The Amistad Slave Revolt and American Abolition

by Karen Zeinert

Traces the 1839 revolt of Africans aboard the slave ship Amistad, their apprehension, and long trial which ended in their acquittal by the Supreme Court

Genres: History

101 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Karen Zeinert is a seasoned author of books on significant American events that were turning points, or microcosms, of the major issues of the time.

She has formerly taught American history to high school students, and language arts and social studies to middle school children. She has been a writer since 1981 and has authored such works as Captured by Indians: The Narrative of Mary Jemison (Linnet, 1995) and The Extraordinary Women of World War I (Millbrook, 2001). Across the Plains in the Donner Party (Linnet, 1996) was selected by VOYA as one of the top 40 nonfiction books for Young Adults published in 1996.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important book on this often forgotten event in US history. This incident just shows how distorted the legal justification for slavery was; that slavery continued after this event is not only unimaginable but also the very definition of hypocrisy. What a shame more Americans don't know the pivotal role John Quincy Adams played in this case!

[book.to.frame · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick look into the Amistad slave revolt aboard a ship that was meant for Cuba and ended up in the United States resulted in the small number of Africans who survived their ordeal, being returned to their country.

I'm researching middle grade books that will be appropriate for my kids, considering that the United States does not teach about slavery in the public schools system.

I enjoyed the book and I think it's a great introduction to anyone wanting to learn about what happened. It's amazing how these Africans helped the Abolitionists in America end slavery.

[D Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and informative read that would be good for young adults.