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Bread for Words: A Frederick Douglass Story
Frederick Douglass knew where he was born but not when. He knew his grandmother but not his father. And as a young child, there were other questions, such as Why am I a slave? Answers to those questions might have eluded him but Douglass did know for certain that learning to read and to write would be the first step in his quest for freedom and his fight for equality. Told from first-person perspective, this picture-book biography draws from the real-life experiences of a young Frederick Douglass and his attempts to learn how to read and write. Author Shana Keller (Ticktock Banneker's Clock) personalizes the text for young readers, using some of Douglass's own words. The lyrical title comes from how Douglass "paid" other children to teach him.
32 pages, ebook
Published January 15, 2020
1 person is currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Shana Keller
7 books19 followersShana Keller is passionate about history. She began her studies of African American history at the University of Miami in Florida and has delved deep into our nation’s diverse past ever since. She is the author of several award-winning picture books including Do You Know Them? Families Lost and Found After the Civil War, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection; Ticktock Banneker’s Clock, Best STEM book, Children’s Book Council; and Bread for Words: A Frederick Douglass Story, an Irma Black Award Honor. Other titles include Fly, Firefly!; The Peach Pit Parade: A World War I Story; The Sole Man: Jan Matzeliger’s Lasting Invention, a EUREKA! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Honor; and soon to be released, CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella (2025). Shana has traveled her whole life and has lived all over the United States and in Europe, too. Shana currently resides in North Carolina where she continues to write stories linking our past to the present.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 20, 2021
A picture book biography written by Shana Keller and illustrated by Kayla Stark.
Today, February 20th, is the anniversary of the death of Frederick Douglass. Being born a slave he never knew the exact date of his birth. He was born in Maryland and his earliest recollection was living with his grandmother in a small cabin. As he grew older she explained to him that they were slaves and that when he got older he would be put to work by his owner (Old Master). Frederick did not understand being owned by someone, he thought he belonged to his grandmother.
When Frederick was a little older his grandmother took him to the great house farm where Old Master lived with his family. Frederick met Daniel, a boy, who lived in the great house. They hunted and fished together. He showed Frederick around the house and his room and his comfortable bed. Frederick did not have a bed. Frederick did not go to sleep with a full belly, like Daniel. Another thing that Daniel had was a tutor to teach him. Frederick wanted to learn, too, but was not allowed. He was a slave and had to work. Anyway, it was illegal to teach a slave to read and write.
Frederick was then sent to Baltimore to the Auld family. They were relatives of his owner. Here Frederick's job was to take care of their son Thomas. He liked Baltimore a lot better than living on the farm. When Mrs. Auld read to Thomas, Frederick was allowed to listen and watch. He learned while he watched and she taught him. Mrs. Auld did not know it was illegal for her to teach Frederick to read. When Mr. Auld found out he put a stop to it. Frederick got his own book and later traded bread to poor neighborhood children to teach him to write.
This book is for children ages 6 - 9.
Black History Month Read
Today, February 20th, is the anniversary of the death of Frederick Douglass. Being born a slave he never knew the exact date of his birth. He was born in Maryland and his earliest recollection was living with his grandmother in a small cabin. As he grew older she explained to him that they were slaves and that when he got older he would be put to work by his owner (Old Master). Frederick did not understand being owned by someone, he thought he belonged to his grandmother.
When Frederick was a little older his grandmother took him to the great house farm where Old Master lived with his family. Frederick met Daniel, a boy, who lived in the great house. They hunted and fished together. He showed Frederick around the house and his room and his comfortable bed. Frederick did not have a bed. Frederick did not go to sleep with a full belly, like Daniel. Another thing that Daniel had was a tutor to teach him. Frederick wanted to learn, too, but was not allowed. He was a slave and had to work. Anyway, it was illegal to teach a slave to read and write.
Frederick was then sent to Baltimore to the Auld family. They were relatives of his owner. Here Frederick's job was to take care of their son Thomas. He liked Baltimore a lot better than living on the farm. When Mrs. Auld read to Thomas, Frederick was allowed to listen and watch. He learned while he watched and she taught him. Mrs. Auld did not know it was illegal for her to teach Frederick to read. When Mr. Auld found out he put a stop to it. Frederick got his own book and later traded bread to poor neighborhood children to teach him to write.
This book is for children ages 6 - 9.
Black History Month Read
January 29, 2020
Beautifully illustrated by Kayla Stark, this is another wonderful picture book to add to your personal collection. Kindergarten through 4th grade teachers should add it to their classroom libraries and use it during Black History Month.Written in the first person point of view, the book opens with this remarkable statement: "I know where I was born, not when."
Frederick wasn't at all happy about giving up his freedom and although he met his brothers and sisters at the Great House Farm, he was so sad to leave his grandmother that he didn't even play with them.
He met Daniel, the young boy who lived in the great house and they hunted and fished together. "Except for the color of our skin, it was hard to know why we were different."
Frederick wanted to learn how to read and write, but he learned early on that it was illegal, unlawful, and unsafe for him to become literate.
Perhaps it was because he showed the master's family that he was just like Daniel, he was sent away from the plantation to live with the family's kin. Conditions were better for him and the master's wife began to teach him.
But, his new master disapproved and forbade her teaching.
"From that moment, I understood the pathway from slavery to freedom. If I learned to read, I could loosen the changes of bondage."
Frederick's jobs including escorting young Thomas to school and running errands for the family. When we met some hungry boys on the streets, he remembered how it felt to be hungry and he came up with a plan.
Frederick copied letters he saw at the shipyard and wrote them on fences, brick walls, and the pavement. He copied letters from Thomas's discarded copybooks.
Finally, after seven years, he taught himself how to read.
This inspirational book ends with a summary of Frederick Douglass' life and why Ms. Keller chose to write the book as she did. Notice in some of the illustrations above, the words in bold are Frederick's exact words taken from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. In keeping with Ms. Keller's example, I put words in bold that I copied from Bread for Words that were Mr. Douglass' exact words. I'm giving away a copy of this book on my blog. Enter by Feb 1. https://carolbaldwinblog.blogspot.com...
Frederick wasn't at all happy about giving up his freedom and although he met his brothers and sisters at the Great House Farm, he was so sad to leave his grandmother that he didn't even play with them.
He met Daniel, the young boy who lived in the great house and they hunted and fished together. "Except for the color of our skin, it was hard to know why we were different."
Frederick wanted to learn how to read and write, but he learned early on that it was illegal, unlawful, and unsafe for him to become literate.
Perhaps it was because he showed the master's family that he was just like Daniel, he was sent away from the plantation to live with the family's kin. Conditions were better for him and the master's wife began to teach him.
But, his new master disapproved and forbade her teaching.
"From that moment, I understood the pathway from slavery to freedom. If I learned to read, I could loosen the changes of bondage."
Frederick's jobs including escorting young Thomas to school and running errands for the family. When we met some hungry boys on the streets, he remembered how it felt to be hungry and he came up with a plan.
Frederick copied letters he saw at the shipyard and wrote them on fences, brick walls, and the pavement. He copied letters from Thomas's discarded copybooks.
Finally, after seven years, he taught himself how to read.
This inspirational book ends with a summary of Frederick Douglass' life and why Ms. Keller chose to write the book as she did. Notice in some of the illustrations above, the words in bold are Frederick's exact words taken from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. In keeping with Ms. Keller's example, I put words in bold that I copied from Bread for Words that were Mr. Douglass' exact words. I'm giving away a copy of this book on my blog. Enter by Feb 1. https://carolbaldwinblog.blogspot.com...
February 6, 2023
Read as a read along e-book
This picture book was a great origin retelling of Frederick Douglass’s childhood. I liked the artwork. I liked the flow of the story. Frederick’s character shone in this book. I can see him as a young boy challenging himself to read and write, to improve the situation he did not choose. The author did a good job capturing that iconic aspect of Frederick Douglass.
This picture book was a great origin retelling of Frederick Douglass’s childhood. I liked the artwork. I liked the flow of the story. Frederick’s character shone in this book. I can see him as a young boy challenging himself to read and write, to improve the situation he did not choose. The author did a good job capturing that iconic aspect of Frederick Douglass.
February 19, 2021
Bread for Words is a wonderful story of how Frederick Douglass learned to read and write in the pursuit of his freedom. You get glimpses of his early years in the most simplistic and accessible yet impactful way. I loved how the author incorporated Douglass’ own words into the story in big bold letters – “But why am I a slave?” The changed format of the text added more realism and made the story that much more personable.
I loved reading the parts after Douglass, who’d been born a slave, decides to take his fate into his own hands: “From that moment on I understood the pathway from slavery to freedom. If I learned to read, I could loosen the chains of bondage.” In the ensuing pages, you see how observant, intelligent, and diligent Douglass was as he literally traded bread for words. It also emphasized the fear of a learned slave: that knowledge is power and power provides agency and agency was the pathway to freedom.
“Mr. Auld was right. There would be no keeping me. My chains had been broken.” These final words are so beautiful and meaningful as Douglass goes on to become a great orator, speech writer and activist in the fight against slavery.
Having read and studied Douglass’ autobiography Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave in school, I found Bread for Words to be an inspiring story and teaching tool for kids learning about Black and American history. I love the title of the book – it’s so perfect! – and the illustrations are superb.
I loved reading the parts after Douglass, who’d been born a slave, decides to take his fate into his own hands: “From that moment on I understood the pathway from slavery to freedom. If I learned to read, I could loosen the chains of bondage.” In the ensuing pages, you see how observant, intelligent, and diligent Douglass was as he literally traded bread for words. It also emphasized the fear of a learned slave: that knowledge is power and power provides agency and agency was the pathway to freedom.
“Mr. Auld was right. There would be no keeping me. My chains had been broken.” These final words are so beautiful and meaningful as Douglass goes on to become a great orator, speech writer and activist in the fight against slavery.
Having read and studied Douglass’ autobiography Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave in school, I found Bread for Words to be an inspiring story and teaching tool for kids learning about Black and American history. I love the title of the book – it’s so perfect! – and the illustrations are superb.
August 14, 2020
A really lovely introduction to Frederick Douglass. It includes gorgeous illustrations that I think will capture children's imaginations. The narrative does a great job of describing slavery in a way that is accessible to children and allows children to empathize with child-slaves, imagining what it might feel like to go through something like that (while never being too scary). At the same time, it teaches other important lessons: The author really emphasizes Douglass's journey toward literacy, showing how hard work and perseverance are important for learning.
I was disappointed by where the story ends. The moment he learns to read, it's over. It mentions he's unchained but doesn't illustrate how, making "freedom" an abstract concept in a way his slavery isn't. I know it's a picture book with limited words and pages, but I wish there had been even a glimpse of the great things Douglass would go on to do and how important his reading/writing skills would become. There are biographical notes at the end that help supplement the narrative, but as it stands this book is an incomplete part of what would need to be a more thorough lesson on who Frederick Douglass was. That makes this book suitable for classroom lessons, but less than ideal as a simple story time book or independent reading.
I was disappointed by where the story ends. The moment he learns to read, it's over. It mentions he's unchained but doesn't illustrate how, making "freedom" an abstract concept in a way his slavery isn't. I know it's a picture book with limited words and pages, but I wish there had been even a glimpse of the great things Douglass would go on to do and how important his reading/writing skills would become. There are biographical notes at the end that help supplement the narrative, but as it stands this book is an incomplete part of what would need to be a more thorough lesson on who Frederick Douglass was. That makes this book suitable for classroom lessons, but less than ideal as a simple story time book or independent reading.
March 1, 2020
I picked this up a few days ago at the Public Library Association conference, where illustrator Kayla Stark was signing. They sold me with the pitch that it was about how Frederick Douglass was able to learn to read, despite the fact that it was illegal as he was enslaved. Author Shana Keller explains that she used bold text to indicate direct quotes from Douglass’ autobiography in the text. I read Douglass’ autobiography back in college, but don’t remember it well.
I think Keller and Stark do a good job of capturing what it was like to be enslaved in a way that’s accessible to children. Douglass’ ingenuity, intelligence and determination to persevere are inspiring, and this seems a great entry point to a larger discussion of his life and his work as an abolitionist. It also shows the importance and power of education, and how enforced ignorance is used as a means of oppression. Douglass’ realized this as at a young age, and because he did and actively sought literacy, he changed history.
I think Keller and Stark do a good job of capturing what it was like to be enslaved in a way that’s accessible to children. Douglass’ ingenuity, intelligence and determination to persevere are inspiring, and this seems a great entry point to a larger discussion of his life and his work as an abolitionist. It also shows the importance and power of education, and how enforced ignorance is used as a means of oppression. Douglass’ realized this as at a young age, and because he did and actively sought literacy, he changed history.
February 25, 2021
What a wonderful book! Through it kids can learn about slavery, but, also, about the yearning of a little boy to learn to read and write. And that little boy was real! The illustrations are beautiful.
This book can be a conversation generator in homes and classrooms about the value of learning to read and write. But, more important about the dignity of each human being no matter its color, race, place of origin or economic conditions. It can be a homeschooling tool to teach about this great abolitionist, writer and statement. To top it, it can teach children about perseverance, a characteristic so important to achieve goals and dreams.
Shana Keller has written a book that will have something to offer for generations to come.
This book can be a conversation generator in homes and classrooms about the value of learning to read and write. But, more important about the dignity of each human being no matter its color, race, place of origin or economic conditions. It can be a homeschooling tool to teach about this great abolitionist, writer and statement. To top it, it can teach children about perseverance, a characteristic so important to achieve goals and dreams.
Shana Keller has written a book that will have something to offer for generations to come.
September 6, 2022
This is a beautifully illustrated book about how Frederick Douglass managed to move from slavery to freedom while pursuing an education. This book is definitely a book that will spark classroom discussion and inspire readers to never give up trying to reach their goals in life. It is well written and includes information on Frederick Douglass' life as well as a note from the author that is definitely worth reading. Highly recommended for Black History month or for anyone researching this amazing American man. Great for Grades 3-5.
August 14, 2020
Although the author explains why she decided to tell the story in first person, I still found it uncomfortable. I have not read any of Mr. Douglass' writing, but it also seemed like this book was making light of Douglass' situation, indicating that by only learning to read and write his "chains had been broken," however, when the book ends, Douglass is still enslaved. It does not go into his escape or anything after.
November 6, 2020
Another illustrated children's book to learn history.
This book tells history of a well-known activist, Frederick Douglass. He was an African-American and an escaped slave. This book illustrates and shows how his childhood looked like. He was enslaved to a family. Even he questioned why he was a slave and they made him having no choice. Then, he finally began to learn how to read and write on his own as his first steps for freedom.
This book tells history of a well-known activist, Frederick Douglass. He was an African-American and an escaped slave. This book illustrates and shows how his childhood looked like. He was enslaved to a family. Even he questioned why he was a slave and they made him having no choice. Then, he finally began to learn how to read and write on his own as his first steps for freedom.
July 28, 2021
Beautiful book about the early life of Frederick Douglass. This is the type of true history every child should read. This powerful account can inspire any child to pursue greater education and teach them the determination to keep at it. Education can change lives and this book proves it. The author deftly weaves these lessons together. Complimented by soft, colorful but also impactful illustrations, the reader gets a eye opening window into the life of young Frederick. A must have.
December 8, 2021
A great biography of Frederick Douglass! This book focuses on how Frederick Douglass learned to read, and how he used learning to read as a goal to break free from slavery. That perspective makes this book worthwhile in two different ways: first, it gives children insight into the chains of slavery, both metaphorical and physical; second, it emphasizes how important literacy is in one's life. I highly recommend this book for children and adults.
February 13, 2023
A nice little read-along book which covers the early years of Frederick Douglass, who learned that education would be his path out of slavery. Self-determined and self-reliant, he devised strategies for gaining knowledge surreptitiously, one being to give bread to hungry street children in exchange for their help with reading and writing words.
The narrator's voice is overly enthusiastic no matter what the text is. A bit annoying and distracting.
The narrator's voice is overly enthusiastic no matter what the text is. A bit annoying and distracting.
March 27, 2021
Another perfect book for Black History Month. Inspiring in its strength to underscore the power of reading and the passion for education. The resourcefulness that young Frederick Douglas demonstrated to barter reading instruction for food will make a deep impression in young readers. This needs to be in your collection.
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June 15, 2021Tells of how Frederick Douglass learned how to read and write, primarily.
Douglass' own words in bold are used as part of the story.
Highlights Douglass' constant questioning of slavery and work toward escaping enslavement. Ends 7 years after he starts learning to read and write; for read alouds, need to be prepared to talk about his life afterward.
Douglass' own words in bold are used as part of the story.
Highlights Douglass' constant questioning of slavery and work toward escaping enslavement. Ends 7 years after he starts learning to read and write; for read alouds, need to be prepared to talk about his life afterward.
June 30, 2020
I wasn't a huge fan of the illustrations in this book but I loved that the author included snippets of words and phrases that Frederick Douglass wrote or spoke. I learned a lot of new information about him and love the inclusion of notes at the back of the book.
January 12, 2021
“My hunger was different than theirs.” Reading about Frederick Douglass’s deep yearn for literacy was inspiring. Bread for Words is an extraordinary picture book biography that’s a must for our library.
March 5, 2021
A terrifically effective picture book biography of Frederick Douglass. Focusing on his childhood, the author allows readers to access the institution of slavery in a very natural and age appropriate way. Kids will also be taken by Douglass’s determination to read and write.
April 1, 2021
This book told the story of Frederick Douglas and his efforts in learning to read. It has some great vocabulary and great illustrations. I like this book because it shows students that reading is not a right, but a privilege.
March 19, 2023
So sad to read from a person's perspective about slavery (and this was a very tame story). How he ached to learn but wasn't allowed... Hurt my heart. Losing his family repeatedly sucked hard.
But an important story to hear. And very nice pictures.
But an important story to hear. And very nice pictures.
March 24, 2020
Douglass' early years, and his determination to learn how to read and to break the bonds of slavery, are told in this educational picture book for young readers.
October 19, 2020
Fred was a clever little boy. He figured out the way to learn how to read and write. Understanding that it meant true freedom
November 28, 2020
Gorgeous, important, beautiful book. My 7 year old son really enjoyed it. A must-buy for school libraries.
January 20, 2021
A picture book biography about a young Frederick Douglass and how he took every opportunity to learn to read and write as he recognized that those skills were the first stop out of bondage.
February 22, 2021
More information I didn't know about Frederick Douglass' childhood! A telling story about some of his hard times.
February 5, 2022
Was a great story to share with students. Shows them the importance of reading and writing and has many good lessons.
June 16, 2022
This book was great. Decent art but the story was truly inspirational.
January 16, 2024
4 stars
A picture book biography of young Frederick Douglass' life and how he learned to read and write.
A picture book biography of young Frederick Douglass' life and how he learned to read and write.
January 24, 2020
I am thrilled to see a trend of picture books being written in a first-person narrative. I believe it adds another layer of depth to a historical setting. Frederick Douglass is famous for his fight and determination to receive an education. "Bread for Words" focuses more on his childhood journey as he learned to read.
The story follows a young Douglass as he grows up in Maryland. Every time he expressed interest in learning he was told that it was not an option. His constant thirst for knowledge would anger his owners and sometimes he was moved to other places so that he wouldn't continue to focus on education. One morning he realized that the young boys on the street looked around his age and, they also looked hungry. Fredrick began to bring a book with him and extra bread. Slowly he started to learn the letters in the books until he could read and write. His perseverance allowed him to become unstoppable in his life. Shana Keller did a beautiful job of weaving together a nonfiction narrative that allows readers a glimpse into the early life of Fredrick Douglass. The illustrations by Kayla Stark capture the historic period and draw readers into the story. Her use of color and detail creates beautiful images. This is a perfect book for any historical unit or celebration of Black History Month.
The story follows a young Douglass as he grows up in Maryland. Every time he expressed interest in learning he was told that it was not an option. His constant thirst for knowledge would anger his owners and sometimes he was moved to other places so that he wouldn't continue to focus on education. One morning he realized that the young boys on the street looked around his age and, they also looked hungry. Fredrick began to bring a book with him and extra bread. Slowly he started to learn the letters in the books until he could read and write. His perseverance allowed him to become unstoppable in his life. Shana Keller did a beautiful job of weaving together a nonfiction narrative that allows readers a glimpse into the early life of Fredrick Douglass. The illustrations by Kayla Stark capture the historic period and draw readers into the story. Her use of color and detail creates beautiful images. This is a perfect book for any historical unit or celebration of Black History Month.
December 31, 2020
This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of young Frederick Douglass and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews