Sojourner Truth: Ain't I a Woman?

by Patricia C. McKissack, Fredrick L. McKissack

Published to coincide with African-American History Month, here is the stirring, award-winning biography of Sojourner Truth--preacher, abolitionist, and activist for the rights of African-Americans and women. A rich profile.--School Library Journal. A 1993 Coretta Scott King Honor Book.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Feminism, Historical, Classics, Womens

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Patricia 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).

Reviews

[Erin Brunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sojourner Truth, both an African American abolitionist and women's right activist, gave this speech in 1851 at the Women's Convention, Akron, Ohio. In this speech she points out the hyprocrisy of how men of the time are adamant that a woman needs their help and protection, yet as an African American woman she receives none of it, and how white women do not even benefit from it. She concludes that women are the only ones powerful enough to set the world straight, and that men should let them do it.

When introducing history and social movements to middle school students, it is helpful to connect history to a real life person. Middle schools often have a hard time seeing things from other's perspectives, but by giving them a speech, they can hear the true voice of others and the things they fought for.

This speech is a great connector to a strategy from Gallagher called Why Do ___ Behave That Way? For the time, and even the convention she was at, these were some very "out there" perspectives that she held and used her voice to promote. Students can write to how Sojourner Truth became the activist that she was, both by using her speech, but also by doing outside research.

[sarafem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juvenile bio is a hard genre, especially once out of the picture book category. This is a fifth grade level chapter book, so in theory it should have bored the reader to tears, and sometimes it did. But I learned so much about this amazing woman and found myself thinking I had to get this back on the library shelf in hopes that a student would come across it and find themselves as inspired as I was. Boring or not, that's what makes a good juvenile chapter bio.

[Jenelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative. Published in 1992. I think students who enjoyed Chains and like biographies would find this interesting. I had to use whiteout to cover the inclusion the n-word several times in quotes throughout the book so that it can be added to my classroom shelf.

[Larisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This great book begins with the birth of Sojourner Truth... taking the reader all the way through her life. We learn about her as a slave, as a free woman, as a preacher, an abolitionist, and an activist for the rights of both blacks and women.

I Loved the section of the book where a woman asked Belle her name and 2 John 1 - 4 came to her mind - where it says "It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth just as the father commanded us." After thinking a'bit she thought of her true Master, who is God and that HIS name is Truth. So she gave herself the last name Truth. She called her 1st name Sojourner because from that day on she said she'd walk in the light of God's truth!!

This biography is full of primary sources, including pictures, quotes, letters, and speeches. Also includes bios of other amazing abolitionists and activists such as Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, Lucretia Mott, and Harriet Tubman.

[Mr. Kovach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. I always enjoy it when I come across a book about a famous figure in history, a name I know I've heard of before, but about whom I know very little. Such was the case when in our classroom a few weeks ago I came across this book about Soujourner Truth. I KNEW she was famous as a civil rights activist, but I didn't know much more than that. After reading this book I surely do know more, and I realize why she is still famous today. She was born a slave, eventually became a free woman, and became a truly effective public speaker and advocate for the rights of blacks, as well as for women of all colors. Her life story is fascinating, and these authors (the McKissacks) have a real knack for keeping their history books interesting and easy to read. There is another book in our classroom by these same authors, about the history of the Negro (baseball) Leagues that I also highly recommend.

[Samera Palmer]

I liked this book because it was very informational. For example in 1897 a slave lsabella was born in New York(1-5).I also liked this book because it inform about things I never knew. For example Turth was a preacher,an abolitionist(20-25)
I believe that Ms.Gutner would like this if she likes informational books. I also think that she like this book because she is a soical studies teacher.
One challenge that I had was trying to figure out what point of view they author is talking in.
Truth is a good woman because she helped stop slavary even knowing that she might hurt.

[ChaelynA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sojourner Truth: Ain’t I A Woman, by Patricia C. McKissack, is a biography about the amazing Sojourner Truth. Born a slave, but later freed, sojourner truth is a remarkable woman who was the very first African-American woman to win a court case against a white man, and an avid speaker for women's rights, and the end of slavery. The author explores the idea that life can hard, but makes the point that you should never stop fighting for what you believe in. I recommend this book to anybody who needs a good read.

[Valerie]

I'm pretty sure this isn't the edition I read.

Sojourner Truth was a self-taught preacher, an escaped slave, an abolitionist, an advocate for women's rights, and from what I can tell, a committed pacifist. The 'Ain't I a woman' speech is deservedly remembered, and a good thorough biography is in order. Whether this edition is that biography, I don't know--earlier versions tended to be (perhaps understandably) a bit patchy.

[Capri Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really aewsome for me. like i never like history that much. But this book changed me to like history. This book talked about slavery and other thing. this one part that mad me sad a little was when her kids had to be taken away. I really didn't like that part at all because it was sad. But i really love this book very much.

[Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not the kind of child who loves reading historical and non-fiction biographies...this book changed that for me. When I read this book I wanted to read more and more. I really felt the pain and struggle she went through and I hope others get a chance to read this amazing book!

[Lisa Filter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this for my 8 year old son but quickly realized that the subject was too sad and tragic for his age. But I kept reading myself and couldn't put the book down. I cried numerous times while reading. Amazed at Soujouner's courage. She is an inspiration.

[Dexter · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I do like Sojourner Truth, there's no avoiding the fact that this book is just poorly written and a pain to read.

[Mohameddup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello, today I will be explaining what I collected from reading “Sojourner Truth: Ain't I a Woman?” This book revolves around an African-American female slave in the late 1800’s attempting to fight for women’s rights, equality, etc. In Sojourner Truth: Ain't I a Woman? by Patricia C. McKissack, we go through a series of events that this author has revealed to us. This book gave me a reality check on what happened during the time period of slavery, as this book brought us back to 1875. The ideal of the setting definitely placed me in a more realistic mindset of what was going on automatically. The information about the theme I received from this book was that it highlighted the racism in the women’s rights movement. Also, the community used their religion (Christianity) as an excuse and opportunity to oppose women. She then goes to speak on that certain topic by making a speech. She claims that it shouldn’t be justified and argues her point all the way to the end of her speech. She pointed out flaws, mistakes, and oppression. She made this speech at the Women's Convention in Akron, Ohio. Yet, due to her being an African-American woman, this sets her back as the whites attempt to take over the whole movement and make it their thing. She wanted to convey the message that women make a huge difference in the society they are in and shouldn't be stopped, no matter what. What made this book impossible for me to stop reading are the events and how everything led up, as well as how this book gives you meaningful lessons and perspectives on slaves during slavery. To also add on, it relays such a powerful speech through the character Sojourner Truth. This book goes in depth on what we still face problems with centuries later across the globe due to their sex and gender.


Top 5 Reasons to Read Sojourner Truth: Ain't I a Woman? by Patricia C. McKissack

1. Timeline: In this book, were set in the late 1800's where slavery has took place and we endure Sojourner's journey on her fight for equality.

2. Religious Importance: In this book, religion is such an important topic that it cannot be discussed. Patricia C. McKissack symbolizes the value and spiritual holding Christianity holds for the main character, Sojourner. This book also educated me, as when Sojourner is pointing out the flaws, she claims that the Bible never encouraged oppression of women, and being the brave, devout Christian she is, she attempted to make a change. Throughout the book, you will see how Sojourner relies on Jesus Christ and has her full trust in him.

3. Surprising Story: This a story that will astonish your point of view of slavery. I say that because the narratives told by Sojourner Truth are aspiring stores with a leader who is inspiring vibe.

4. Realistic feeling: When you read this book, you'll begin to feel alive with the narrator Sojourner Truth during this horrific period. You will feel vibrance flowing throughout your whole body as you might have the same mindset or perspective with Sojourner.

5. Important Themes: As you dive into Sojourner Truth: Ain't I a Woman? by Patricia C. McKissack, you see that racism and oppression holds a heavy weight on women, especially an African-American women.

[Candi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy informative read. Of course nothing less than I would expect from Scholastic. For me this was the perfect commuting book - started the book on my morning commute and finished it on my evening commute and stayed engaged the whole time.

There was much more to Sojourner Truth than we generally learn. Patricia and Frederick McKissack tell the story well. I can see that it would draw young readers (the intended audience) into the life and times of Sojourner Truth.

[Destiny Varnado · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my favorite reads of the year. I just finished it and it was so amazing.

[Cathy Brishcar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aimed at younger readers (older elementary and up) but an interesting biography of an incredible woman.

[Serena Keene · Rating 5 out of 5]

186 pages I read this book

[Mason Mehr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book in the lobby of a cabin I was staying in today, began it last night and finished this afternoon. Easy read, definitely early middle school reading level. The level does not bother me, however the redundancy and insinuation of events that “probably” happened seemed irrelevant and deterred me from rating this novel higher. The actual lifetime of Sojourner Truth was a beautiful and magical thing, filled with drive and passion and advocacy, but unfortunately the author washed her accomplishments out with rudimentary vernacular. It was an easy way to understand Sojourner, but the fluff of hypotheticals were frustrating.

[Dionne · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sojourner's fame and stature as an abolitionist and feminist with wit and wisdom spread across the Midwestern countryside. Even her opponents had to respect her."

Sojourner was one of the first black women to win a court case in the United States. She fought for the abolition of slavery and for women's rights.

In 1850, she published the story of her life, Narrative of Sojourner Truth: A Northern Slave. She was also an inspirational speaker.

I had always heard of Sojourner Truth, but didn't know that much about her until reading this book. She was an amazing woman.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative & age appropriate considering how much more ugly & true history could have been included. Especially glad there was a bibliography & the inclusion of "More About the People Sojourner Truth Knew." Disappointed the text of the May 29, 1851 speech Ain't I A Woman wasn't was presented on a single page,{ emphasizing that it was reported on in the Anti-Slavery Bugle by an eyewitness, Rev. Marius Robinson, about a month after Ms Truth spoke. Whereas, the more famous version was published 12 years later by the white female abolitionist Frances Gage in 1863.

I know this is a middle grade book, so it is unfair of me to want so much from it, but ideally a timeline of her life with significant milestones noted would've been tremendously helpful. Describing or explaining slavery is such a complicated task, I have to credit the writers in putting together as much information as they did. Inclusion of various images & pictures were an interesting (but too small to see any text) bonus.

It is made clear that Truth dictated what would become her autobiography, The Narrative of Sojourner Truth (A Northern Slave, Emancipated from Bodily Servitude by the State of NY in 1828), to Olive Gilbert, but I felt the book did not stress enough that Olive Gilbert was white. In fact, identifying each historical figure by race, at least with some consistency -- however awkward or politically incorrect today -- would provide certain facts that could be useful to readers. Understanding who was free, who wasn't, and that both people of color & whites were abolitionists is important. Many, many slaves (run-away or not) were fighting for their own agency. It might be too easy for some readers to assume all abolitionists were white.

No book can explain the "why" of it all. Such a topic is emotionally overwhelming but so necessary right now. I am ashamed at how alive and well racism is in America today. & I want to do all I can to root out my own ignorance. I am grateful I could use this book to educate myself a little more.

[Hannah Mozingo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strength. If there is one word that comes to my mind when you say the name of Sojourner Truth, that word would be it. Strength of body – she stood 6 foot tall and had a tough figure from doing manual work for the majority of her life. Strength of mind – though illiterate, she could quote large portions of the Bible from her sharp memory. Strength of character – born into slavery, she did not let it embitter her. She rose above the hate and grief and instead she let her heart be transformed by her Saviour. Strength of message – her message of freedom for all was one that rang loudly. She was a champion for the rights of all people, whether slaves or free, black or white, man or woman. Sojourner Truth was a strong woman, a courageous woman, and most of all, a free woman. Her story is one of terrible tragedy, of steady hope, and of burning passion. Her life began in a period of history that was very dark for her people, but she lived to see freedom reign strong. And the common cord of strength weaves through it all through it all – a simple thing that brought about the fame of one of the icons of American history, Sojourner Truth.
‘Sojourner Truth: Ain’t I a Woman?’ was a very good read. It is very detailed, painting a clear picture of Truth’s life 1800s. It is also very interesting, though perhaps due more to the story it deals with rather than the way it is written. That’s not to say the writing was bad, it wasn’t. It was very solid and just what the story needed, just not particularly remarkable in of itself. I learnt a lot through reading this book, and enjoyed the read - probably due to my history loving spirit, since this book is chock full of historical dates and events

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Main Character: Sojourner Truth
POV: Third Person Biography
Setting: New York
Grade level: upper elementary 3-5
Summary:
“Ain’t I a woman” was actually the name of a speech that Sojourner Truth gave in 1851 to the Women’s Convention in Akron, Ohio. This book is the biography of Sojourner Truth. I knew that the woman was slave, but I am ashamed to admit how much she accomplished in her life. She was a very powerful speaker. She was an avid abolitionist and a supporter of all women’s rights. She was born in 1797 in New York as a slave named Hardenbergh’s Belle. She was bought and sold many times. In 1826 her owner promised to free her if she worked extra hard but he never actually freed her. She decided to take her youngest child and escape to freedom. When she got to New York City, she changed her name to Sojourner Truth and became a preacher who travelled the country speaking out against injustice against women and blacks.
Classroom application:
This book would be useful during a unit on the Civil War or slavery in general. This woman was extremely influential in abolishing slavery and establishing women’s rights. This book is a biography so it is not as fun to read as other books may be but it was very informative and could definitely be used to show some of the important figures during the abolition era.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an unfortunate fact of history that only a few blacks were able to begin their lives as slaves and then somehow rise up to positions of influence and respect. Born into slavery with the name Isabella in the year 1797, she was freed in 1827. However, before she achieved her freedom, she suffered some of the worst abuses of slavery. She was beaten and had her children taken from her and sold off. Isabella also watched her parents suffer in poverty, even after they also achieved their freedom.
Taking the name Sojourner Truth after she was freed, she became a powerful voice in speaking out against slavery and for the rights of women. Once, when a male member of the audience questioned whether she was in fact a woman, she unbuttoned her blouse and exposed her breast to demonstrate that she was in fact female. Sojourner rose to a position of great influence in the movement against slavery, even having an audience with President Lincoln.
As the pressure to disclaim what slavery was really like for black people mounts, books like this become even more important. They explain to the readers what a total abomination slavery was. It also points out that there were many whites that were the spearhead pushing for the abolition of slavery. Sojourner was the recipient of many acts of kindness from people, without which she could not have been the force that she was.

[Dr. Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sojourner Truth's life was fascinating, and this book is full of stories that will astound you. The stories are the best part of reading this book. Truth is inspiring -- her tenacity and willingness to put herself out there and be vulnerable made me want to be a better person. I think of the story of when a hostile midwestern male audience member questioned whether she was truly a woman (given the size of her muscles). The audience member demanded that she show a group of women in the audience her chest to prove she was truly female. Truth responded by opening her shirt and showing the entire gathered audience declaring that the shame was theirs and not hers. Wow! I had a special interest in this book and her life because I recently learned that my distant ancestors were supporters of hers -- they took her in when she ran away from the last slaveholding family that claimed ownership over her. Because slavery was still not outlawed in New York state, Truth required an owner to be safe. My ancestors purchased her for the purposes of helping her to escape. While I can't claim any moral credibility, as I had nothing at all to do with this action, I do feel tied to her story in some way and I relished learning more about her.

[L Frost · Rating 3 out of 5]

The life of Sojourner Truth stands by itself. Her strength, courage, faith, etc are clear and never in question. But this author's writing style is weak, simplistic, and does not flow well at times. She adds her own commentary at times and does not always clarify some of the historical facts. The title of the book "Ain't I A Woman" is one of those. While that phrase has been associated with Truth, historians disagree whether she actually said it. It was not in any of the original reports of her speech. It wasn't till years later when another woman published the speech that the phrase appeared. The phrase was already a known phrase from a different source. The woman who published the speech made other changes that were inconsistent with the original reports as well including Truth's dialect. None of that diminishes the impact of Truth's work, but it does diminish the quality of the author's work in my opinion. That's disappointing because it could have been a well written book about one of the most important women in the history of this country.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia C. McKissack and Fredrick McKissack are historians that have written countless books about famous African Americans.

This biography chronicles the life of Sojourner Truth. Isabella (her original name) was born a slave in 1797. She was freed in 1827. Sojourner lived her life as an advocate for women and children. She is best known for preaching the Word of God and activism for women’s rights. She could not read or write but dictated her story and thoughts about feminism, women’s rights, slavery, and other topics of the day. Truth is a stand-alone activist as her thoughts and comments do not always agree with the pack. Definitely a woman before her time, Truth led a dramatic life and she will continue to be viewed as one of the first Black Feminist.

[Anne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for middle school students and older who would like to learn about the life of Sojourner Truth, a former slave who later became a great contributor to women’s rights and the abolishment of slavery. Even though Sojourner could not read, she successfully got her son Peter back from a man who sold him out of state. She won a case of a book that was falsely written about her committing a murder. She memorized most of the Bible, helped Union soldiers, met President Lincoln and Ulysses Grant. Later in life she continued to fight for equal rights for women and government sponsored black homesteads out west. She became friends with many famous people and is an inspiration to this day.

[Abigail Bereket · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sojourner Truth
Ain't I a women?

Sojourner Truth was born as a slave. Her real was Isabella, but her parents called her Belle. She changed her name to Sojourner truth after being a free women. Sojourner was a strong women and new how to fight for something she wanted. She did everything she could to stop things, even when she was a very old lady. She made so many friend in her journey of truth. She was a preacher. She would always start with “Well children.” She has an autobiography. She died at age 86. There are many happy, sad times during Sojourners life but she faced them with confidence.

[Emily Von pfahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book recounts the life and accomplishments of Sojourner Truth as it parallels the struggle to end slavery in the United States. Sojourner Truth led a very interesting life and played an important role in the abolitionist movement, and she really isn't given due credit. The book is written in a narrative style which makes it more accessible and enjoyable to read. It is always tricky to write a book about slavery for children because of the fine line you need to walk with discussing the reality of it, but without putting too much in for the age of the reader. McKissack does a great job making the quality of life very clear without going into horrific detail.

[Adriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating story of the life on an extraordinary woman. It is interesting to see and understand the experience of a slave and the way it affected her family. While I have heard many narratives of the experience of slavery, this one struck me because her young son, abused and mistreated by owners responded in the way many modern abused young men respond: with an tendency toward wild behavior. Overall very good, although the pictures and illustrations do not really match the text, which is a little annoying.