What do you think?
Rate this book
Pathfinders: The Journeys of 16 Extraordinary Black Souls
Discover the lives of 16 extraordinary Black Americans in this engaging collection from Coretta Scott King Honor Award winner Tonya Bolden
Untold numbers of Black men and women in America have achieved great things against the odds. In this insightful book, award-winning author Tonya Bolden commemorates the lives of sixteen Black individuals who dared to dream, take risks, and chart courses to success. They were Pathfinders.
In these pages you will meet Katherine Johnson , a mathematician who was instrumental in putting U.S. astronauts on the moon; Venture Smith , an African man who was enslaved in America but later bought his own freedom; Richard Potter , a magician whose methods paved the way for entertainers like Harry Houdini; Sissieretta Jones , an opera singer who captivated audiences all over the world with her enchanting voice; James Forten , a powder boy then prisoner of war during the Revolution who grew up to be one of Philadelphia’s leading abolitionists and wealthiest citizens; James McCune Smith , the first Black university-trained physician in the United States; Mary Bowser , a spy during the Civil War; Allen Allensworth , town founder; Clara Brown , one of the first Black women to settle in what would become Colorado; Maggie Lena Walker , the first Black woman to run a bank; Charlie Wiggins , a race car driver; Eugene Bullard , a combat pilot in World War I; Oscar Micheaux , filmmaker; Jackie Ormes , cartoonist; Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander , an economist and attorney who fought for civil rights; and Paul R. Williams , architect of luxury homes and many iconic buildings in Los Angeles.
Untold numbers of Black men and women in America have achieved great things against the odds. In this insightful book, award-winning author Tonya Bolden commemorates the lives of sixteen Black individuals who dared to dream, take risks, and chart courses to success. They were Pathfinders.
In these pages you will meet Katherine Johnson , a mathematician who was instrumental in putting U.S. astronauts on the moon; Venture Smith , an African man who was enslaved in America but later bought his own freedom; Richard Potter , a magician whose methods paved the way for entertainers like Harry Houdini; Sissieretta Jones , an opera singer who captivated audiences all over the world with her enchanting voice; James Forten , a powder boy then prisoner of war during the Revolution who grew up to be one of Philadelphia’s leading abolitionists and wealthiest citizens; James McCune Smith , the first Black university-trained physician in the United States; Mary Bowser , a spy during the Civil War; Allen Allensworth , town founder; Clara Brown , one of the first Black women to settle in what would become Colorado; Maggie Lena Walker , the first Black woman to run a bank; Charlie Wiggins , a race car driver; Eugene Bullard , a combat pilot in World War I; Oscar Micheaux , filmmaker; Jackie Ormes , cartoonist; Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander , an economist and attorney who fought for civil rights; and Paul R. Williams , architect of luxury homes and many iconic buildings in Los Angeles.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 3, 2017
13 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Tonya Bolden
79 books186 followersAuthor and publisher Tonya Wilyce Bolden was born on March 1, 1959, in New York City to Georgia Bolden, a homemaker, and Willie Bolden, a garment center shipping manager. Bolden grew up in Harlem in a musical family and loved to read; she attended Public M.E.S. 146, an elementary school in Manhattan, and then graduated from the Chapin School, a private secondary school, in Manhattan in 1976. Bolden attended Princeton University in New Jersey, and, in 1981, obtained her B.A. degree in Slavic languages and literature with a Russian focus. Bolden was also a University Scholar and received the Nicholas Bachko, Jr. Scholarship Prize.
Upon graduating from Princeton University, Bolden began working as a salesperson for Charles Alan, Incorporated, a dress manufacturer, while working towards her M.A. degree at Columbia University. In 1985, Bolden earned her degree in Slavic languages and literature, as well as a Certificate for Advanced Study of the Soviet Union from the Harriman Institute; after this she began working as an office coordinator for Raoulfilm, Inc., assisting in the research and development of various film and literary products. Bolden worked as an English instructor at Malcolm-King College and New Rochelle School of New Resources while serving as newsletter editor of the HARKline, a homeless shelter newsletter.
In 1990, Bolden wrote her first book, The Family Heirloom Cookbook. In 1992, Bolden co-authored a children’s book entitled Mama, I Want To Sing along with Vy Higginsen, based on Higginsen’s musical. Bolden continued publishing throughout the 1990s, releasing Starting a Business from your Home, Mail-Order and Direct Response, The Book of African-American Women: 150 Crusaders, Creators, and Uplifters, And Not Afraid to Dare: The Stories of Ten African-American Women, American Patriots: The Story of Blacks in the Military from the Revolution to Desert Storm and The Champ. Bolden became editor of the Quarterly Black Review of Books in 1994, and served as an editor for 33 Things Every Girl Should Know, in 1998. Bolden’s writing career became even more prolific in the following decade; a partial list of her works include:, Our Souls: A Celebration of Black American Artists, Maritcha: A Nineteenth Century American Girl, MLK: Journey of a King, Take-Off: American All-Girl Bands During World War II, and George Washington Carver, a book she authored in conjunction with an exhibit about the famous African American inventor created by The Field Museum in Chicago.
(source; http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biogr...)
Upon graduating from Princeton University, Bolden began working as a salesperson for Charles Alan, Incorporated, a dress manufacturer, while working towards her M.A. degree at Columbia University. In 1985, Bolden earned her degree in Slavic languages and literature, as well as a Certificate for Advanced Study of the Soviet Union from the Harriman Institute; after this she began working as an office coordinator for Raoulfilm, Inc., assisting in the research and development of various film and literary products. Bolden worked as an English instructor at Malcolm-King College and New Rochelle School of New Resources while serving as newsletter editor of the HARKline, a homeless shelter newsletter.
In 1990, Bolden wrote her first book, The Family Heirloom Cookbook. In 1992, Bolden co-authored a children’s book entitled Mama, I Want To Sing along with Vy Higginsen, based on Higginsen’s musical. Bolden continued publishing throughout the 1990s, releasing Starting a Business from your Home, Mail-Order and Direct Response, The Book of African-American Women: 150 Crusaders, Creators, and Uplifters, And Not Afraid to Dare: The Stories of Ten African-American Women, American Patriots: The Story of Blacks in the Military from the Revolution to Desert Storm and The Champ. Bolden became editor of the Quarterly Black Review of Books in 1994, and served as an editor for 33 Things Every Girl Should Know, in 1998. Bolden’s writing career became even more prolific in the following decade; a partial list of her works include:, Our Souls: A Celebration of Black American Artists, Maritcha: A Nineteenth Century American Girl, MLK: Journey of a King, Take-Off: American All-Girl Bands During World War II, and George Washington Carver, a book she authored in conjunction with an exhibit about the famous African American inventor created by The Field Museum in Chicago.
(source; http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biogr...)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 22, 2017
Terrific short biographies would make a great read aloud, highlighting different career paths these remarkable individuals pursued. I love the variety, from entrepreneur to cartoonist, lawyer to architect. While the overall length might make some 5th graders reluctant to try this book, the short chapters and lively writing make this easy to dip into. Recommended for elementary and middle school libraries.
March 22, 2017
Pathfinders The Journeys of 16 Extraordinary Black Souls was heartbreaking while being uplifting. Pathfinders The Journeys of 16 Extraordinary Black Souls is a book of important History that isn’t taught in schools but should be learned by everyone. Author Bolden did a great job in condensing the information in just the right amount of information to inform young readers.
October 24, 2018
3.5 Stars
The stories of 16 Black souls who made a difference was great! I learned a lot!
I love architecture and now want to learn more about Paul R (Revere) Williams. (He designed a lot some cool things in the L.A. area like the LAX Theme Center (soooo Mid Century Modern.. which I love)
Book like this leaves me puzzled. Maybe growing up as a Gen X'er, I don't 'get' racism and sexism.
Yes, it is alive and well, today, but it isn't something a day to day thing I see or worry about.
I hate, (yep you are going to get a HATE", "You can't be (insert chosen profession) because you are a) black and or b) a woman. and or c) a black woman What the heck does Skin color have to do with anything? I would make an easy Bet that Katherine Johnson (a black woman) IQ is much, much higher than mine (My skin is white). The lady did math for fun and did complex calculations (with out a computer) to figure out a bunch of NASA space programs. Again, scratching my head!
I like this information in this book but why I can't go to 4 stars (though I considered it) was the book format.
I really don't like when you have to turn the page to finish the idea from the previous page, but you could have put it on the previous page, but you have added, notes, and bullet points that are interesting, but I found irrelevant.
For instance , with Paul R. Williams. architect it takes about "The Cuban Missile Crisis, etc" What does that have to do with Mr Williams wanting to be an architect? I guess they add it because it give historical context but, I bet a nickel most kids won't read the bubbles, sidebars, and notes....Honestly, I really didn't want to read them either and I love learning about history. .
The stories of 16 Black souls who made a difference was great! I learned a lot!
I love architecture and now want to learn more about Paul R (Revere) Williams. (He designed a lot some cool things in the L.A. area like the LAX Theme Center (soooo Mid Century Modern.. which I love)
Book like this leaves me puzzled. Maybe growing up as a Gen X'er, I don't 'get' racism and sexism.
Yes, it is alive and well, today, but it isn't something a day to day thing I see or worry about.
I hate, (yep you are going to get a HATE", "You can't be (insert chosen profession) because you are a) black and or b) a woman. and or c) a black woman What the heck does Skin color have to do with anything? I would make an easy Bet that Katherine Johnson (a black woman) IQ is much, much higher than mine (My skin is white). The lady did math for fun and did complex calculations (with out a computer) to figure out a bunch of NASA space programs. Again, scratching my head!
I like this information in this book but why I can't go to 4 stars (though I considered it) was the book format.
I really don't like when you have to turn the page to finish the idea from the previous page, but you could have put it on the previous page, but you have added, notes, and bullet points that are interesting, but I found irrelevant.
For instance , with Paul R. Williams. architect it takes about "The Cuban Missile Crisis, etc" What does that have to do with Mr Williams wanting to be an architect? I guess they add it because it give historical context but, I bet a nickel most kids won't read the bubbles, sidebars, and notes....Honestly, I really didn't want to read them either and I love learning about history. .
February 26, 2018
Along the lines of what other authors like Joel Christian Gill are doing in graphic format by collecting the stories of lesser-known heroes in the African American community, Bolden approaches the book thematically as those that made a difference. Without any solid introduction necessary, it is a collective biography without an overarching storyline about them.
And with that, it feels overwhelming: there's the biography along with paraphernalia like portraits, advertisements, or photographs but ALSO a text box with three things that also happened during that persons life AND ALSO a few additional people to know tangentially related in topic, career, or setting. AND then there's also a bubble timeline of their life. There was too much going on inside each individual biography that if there had been a way to incorporate these other honorable mentions and the timelines outside of the biography but in context of African American men and women who made a difference, I wouldn't have felt pulled in five directions on each page unfortunately not entirely focused on the individual being discussed.
The deliverables of the biographies itself is fantastic. I'm a big fan of new nonfiction highlighting relatively unknown voices whether it be in a culture, group, religion, or during a significant historical time period pushing boundaries. Mission accomplished.
And with that, it feels overwhelming: there's the biography along with paraphernalia like portraits, advertisements, or photographs but ALSO a text box with three things that also happened during that persons life AND ALSO a few additional people to know tangentially related in topic, career, or setting. AND then there's also a bubble timeline of their life. There was too much going on inside each individual biography that if there had been a way to incorporate these other honorable mentions and the timelines outside of the biography but in context of African American men and women who made a difference, I wouldn't have felt pulled in five directions on each page unfortunately not entirely focused on the individual being discussed.
The deliverables of the biographies itself is fantastic. I'm a big fan of new nonfiction highlighting relatively unknown voices whether it be in a culture, group, religion, or during a significant historical time period pushing boundaries. Mission accomplished.
November 18, 2018
What immediately stands out about this book is how few names most will recognize. Then there are the areas where they excelled. Can you imagine a prince, a magician, a town founder, a spy, a combat pilot, a cartoonist, or a race car driver? Each of those skills/professions was why someone was included in this book. Take Venture Smith, for example. Born Broteer Furro in 1727, he was the son of an African king. When a rival tribe invaded his village when he was ten, he watched his father be killed and was then beaten and taken to America. After numerous traumatic events, he ended up in Stonington, CT. where he worked day and night to earn enough to buy his freedom. One winter, he cut and stacked 400 cords of firewood. Even then, he had to work even harder to buy his wife and children from another slave owner. Venture's story, as with the others in this book, is enhanced by a time line and illustrations of places and events in his life.
This is a terrific look at players in Black history that might never be given due credit otherwise. It's an excellent choice for school and public libraries.
This is a terrific look at players in Black history that might never be given due credit otherwise. It's an excellent choice for school and public libraries.
October 28, 2020
Gr. 5-8. “Grit. Guts. Goals” define the heroes and heroines in Tonya Bolden’s richly researched account of 16 African Americans and the various impacts they’ve made on our country. From entrepreneurial freed slaves to magicians, spies and war heroes, opera singers, racers, artists, and philanthropists, Bolden explores women and men from all walks of life who overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to reach their dreams. Although people depicted here will be unknown to most readers, the inclusion of the last entry – Katherine Coleman Goble Johnson – will resonate with those who are familiar with hidden figures in the U.S. Space Race. An epilogue at the end of the book also pays tribute to younger black Americans, including Oprah Winfrey and Misty Copeland. An extensive glossary, endnotes, sources, and credits add to the usefulness of this book. Ties to American history and social studies curriculum. Catch a sampling of its contents on Abrams website at http://www.abramsbooks.com/product/pa...
June 27, 2017
2.5, really. Good for introducing names that I hadn't heard before, but not enough information provided on each person. Plus, sadly, the people presented here don't have a lot of other things written about them, so even though this would be good for supplemental research for report writers, those patrons aren't going to find enough information anywhere to write a report.
February 8, 2018
I loved the format of this biographical collection of black Americans of different talents and various contributions. With quick overviews of their lives, it's easy to keep on reading and lose track of time. Includes a short timeline for each as well as sidebars of what historical events were happening during their lifetime as well as mentions of other people in similar fields.
September 16, 2021
I took Pathfinders out of the library because it had a chapter on Maggie Walker, whom I was researching for a podcast. Although it is a children's book, it was the only one I could find at the library. I read the chapter on Walker, and then proceeded to read the rest of the book. Bolden creates good, fairly succinct, histories of each of the groundbreaking people featured in the book.
November 23, 2018
A collection of short biographies of lesser known (to me) black historical figures, illustrated with photographs either of them or of historically associated figures. The bios are interesting and the side bars on other people or events contemporary with the profiles make for added interest.
June 9, 2017
I had not read about most of these folks before, and was fascinated by their struggles and accomplishments. The chapters were short enough that single people could be shared in the classroom.
August 12, 2017
SLJ Grades 5-8, catalogues as Y. Personally could be higher than 8th grade since it has more unique characters portrayed.
August 27, 2017
Great small biographies of very interesting people.
January 20, 2018
Interesting biographies. Attractive layout that, in general, doesn't interrupt the flow of the story.
January 28, 2018
Very interesting short biographies.
I loved the book design. I thought the side-bars and timelines made for a very attractive page design.
I loved the book design. I thought the side-bars and timelines made for a very attractive page design.
September 4, 2018
Sparse looks at some pretty fascinating characters, but I think the source list would be invaluable for those kids who are looking to dig up some more research.
October 12, 2018
Well-written with gorgeous artifacts! I loved everything about this collective biography!
November 11, 2020
I bought this at my local science museum. It is an invaluable resource.
December 7, 2022
I learned a LOT from this book!
May 8, 2023
Good short accounts of black success stories in U.S. History. Probably for ages ten and up.
March 23, 2017
So many potential readers and classroom applications. And books to pair with it.
Read
November 20, 2016Bolden, T. (2017). Pathfinders: The journeys of 16 extraordinary Black souls.
Citation by: Ashley Burnette
Type of Reference: Biography
ISBN 9781419714559
Call Number: REF 609.2 BOL
Content/Scope: This biographical reference contains information on the lives and accomplishments of sixteen legendary African American figures. It provides a bibliography for additional sources.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: This book provides a great overview of historical black figures. It has been reviewed by School Library Journal as a must addition for school libraries!
Arrangement/Presentation: This book is organized in an easy to read format. It contains 128 pages, a bibliography, glossary, index, notes, and photos.
Relation to other works: This book will complement the other biographies found within the reference collection. This will provide a good complement to the single biographies contained in the library since this reference work is a collection.
Accessibility/Diversity: This book will help to appeal to our African America population as it celebrates the accomplishments and diversity of black lives in American history.
Cost: $24.95
Professional Review: The lives of 16 fascinating and innovative black men and women are given due recognition in this masterly work. Bolden makes use of a variety of features to convey information in an accessible yet deeply enlightening manner. For instance, sidebars titled “In His/Her Time” provide historical context without burdening the main text with lengthy exposition. With a variety of subjects in different fields, from a magician to a mathematician, a bank founder to a race car driver, there is plenty of fresh report material within these pages. The clean layout and the smart design make for a book that is not only expertly researched but attractive as well. (Each chapter receives its own color palette, visually linking the content within that section together.) VERDICT Teachers and librarians seeking to further develop their history and biography collections will be thrilled with this fine offering.–Erinn Black Salge, Saint Peter’s Prep, Jersey City, NJ
Reference: Farrell, D. (2016, November 16). Retrieved November 19, 2016, from http://www.slj.com/2016/11/reviews/sp...
Citation by: Ashley Burnette
Type of Reference: Biography
ISBN 9781419714559
Call Number: REF 609.2 BOL
Content/Scope: This biographical reference contains information on the lives and accomplishments of sixteen legendary African American figures. It provides a bibliography for additional sources.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: This book provides a great overview of historical black figures. It has been reviewed by School Library Journal as a must addition for school libraries!
Arrangement/Presentation: This book is organized in an easy to read format. It contains 128 pages, a bibliography, glossary, index, notes, and photos.
Relation to other works: This book will complement the other biographies found within the reference collection. This will provide a good complement to the single biographies contained in the library since this reference work is a collection.
Accessibility/Diversity: This book will help to appeal to our African America population as it celebrates the accomplishments and diversity of black lives in American history.
Cost: $24.95
Professional Review: The lives of 16 fascinating and innovative black men and women are given due recognition in this masterly work. Bolden makes use of a variety of features to convey information in an accessible yet deeply enlightening manner. For instance, sidebars titled “In His/Her Time” provide historical context without burdening the main text with lengthy exposition. With a variety of subjects in different fields, from a magician to a mathematician, a bank founder to a race car driver, there is plenty of fresh report material within these pages. The clean layout and the smart design make for a book that is not only expertly researched but attractive as well. (Each chapter receives its own color palette, visually linking the content within that section together.) VERDICT Teachers and librarians seeking to further develop their history and biography collections will be thrilled with this fine offering.–Erinn Black Salge, Saint Peter’s Prep, Jersey City, NJ
Reference: Farrell, D. (2016, November 16). Retrieved November 19, 2016, from http://www.slj.com/2016/11/reviews/sp...
August 8, 2017
I wish I could give this collective biography of ground-breaking African Americans 3.5 stars. I really like the diverse people featured, from entertainers to educators. I didn't recognize any of the names, so each short biography was all new to me, and I think all were really interesting choices. Unfortunately some of the accounts were just too vague. I suppose that's what you get when you're writing about historical figures who were generally unrecognized in their own time, and about whom very little information is available. But in some places it led to really choppy text, which made getting through the whole book a challenge for me.
February 19, 2018
I was doing a quick walk around at my local library and found this book. Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised. There were numerous people highlighted that I had never heard of before - James Forten, Mary Bowser, Jackie Ormes, Eugene Bullard, Sissieretta Jones and Allen Allensworth. The format is awe-inspiring and makes one look to
Google for more information on those mentioned. This is a must read for anyone wanting to know more about trailblazing African Americans.
Google for more information on those mentioned. This is a must read for anyone wanting to know more about trailblazing African Americans.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews