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Answering the Cry for Freedom: Stories of African Americans and the American Revolution
Uncover the lives of thirteen African-Americans who fought during the Revolutionary War.
Even as American Patriots fought for independence from British rule during the Revolutionary War, oppressive conditions remained in place for the thousands of enslaved and free African Americans living in this country. But African Americans took up their own fight for freedom by joining the British and American armies; preaching, speaking out, and writing about the evils of slavery; and establishing settlements in Nova Scotia and Africa. The thirteen stories featured in this collection spotlight charismatic individuals who answered the cry for freedom, focusing on the choices they made and how they changed America both then and now. These individuals Boston King, Agrippa Hull, James Armistead Lafayette, Phillis Wheatley, Elizabeth "Mumbet" Freeman, Prince Hall, Mary Perth, Ona Judge, Sally Hemings, Paul Cuffe, John Kizell, Richard Allen, and Jarena Lee. Includes individual bibliographies and timelines, author note, and source notes.
Even as American Patriots fought for independence from British rule during the Revolutionary War, oppressive conditions remained in place for the thousands of enslaved and free African Americans living in this country. But African Americans took up their own fight for freedom by joining the British and American armies; preaching, speaking out, and writing about the evils of slavery; and establishing settlements in Nova Scotia and Africa. The thirteen stories featured in this collection spotlight charismatic individuals who answered the cry for freedom, focusing on the choices they made and how they changed America both then and now. These individuals Boston King, Agrippa Hull, James Armistead Lafayette, Phillis Wheatley, Elizabeth "Mumbet" Freeman, Prince Hall, Mary Perth, Ona Judge, Sally Hemings, Paul Cuffe, John Kizell, Richard Allen, and Jarena Lee. Includes individual bibliographies and timelines, author note, and source notes.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published October 4, 2016
135 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 9, 2022
AmblesideOnline years 4-6 (I think) book. Read aloud to all four of my kids (ages 16,14,13, and 11). The youngest two were in AO years that had this book assigned when we started it last year but I read it to everyone since we hadn’t had it when the older two were younger.
I think I’m in the minority here but I didn’t love this book. Honestly I thought most of it was a little dull and overall the writing was just ok. I did learn some interesting things and I would definitely still include it for the younger crowd.
I asked some of my kids what they thought of it when it was over (really just because I thought it was a bit boring and wondered what their takes were) but I got a lot more thoughtful answers than I was expecting! Lol
My 14 year old son said he felt like there were a lot of morally questionable things that were presented as fine or even praiseworthy. The eleven year old chimed in and said, “yes, it felt like they wanted you to think that everything the people did was good and they were heroes with nothing bad at all. Also, they left out a lot of important things!” (He was thinking specifically about Phylis Wheatley I believe when he said they left out a lot of important things).
My 13 year old said some of it was ok but overall she thought it was boring and agreed with her brothers’ opinions.
I think I’m in the minority here but I didn’t love this book. Honestly I thought most of it was a little dull and overall the writing was just ok. I did learn some interesting things and I would definitely still include it for the younger crowd.
I asked some of my kids what they thought of it when it was over (really just because I thought it was a bit boring and wondered what their takes were) but I got a lot more thoughtful answers than I was expecting! Lol
My 14 year old son said he felt like there were a lot of morally questionable things that were presented as fine or even praiseworthy. The eleven year old chimed in and said, “yes, it felt like they wanted you to think that everything the people did was good and they were heroes with nothing bad at all. Also, they left out a lot of important things!” (He was thinking specifically about Phylis Wheatley I believe when he said they left out a lot of important things).
My 13 year old said some of it was ok but overall she thought it was boring and agreed with her brothers’ opinions.
October 29, 2018
Having read many other stories of slavery, this one is far too kind to the slave owners. Thomas Jefferson is portrayed as someone who loved and took care of Sally Hemings, even offering to free her children (his children) when he died. George Washington is portrayed a little more harshly, but not by much. The people who survived slavery deserve more, in my opinion.
The good part of the book was the recognition of people who were enslaved and their determination to make a life better than what they were supposed to be subject to. Their dreams and hopes are apparent in this narrative.
The good part of the book was the recognition of people who were enslaved and their determination to make a life better than what they were supposed to be subject to. Their dreams and hopes are apparent in this narrative.
January 17, 2022
Super interesting! There were so many things I didn't know before and learned along the way.
May 30, 2022
This was a really excellent and necessary addition to our homeschool study of the Revolutionary War. I had never heard of so many of these amazing people - and those I had heard of, I knew very little about. Our main history text mentioned exactly zero of them.
April 9, 2024
Read aloud for years 4&5 of AO. We mostly enjoyed the short, narrative, biographies but decided to finish it a year early.
November 14, 2016
This book features stories from many African Americans during the Revolutionary War era, and I appreciated the diversity in the stories. There are stories of Patriots and Loyalists, men and women, children...and I learned something new from each one, even from those that I had previously heard of (Sally Hemings, Elizabeth (Mumbet) Freeman). The stories are short, engaging, and inspiring.
October 22, 2019
"I Began To Feel The Happiness Of Liberty, Of Which I Knew Nothing Before."
Boston King was motivated not by vanity but by good sense and hard work.
"It Is Not The Cover Of The Book, But What The Book Contains That Is The Question. Many A Good Book Has Dark Covers."
"In Every Human Breast, God Has Implanted A Principle Which We Call Love of Freedom; It Is Impatient Of Oppression, And Pants For Deliverance."
A Sound Understanding, United With Energy And Perseverance, Seems To Have Rendered Him Capable Of Surmounting Difficulties Which Would Have Discouraged An Ordinary Mind.
" Surely Our Task Was Hard; Yet Through Mercy We Were Enabled To Go On."
The African Americans Of The Revolutionary War Shared A Vision -
They Had Heard The Claim That All People Are Free And Equal...And The Believed It.
TRAVELED TO // The Colonies & Africa
MET ALONG THE WAY // Boston King - Agrippa Hull - James Armistead Lafayette - Phillis Wheatley - Elizabeth "Mumbet" Freeman - Prince Hall - Mary Perth - Ona Judge - Sally Hemings - Paul Cuffe - John Kizell - Richard Allen - Jarena Lee
June 9, 2020
This collective biography has an audience of middle school and high school kids to teach about African Americans who made difficult, life-altering, harrowing choices for their lives and freedom from men and women who were abusive, diabolical, or sometimes just plain greedy (here's looking at you, Jefferson). The chapters are easy to to move through and there was one Agrippa Hull that was fascinating for the local connection. He tromped around with Tadeusz Koscuiszko, the Polish commander, whose bridge is named for him locally. Hull had fun stories to tell of their time together and the work he did along with his jovial manner.
The collective biographies tell a wide ranging set of stories from poets to the creation of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church and the various ways men and women preached and spread the word. Likewise, it told of their moves to Nova Scotia toward freedom and some who resettled for short or long whiles in Sierra Leone in Freetown in the hopes of reclaiming what was taken from them.
There is a specific quote made by Prince Hall that literally felt like it could have been spoken yesterday based on everything happening for Black Lives Matter:
"Let us pray God that... he would give us grace of patience, and strength to bear up under all our troubles, which, at this day, God knows, we have our share of. Patience, I say; for were we not possessed of a great measure of it, we could not bear up under the daily insults we meet with in the streets of Boston, much more on public days of recreation. How, at such times, are we shamefully abused, and that to such a degree, that we may truly be said to carry our lives in our hands, and the arrows of death are flying about our heads."
The collective biographies tell a wide ranging set of stories from poets to the creation of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church and the various ways men and women preached and spread the word. Likewise, it told of their moves to Nova Scotia toward freedom and some who resettled for short or long whiles in Sierra Leone in Freetown in the hopes of reclaiming what was taken from them.
There is a specific quote made by Prince Hall that literally felt like it could have been spoken yesterday based on everything happening for Black Lives Matter:
"Let us pray God that... he would give us grace of patience, and strength to bear up under all our troubles, which, at this day, God knows, we have our share of. Patience, I say; for were we not possessed of a great measure of it, we could not bear up under the daily insults we meet with in the streets of Boston, much more on public days of recreation. How, at such times, are we shamefully abused, and that to such a degree, that we may truly be said to carry our lives in our hands, and the arrows of death are flying about our heads."
September 14, 2017
As the current chapter of American politics unfolds, students are being inundated with conflicting messages about the character and identity of our country. Gretchen Woelfle’s Answering the Cry for Freedom looks to history to help young readers understand the issues we face in the present day. Woelfle profiles thirteen Black men and women, many of whom are left out of textbooks, who lived during the Revolutionary War. She uses quotes and primary sources to tell the stories of these incredible people, and follows them through the recorded periods of their lives in an approachable narrative style. Paired with R. Gregory Christie’s striking illustrations, the book paints vivid portraits of the impact slavery and the slave trade had on Black Americans living at the time, and how the Black community helped shape the world we live in today.
Given her target audience, Woelfle can’t always tackle every dimension of her subjects’ lives, but she still does a remarkable job writing honest, candid portrayals of Black life in Revolutionary America. She touches on abuse, mental illness, and trauma - all with compassion and respect. As with any biography of historical figures, Woelfle is limited by the information she has access to, which is sparse for some of the lesser-known subjects; she dips into speculation in some biographies, and focuses unduly on her white primary sources in others, but manages to center her work around fact, and, in many cases, the quoted words of the figures themselves. This book will be an invaluable resource to students wanting to better understand the legacy of slavery from the perspective of those who lived it.
Given her target audience, Woelfle can’t always tackle every dimension of her subjects’ lives, but she still does a remarkable job writing honest, candid portrayals of Black life in Revolutionary America. She touches on abuse, mental illness, and trauma - all with compassion and respect. As with any biography of historical figures, Woelfle is limited by the information she has access to, which is sparse for some of the lesser-known subjects; she dips into speculation in some biographies, and focuses unduly on her white primary sources in others, but manages to center her work around fact, and, in many cases, the quoted words of the figures themselves. This book will be an invaluable resource to students wanting to better understand the legacy of slavery from the perspective of those who lived it.
November 5, 2023
The majority of this book is excellent, five-star material. I took off one star for the last chapter, which I didn’t appreciate nearly as much.
Each chapter of the book tells the story of an African American who lived during and immediately after the Revolutionary War. It celebrates individuals who worked hard, were morally upright, and pursued freedom in nonviolent ways. I was particularly interested in the stories of those who returned to Africa to bring Christianity to native Africans and attempt to convince them to stop selling people into slavery.
The last chapter was not so inspiring to me. It tells the story of Jarena Lee, a woman who was determined to preach (not satisfied with leading prayer meetings and Bible studies in homes), and who was opposed by “male authority” in both black and white churches. It quotes her justifications for herself, in which she references Biblical stories, but neglects to mention that those “male authority” figures also had Biblical reasons for discouraging her from preaching in church. It relates how she abandoned her son in the care of another couple and traveled all over the country trying to preach; I don’t find this admirable at all. I think the book would have been much better without this chapter.
It’s too bad, because the rest of the book is awesome. I’m still assigning it to my kids for some of their homeschool history reading.
Each chapter of the book tells the story of an African American who lived during and immediately after the Revolutionary War. It celebrates individuals who worked hard, were morally upright, and pursued freedom in nonviolent ways. I was particularly interested in the stories of those who returned to Africa to bring Christianity to native Africans and attempt to convince them to stop selling people into slavery.
The last chapter was not so inspiring to me. It tells the story of Jarena Lee, a woman who was determined to preach (not satisfied with leading prayer meetings and Bible studies in homes), and who was opposed by “male authority” in both black and white churches. It quotes her justifications for herself, in which she references Biblical stories, but neglects to mention that those “male authority” figures also had Biblical reasons for discouraging her from preaching in church. It relates how she abandoned her son in the care of another couple and traveled all over the country trying to preach; I don’t find this admirable at all. I think the book would have been much better without this chapter.
It’s too bad, because the rest of the book is awesome. I’m still assigning it to my kids for some of their homeschool history reading.
February 22, 2019
Answering the Cry for Freedom: Stories of African Americans and the American Revolution by Gretchen Woelfle, illustrated by R. GregoryChristie, 196 pages. NON-FICTION. Calkins Creek (Boyds Mill), 2016. $19.
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
When the Revolutionary War was being fought on America’s soil, the 500,000 enslaved African Americans were left out of the idea of freedom for all. That didn’t mean they didn’t think about freedom, however.
Woelfle explores the stories of 13 of these men and women who also dreamed of freedom. Some names might be familiar; others will be completely new. Any student who has read Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson should be directed here for a non-fiction pairing and more depth to this chapter in our history. While kids may not gravitate to it on their own, I can’t imagine not having it in my collection. How did I miss this two years ago?
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
When the Revolutionary War was being fought on America’s soil, the 500,000 enslaved African Americans were left out of the idea of freedom for all. That didn’t mean they didn’t think about freedom, however.
Woelfle explores the stories of 13 of these men and women who also dreamed of freedom. Some names might be familiar; others will be completely new. Any student who has read Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson should be directed here for a non-fiction pairing and more depth to this chapter in our history. While kids may not gravitate to it on their own, I can’t imagine not having it in my collection. How did I miss this two years ago?
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
October 11, 2018
Many students might be surprised to learn that African Americans played roles on both sides of the American Revolution, sometimes even playing the part of double-agent. This collection of stories shares the experiences of 13 such individuals during those early years of our nation's founding. While some readers may have heard of Phillis Wheatley or Sally Hemings, many of the others will be newly discovered characters in U.S. history.
This is a good introductory collection for social studies units on the time period, or for those who are looking for more information than the usual details covered in a textbook. I would also suggest pairing this with some of the picture book biographies available such as:
- Mumbet's Declaration of Independence by Gretchen Woelfle,
- A Spy Called James: The True Story of James Armistead Lafayette, Revolutionary War Double Agent by Anne F. Rockwell, or
- Phillis Sings Out Freedom: The Story of George Washington and Phillis Wheatley by Ann Malaspina and Susan Keeler.
I love the illustrations by R. Gregory Christie and the way Gretchen Woelfle incorporates quotes from the individuals whenever possible. As Agrippa Hull said, "It is not the cover of the book, but what the book contains [that] is the question. Many a good book has dark covers." Back matter in this particular book includes helpful timelines for the lives of each individual, a selected bibliography of books and websites, source notes, and an index.
A very helpful addition to elementary school library or classroom collections or grade levels studying the period of the American Revolution.
This is a good introductory collection for social studies units on the time period, or for those who are looking for more information than the usual details covered in a textbook. I would also suggest pairing this with some of the picture book biographies available such as:
- Mumbet's Declaration of Independence by Gretchen Woelfle,
- A Spy Called James: The True Story of James Armistead Lafayette, Revolutionary War Double Agent by Anne F. Rockwell, or
- Phillis Sings Out Freedom: The Story of George Washington and Phillis Wheatley by Ann Malaspina and Susan Keeler.
I love the illustrations by R. Gregory Christie and the way Gretchen Woelfle incorporates quotes from the individuals whenever possible. As Agrippa Hull said, "It is not the cover of the book, but what the book contains [that] is the question. Many a good book has dark covers." Back matter in this particular book includes helpful timelines for the lives of each individual, a selected bibliography of books and websites, source notes, and an index.
A very helpful addition to elementary school library or classroom collections or grade levels studying the period of the American Revolution.
September 11, 2024
Very well done. Biographies of brave Black men and women during the American Revolutionary War period, showing the many different challenges they faced and met, and in many cases overcame. They worked not just for their own freedom, but often for that of others. The book includes some well-known and some lesser-known people, but they all had strong character and a drive for freedom.
I didn’t discover until I had almost finished reading the book that at the back there are author notes and timelines of the lives of the people, as well as quote attributions, and a list of websites and books for further research.
This book was an eye-opener for me, as I hadn’t heard these stories before. Props to the author for her excellent research and for bringing these biographies together in such an engaging format.
AO Yrs 4-6
I didn’t discover until I had almost finished reading the book that at the back there are author notes and timelines of the lives of the people, as well as quote attributions, and a list of websites and books for further research.
This book was an eye-opener for me, as I hadn’t heard these stories before. Props to the author for her excellent research and for bringing these biographies together in such an engaging format.
AO Yrs 4-6
May 25, 2018
As a 7th grader I think this book is very good for someone who wants to learn about people’s lives in wartime from a historical perspective, especially minorities in the U.S. The overall makeup of this book consists of historical quotes conveyed by the people mentioned, and writing that is easy to understand without filling your head, and small sections which are helpful for focusing on a certain part of that person’s life and is helpful for a quick reading on the go. Overall this book is interesting and is great for teens and adults alike who are looking for a detailed and factly based read.
Chioma Gregoire
December 13, 2021
At the recommendation of the Zinn Project, we read this aloud as part of our US history studies. My shallow criticism is that the subtitles within chapters are unnecessary and break up the book too much. If left out, it reads more like a “living” book. Expect challenging topics that intersect with enslavement: the impossibility of consent with some power dynamics, and suicidal thoughts to name two. However, the theme is agency—these are stories of real people who persevere. If you prefer diluted history textbooks that do an excellent job of indoctrinating children into a cult of nationalism, this is not the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2021
I read some of this last year, and revisiting it this year, I was just as impressed. My own American history classes *never* mentioned Black people in America at the time of the Revolution other than as a side cough about slavery, IF THAT. So this is direly needed. AND it's entertaining and brief but clear.
Definitely recommended, especially if you want to learn more about this topic but don't know where to start. I will say I didn't love how it described Sally Hemings's "relationship" with Jefferson.
Definitely recommended, especially if you want to learn more about this topic but don't know where to start. I will say I didn't love how it described Sally Hemings's "relationship" with Jefferson.
June 3, 2018
Wow. Thirteen interesting, no, make that GRIPPING, stories of heroic African Americans make ANSWERING THE CRY FOR FREEDOM a must have in any respectable middle grade library. Expertly researched.
The sad truth of it is that this history minor knew only three of the thirteen historic figures. I wonder how many a middle grade reader would know offhand? We must do better teaching ALL of our history. This book is but one little step towards that goal.
In 2018.
We must do better.
The sad truth of it is that this history minor knew only three of the thirteen historic figures. I wonder how many a middle grade reader would know offhand? We must do better teaching ALL of our history. This book is but one little step towards that goal.
In 2018.
We must do better.
January 3, 2024
A collection of 13 biographical profiles of African-Americans and their responses to the American Revolution - some Patriots, some Loyalists, some born enslaved, some born free, some stayed in America, some went to Nova Scotia and Sierra Leone - but all believed in the promise of America that all people are created equal, and that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are inalienable human rights. Great stuff!
March 25, 2020
Well written, just right for intermediate and middle schoolers. And so many historical figures whose names SHOULD be more familiar to Americans, than they currently are. We need more books like this one!
October 10, 2020
I learned so much from this amazing collection, as did my 7 year old. Would definitely buy for all school libraries, from elementary through high school. My son has wanted to keep it from the library for so long that I may buy our own copy.
November 20, 2023
I'm glad this is on the AO reading list. It's a valuable addition. However, the writing is pretty dull, despite the exciting events and amazing people.
Also, I really did not care for the super long necks of people in the illustrations. *shudder* I don't know why it bothers me so.
Also, I really did not care for the super long necks of people in the illustrations. *shudder* I don't know why it bothers me so.
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December 7, 2025Sparked so many great conversations with the kids on the celebration of our unique differences paired with the foundation of us all being created in the same image. And lead us to pray for, and worship through, Revelation 7…naturally.
October 14, 2017
I loved learning about African Americans and their contributions to the Revolutionary War in this well-told and researched nonfiction. A solid and much needed addition to the curriculum.
September 8, 2018
Superb history of free and enslaved African Americans during the American Revolution! I use this book in my high school US history class!
June 11, 2020
Simply written but very compelling stuff. Love history especially the stuff they left out in school
November 6, 2023
2.5 stars. AO read Years 4-6. Some questionable things (as well as theologically wrong) presented as positive. Not sure I will keep the book and have my youngers read it.
May 14, 2025
Technically only for 85% in before we had to return to to the library, but my kids and I really appreciated the various perspectives and how they added to our understanding of the time period.
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May 29, 2025Really enjoyed this perspective shown from African-Americans living during the American Revolution.
June 10, 2021
I need to own this.
July 23, 2017
This informational social studies work of nonfiction tells the stories of 13 African Americans (some well known; some not so well known) who lived at the time of the American Revolution throughout the United States. From Phillis Wheatley to James Armistead Lafayette, each African American felt a strong desire for freedom and not only achieved it in one way or another but also changed the lives of many others along their journey toward freedom.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews