to those who built a successful business, family and legacy for themselves. I learned a lot and the writing kept it interesting.
May 23, 2017
Learned so much about the Black whaling community on long Island as well as Massachusetts and other areas near there and so much more!
October 3, 2021
This book was very interesting and kept my attention during my entire read. I learned a lot!!
July 15, 2024
Despite the dangers and challenges of whaling, many African-Americans took on the job between 1730 and 1880. A rare look at an important slice of American history describes their contributions to the whaling industry and their role in the abolitionist movement.
February 19, 2019
dont really like it nothing intreasting just daily life for black whaleman
December 2, 2022
An interesting look at how whaling and African Americans influenced much of American history. There are some duplicate information but overall an interesting read if you like history.
December 9, 2024
There are lots of interesting facts, but I would have liked it to read more like a story instead of a stack of index cards.
July 28, 2025
nice quick read, lots of interesting research and i just love learning about whaling history and the nuanced ways its connected to so many other parts of history
January 16, 2024
A very interesting book, full of new information about Whalers and its impact on Black history
Read
July 25, 2009McKissack, P., & McKissack, F.L. (1999). Black Hands, White Sails: The story of African-American whalers. New York: Scholastic Press.
0590483137
Black Hands, White Sails considers the history of whaling in the United States with special attention to the experiences of African American and in relation to major events that have shaped American history. For example, did you know one of the five killed at the Boston Massacre was a mulatto man named Crispus Attucks? That’s a detail I don’t remember being included in my grade school history textbooks.
In this Coretta Scott King book, the McKissacks patiently give accounts of multiple escaped slaves, free blacks and supportive whites famous or otherwise and their experiences with whaling. Among those stories included, is a partial account of the famous orator Frederick Douglass.
Black Hands White Sails extends out to emphasize the experience of a new sailor or greenie (due to all the sea sickness), where they’d sleep, the jobs they and other crew members would have, the shanties they would sing, the terms and superstitions common etc. While there is a description of the layout of a general whaling ship, a diagram would have been nice. (There are a number of old photos included, however)
I found one of the most amusing part of the book was the list of “whalemen’s commandments”:
1. “Steal but not from a friend
2. Lie but never about anything important.
3. Fight anytime you think you can win.
4. Run when you think you can’t win.
5. Cheat before you get cheated
6. Swear but never in front of a good woman.
7. Drink as much as you can hold.
8. Love as many women as you can catch.
9. Never tattle.
10. Never volunteer” (pp. 90-91).
I don’t know how I feel about number eight there, but other than that I’m pretty amused. Turns out whalers are just as cool as the old school pirates.
Activities to do with the book:
This information book can help give a new more minority-friendly perspective on American history. It includes information on the Underground Railroad, the slave trade, the civil war, etc.
For young adult students, it could be paired with lessons of Moby Dick, especially since the book spends a number of pages giving accounts of real whaling ships that had experiences that most likely inspired Herman Melville. It could also be paired with some of Frederick Douglass’s writings. For younger ships who are still hooked on the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, the vocabulary and superstition section will probably hold a lot of appeal
This would be a good recommendation for students to go through when working on research projects.
Fun projects that a teacher could use if they assign students to read this book include researching and making a list of other groups/cultures ‘ superstitions, write their own sea shanties,
Favorite Quotes:
“There is no evidence that the Indians ever endeavored to make whaling a business venture. But the colonists did right away. And black men were a part of the process from the beginning—first as slave laborers, then as freemen” (p. 2).
“When someone wanted to describe a man who was bold, strong, and wildly daring, they referred to him as a “Nantucket Whaleman”” (p. 15).
“It didn’t matter what color the hands were that handled the sails or pulled the oars. The rules were clear. All men had to work together if they were to survive. This reality is what earned blacks respect, or at least they were tolerated, even though they were not always accepted” (p. 16).
“It wasn’t likely that a man who had hunted a creature 400 times his size would not have a sense of self-pride. He usually held his head a little higher and pulled his shoulders back a little farther” (p. 26).
For more of my reviews, visit sjkessel.blogspot.com.
0590483137
Black Hands, White Sails considers the history of whaling in the United States with special attention to the experiences of African American and in relation to major events that have shaped American history. For example, did you know one of the five killed at the Boston Massacre was a mulatto man named Crispus Attucks? That’s a detail I don’t remember being included in my grade school history textbooks.
In this Coretta Scott King book, the McKissacks patiently give accounts of multiple escaped slaves, free blacks and supportive whites famous or otherwise and their experiences with whaling. Among those stories included, is a partial account of the famous orator Frederick Douglass.
Black Hands White Sails extends out to emphasize the experience of a new sailor or greenie (due to all the sea sickness), where they’d sleep, the jobs they and other crew members would have, the shanties they would sing, the terms and superstitions common etc. While there is a description of the layout of a general whaling ship, a diagram would have been nice. (There are a number of old photos included, however)
I found one of the most amusing part of the book was the list of “whalemen’s commandments”:
1. “Steal but not from a friend
2. Lie but never about anything important.
3. Fight anytime you think you can win.
4. Run when you think you can’t win.
5. Cheat before you get cheated
6. Swear but never in front of a good woman.
7. Drink as much as you can hold.
8. Love as many women as you can catch.
9. Never tattle.
10. Never volunteer” (pp. 90-91).
I don’t know how I feel about number eight there, but other than that I’m pretty amused. Turns out whalers are just as cool as the old school pirates.
Activities to do with the book:
This information book can help give a new more minority-friendly perspective on American history. It includes information on the Underground Railroad, the slave trade, the civil war, etc.
For young adult students, it could be paired with lessons of Moby Dick, especially since the book spends a number of pages giving accounts of real whaling ships that had experiences that most likely inspired Herman Melville. It could also be paired with some of Frederick Douglass’s writings. For younger ships who are still hooked on the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, the vocabulary and superstition section will probably hold a lot of appeal
This would be a good recommendation for students to go through when working on research projects.
Fun projects that a teacher could use if they assign students to read this book include researching and making a list of other groups/cultures ‘ superstitions, write their own sea shanties,
Favorite Quotes:
“There is no evidence that the Indians ever endeavored to make whaling a business venture. But the colonists did right away. And black men were a part of the process from the beginning—first as slave laborers, then as freemen” (p. 2).
“When someone wanted to describe a man who was bold, strong, and wildly daring, they referred to him as a “Nantucket Whaleman”” (p. 15).
“It didn’t matter what color the hands were that handled the sails or pulled the oars. The rules were clear. All men had to work together if they were to survive. This reality is what earned blacks respect, or at least they were tolerated, even though they were not always accepted” (p. 16).
“It wasn’t likely that a man who had hunted a creature 400 times his size would not have a sense of self-pride. He usually held his head a little higher and pulled his shoulders back a little farther” (p. 26).
For more of my reviews, visit sjkessel.blogspot.com.
Read
November 29, 2011This book was very interesting to read. As I read this book it made me think about a alot. Not only African American history, but history in general. Many things happened through time that shaped history arround. The meaning of history through this book became more broad to me. History is in us and we are history. I would reccomend this book to anyone who is very interested in history and who wants to learn more about history.
This book is about black sailors who have black slaves working on a ship. These black slaves work very hard on the ship day in and day out. The sailors go through a lot of issues with other countries and other things that are being taken placed. One slave has to learn how to be a good whailor and how to run a ship proper. This ship is full of slaves leaving from the Americans. In the end this slave turned whailor gets respect and friendship from his other peers on the ship.
This book is about black sailors who have black slaves working on a ship. These black slaves work very hard on the ship day in and day out. The sailors go through a lot of issues with other countries and other things that are being taken placed. One slave has to learn how to be a good whailor and how to run a ship proper. This ship is full of slaves leaving from the Americans. In the end this slave turned whailor gets respect and friendship from his other peers on the ship.
February 17, 2011
This is a fascinating book about the history of whaling in the United States, focusing on the role of African American whalers. Some of my favorite parts were the description of life on board the boats, the dangers and back-breaking work, and the pastimes on the ships. I especially enjoyed the description of the typical sailor, with corn rows and tattoos! The book was very interesting, especially learning about the vocabulary we've gained (slang and other) from the whalers. I heartily recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading the history of everyday lives and events.
January 4, 2013
Outstandingly informative book on whaling, concentrating on the experience of African Americans (and Afro-Portuguese, Cape Verdeans, Malayans, etc. etc.). Written for middle grade, but I read it happily for background and learned things. Tags: Quaker, whaling, New Bedford, Nantucket.
January 23, 2008
This could have been much more interesting, but I felt that it jumped around so much, it was hard to keep my interest. It would have been nice to have a glossary.
Read
October 22, 2008i learned from this book is that this book shows frederick douglas and diffrent things that shows how the hunted for whales.
August 11, 2009
This non-fiction/biographical story taught me about the whaling industry and how african-americas greatly influenced it. I was an easy read and full interesting facts.
September 17, 2011
The subject of this book is fascinating - African Americans serving in the whaling fleet.
Unfortunately, the lack of any narrative flow makes it extremely disjointed and hard to read.
Unfortunately, the lack of any narrative flow makes it extremely disjointed and hard to read.
March 13, 2012
One of my favs of all time
January 3, 2025
A wonderfully informative look at the Whaling industry in America!
Read
February 21, 2018Provides a succinct generalized overview of whaling, with a special emphasis on the experiences of people of color, specifically Black Americans and Native Americans. I'm adding this book to the list of read-aloud choices that I keep for the Podlings, although I'd like the younger ones to have a few more years on them before we discuss some of the darker elements of 18th and 19th century seafaring.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews