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Freedom! The Story of the Black Panther Party
Booklist Editors’ Choice
WINNER of the Russell Freedman Award for Non-Fiction for a Better World
Knowledge is power. The secret is this. Knowledge, applied at the right time and place, is more than power. It’s magic.
That’s what the Black Panther Party did. They called up this magic and launched a revolution.
In the beginning, it was a story like any other. It could have been yours and it could have been mine. But once it got going, it became more than any one person could have imagined.
This is the story of Huey and Bobby. Eldridge and Kathleen. Elaine and Fred and Ericka.
This is the story of the committed party members. Their supporters and allies. The Free Breakfast Program and the Ten Point Program. It’s about Black nationalism, Black radicalism, about Black people in America.
From the authors of the acclaimed book, Black Against The History and Politics of the Black Panther Party , and introducing new talent Jetta Grace Martin, comes the story of the Panthers for younger readers—meticulously researched, thrillingly told, and filled with incredible photographs throughout.
P R A I S E
★ “A passionate, honest, and intimate look into an important time in civil rights history.”
— Booklist (starred)
★ “Impeccable writing and stellar design make this title highly recommended.”
—S chool Library Journal (starred)
“Detailed, thoroughly researched...A valuable addition to the history of African American resistance.”
— Kirkus
WINNER of the Russell Freedman Award for Non-Fiction for a Better World
Knowledge is power. The secret is this. Knowledge, applied at the right time and place, is more than power. It’s magic.
That’s what the Black Panther Party did. They called up this magic and launched a revolution.
In the beginning, it was a story like any other. It could have been yours and it could have been mine. But once it got going, it became more than any one person could have imagined.
This is the story of Huey and Bobby. Eldridge and Kathleen. Elaine and Fred and Ericka.
This is the story of the committed party members. Their supporters and allies. The Free Breakfast Program and the Ten Point Program. It’s about Black nationalism, Black radicalism, about Black people in America.
From the authors of the acclaimed book, Black Against The History and Politics of the Black Panther Party , and introducing new talent Jetta Grace Martin, comes the story of the Panthers for younger readers—meticulously researched, thrillingly told, and filled with incredible photographs throughout.
P R A I S E
★ “A passionate, honest, and intimate look into an important time in civil rights history.”
— Booklist (starred)
★ “Impeccable writing and stellar design make this title highly recommended.”
—S chool Library Journal (starred)
“Detailed, thoroughly researched...A valuable addition to the history of African American resistance.”
— Kirkus
384 pages, Hardcover
Published January 18, 2022
27 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
December 14, 2021
ARC provided by the publisher Levine Quierdo in exchange for an honest review
In this compelling young adult novel, readers are transported back to the turbulent 1960’s through the eyes of the founders of the Black Panther Party. Interspersed with interviews from people who lived through the founding and ultimate demise of the organization, FREEDOM! documents the story of the Black Panther Party from its inception to its ultimate disbanding.
FREEDOM! dives into the history of the Black Panther Party by introducing Huey Newton, Bobby Seale and Eldridge Cleaver the original founders and their experiences with racism, the police and community which led to them forming the Party. It’s a great start to the book because there are so many things happening during this turbulent time including the Vietnam War where Black men died in droves and some returned home to be harassed and even murdered in their own communities.
The Black Panther Party and its history isn’t complete without the discussion of the impact that the young members had on history. Dynamic and brilliant members like Fred Hampton, George Jackson, Kwame Ture, Ericka Huggins, David Hilliard and Elaine Brown are featured and some of their deaths aren’t ignored, in fact they are called out for what they were-assassinations. The authors also cover the FBI’s COINTELPRO program which did such damage to the organization that towards the end many surviving members didn’t trust each other due to the FBI’s illegal tactics.
The book doesn't ignore the complicated dynamic between the male and female members of the Party. Here’s the thing, a woman didn’t lead the organization until 1974, nearly ten years after the Party was founded despite being an integral part of the organization. Women ran schools, free meal programs in addition to being harassed by police and sometimes even jailed. Women were able to start these free meals programs, which turned into programs that ultimately provided clothes, homework assistance and more. It also dives into the frank reality that some members faced which was the inability to survive off sales of the BPP newspaper and the role poverty played in many members leaving. It also touches on Huey's drug use and Elaine Brown's outrage of the assault of Regina Davis which is the main catalyst for her leaving the Party.
FREEDOM! includes some fascinating photos of the Panthers at work, giving visual guides to how the Panthers armed themself before California banned open carry. Some of the photographs are striking (Kathleen Neal Cleaver’s portrait in the doorway with a gun is included) and to some of the gone but never forgotten members like Bobby Hutton and George Jackson. This book serves as a educational source and includes biographies at the end of the book, a timeline, a helpful glossary of terms and people, and complete index.
In this compelling young adult novel, readers are transported back to the turbulent 1960’s through the eyes of the founders of the Black Panther Party. Interspersed with interviews from people who lived through the founding and ultimate demise of the organization, FREEDOM! documents the story of the Black Panther Party from its inception to its ultimate disbanding.
FREEDOM! dives into the history of the Black Panther Party by introducing Huey Newton, Bobby Seale and Eldridge Cleaver the original founders and their experiences with racism, the police and community which led to them forming the Party. It’s a great start to the book because there are so many things happening during this turbulent time including the Vietnam War where Black men died in droves and some returned home to be harassed and even murdered in their own communities.
The Black Panther Party and its history isn’t complete without the discussion of the impact that the young members had on history. Dynamic and brilliant members like Fred Hampton, George Jackson, Kwame Ture, Ericka Huggins, David Hilliard and Elaine Brown are featured and some of their deaths aren’t ignored, in fact they are called out for what they were-assassinations. The authors also cover the FBI’s COINTELPRO program which did such damage to the organization that towards the end many surviving members didn’t trust each other due to the FBI’s illegal tactics.
The book doesn't ignore the complicated dynamic between the male and female members of the Party. Here’s the thing, a woman didn’t lead the organization until 1974, nearly ten years after the Party was founded despite being an integral part of the organization. Women ran schools, free meal programs in addition to being harassed by police and sometimes even jailed. Women were able to start these free meals programs, which turned into programs that ultimately provided clothes, homework assistance and more. It also dives into the frank reality that some members faced which was the inability to survive off sales of the BPP newspaper and the role poverty played in many members leaving. It also touches on Huey's drug use and Elaine Brown's outrage of the assault of Regina Davis which is the main catalyst for her leaving the Party.
FREEDOM! includes some fascinating photos of the Panthers at work, giving visual guides to how the Panthers armed themself before California banned open carry. Some of the photographs are striking (Kathleen Neal Cleaver’s portrait in the doorway with a gun is included) and to some of the gone but never forgotten members like Bobby Hutton and George Jackson. This book serves as a educational source and includes biographies at the end of the book, a timeline, a helpful glossary of terms and people, and complete index.
February 7, 2022
Damn, this was good. I especially appreciated how the author addressed the complexities of the Party, both the different ideologies struggling to be cohesively represented and the gender politics. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone interested in The Black Panthers or really in community organizing in general. I now have a lot of specific people and events I need to read more about!
August 27, 2024
so informative but also easy to digest. i only knew the bpp basics before going into this so i learned a lot about the goals, processes, and achievements of the party but also the complexities of it like the toxic sexism and the split in leadership that would end up leading to it’s end. definitely recommend to anyone wanting a full view at the black panther party and important events in the movement!
December 31, 2023
Chronicles the rise and disintegration of the Black Panther Party. I listened to the audio version, narrated by one of my favorites, Dion Graham.
I didn't know much about the Black Panther Party before this book except a bit from the graphic novel "Victory, Stand". In general, I'm learning quite a bit about activist groups from this and other books like "March".
So much loss before, during, and even after this time. My hope is that progress is being made.
I didn't know much about the Black Panther Party before this book except a bit from the graphic novel "Victory, Stand". In general, I'm learning quite a bit about activist groups from this and other books like "March".
So much loss before, during, and even after this time. My hope is that progress is being made.
June 17, 2025
A must read for every student of history (and arguably, for everyone).
December 21, 2023
Very good, informative book. As the author admits, it's based largely on first-person accounts, so take that into consideration.
Sync Audiobooks for teens
Sync Audiobooks for teens
March 29, 2024
fascinating story brilliantly written. could not put it down
February 7, 2022
One of my favorite history books. Works for all ages. This book has excellent narrative flow and is meticulously researched with copious footnotes. Jetta really brings the Panthers to life. Dion Graham is the narrator for Audible which is superb by itself or as a complement. The photographs dazzle, the quotes inspire, and the story of the Black Panthers continues to clarify and edify. Beautifully printed as well. If you are interested in this topic, you can't go wrong with this read. Rarely is reading non-fiction so enjoyable! Can't wait to see what Jetta comes up with next.
March 8, 2024
This book represents another trip down memory lane. I was one of those white college kids who saw hope in the Black Panther community movement and shared a strong opposition to the Viet Nam War and police violence against Black Americans. Along with the poster that decried, "War is not healthy to children and other living things," I hung the iconic poster of Huey Newton on my living room wall. The Black Panthers were part of my generation's youth movements that sought to change America.
Illustrated with many handsome black and white photographs, Freedom is a readable primer that presents an honest and sympathetic history of the Black Panthers from their humble beginnings in Oakland California to world wide chapters and influence and decline as more lives were taken and lost and the world changed. The authors center their book on the lives of the individual young people who took up arms against racism and violent police with a vision of freedom and equality, made their struggle real to the entire world, and brought the full power of police and the FBI against them. The authors stress the leadership roles Black women played in organizing, leading, and building schools and other community services and note that the group worked in concert with Latinx and Asian groups and white allies to build a better world. They were young, gifted, and Black with all of idealism, recklessness, and courage of youth. Some gave their lives literally for the cause of Black freedom, and when the survivors walked away, they carried the Black Panther ideal of community service with them. Freedom is a good introduction for high-school students.
Illustrated with many handsome black and white photographs, Freedom is a readable primer that presents an honest and sympathetic history of the Black Panthers from their humble beginnings in Oakland California to world wide chapters and influence and decline as more lives were taken and lost and the world changed. The authors center their book on the lives of the individual young people who took up arms against racism and violent police with a vision of freedom and equality, made their struggle real to the entire world, and brought the full power of police and the FBI against them. The authors stress the leadership roles Black women played in organizing, leading, and building schools and other community services and note that the group worked in concert with Latinx and Asian groups and white allies to build a better world. They were young, gifted, and Black with all of idealism, recklessness, and courage of youth. Some gave their lives literally for the cause of Black freedom, and when the survivors walked away, they carried the Black Panther ideal of community service with them. Freedom is a good introduction for high-school students.
December 4, 2023
Super informative, learned so much about the BPP. I never got to hear their story in depth, very much enjoyed!
October 21, 2022
This is an essential book doing essential work: establishing an honest and thorough history of the Back Panther Movement and also revealing the distorted narrative. It also reveals that news presented only the images and clips of their messaging that were intended to convey strength (and did) but also intimidated those in political power structures who had created and sustained unlivable and unjust conditions.
My life spans the time portrayed and I readily acknowledge that the Black Panther activities, as shared in media, were frightening to me. In fact, though, as a teen ai learned more and participated in a variety of groups that supported their work. The extensive photo images that open this book and the others inserted throughout make it clear that this is not a rewrite of history, not a whitewash of a "bad" or lawbreaking group. Quite the contrary, but makes clear why the movement was needed, how it proceeded intentionally and constructively. The chaos and rioting that has been associated with their mov event was, for the most part, instigated by the existing power structure.
It is a fine sharing the factual history while revealing the ways in which current media can and does reshape the narrative about political and social forces in contemporary times.
My life spans the time portrayed and I readily acknowledge that the Black Panther activities, as shared in media, were frightening to me. In fact, though, as a teen ai learned more and participated in a variety of groups that supported their work. The extensive photo images that open this book and the others inserted throughout make it clear that this is not a rewrite of history, not a whitewash of a "bad" or lawbreaking group. Quite the contrary, but makes clear why the movement was needed, how it proceeded intentionally and constructively. The chaos and rioting that has been associated with their mov event was, for the most part, instigated by the existing power structure.
It is a fine sharing the factual history while revealing the ways in which current media can and does reshape the narrative about political and social forces in contemporary times.
Read
November 9, 2023I think I like many people are intimidated by public perception of what the Black Panther Party was. That is also why I am glad I read this book to get a larger picture of what the movement was about, how it started, how it progressed, and how it ended. I always found it interesting how in schools MLK was always praised whereas the Black Panther Party was not, nor was it really discussed much at length, and how telling that was about our school system and who is making the decisions around what gets taught.
I was really interested in especially how divided and complex the whole thing was with many people having different ideas about what the party should be, do, and represent and how that manifested in the party’s evolution and decline. In that vein it was cool learning also about the entirety of what the Black Panther Party was and not just the image or conception of what it was.
I also really appreciated how the authors of this book made a conscious effort to show how women affected and, in many ways, carried the party especially since revolution is typically portrayed as masculine work.
I was really interested in especially how divided and complex the whole thing was with many people having different ideas about what the party should be, do, and represent and how that manifested in the party’s evolution and decline. In that vein it was cool learning also about the entirety of what the Black Panther Party was and not just the image or conception of what it was.
I also really appreciated how the authors of this book made a conscious effort to show how women affected and, in many ways, carried the party especially since revolution is typically portrayed as masculine work.
August 18, 2022
I can see why this didn't/isn't the kind of press as a YA nonfiction because I question it's intrigue for a YA audience. I strongly disliked the formatting and organization of telling the full story of the Black Panther Party especially in light of Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party's Promise to the People that was just so stellarly done.
The narrative flow in these chunky paragraphs with black and white photos and organized into chapters didn't give me a chronology, a set of people to follow, or a thematic entry point to want to stick closely to unraveling the story of the party. So this was a bit of a fail for me however I love what LQ is doing to bring marginalized stories to young people, this was off the mark for its intended audience.
The narrative flow in these chunky paragraphs with black and white photos and organized into chapters didn't give me a chronology, a set of people to follow, or a thematic entry point to want to stick closely to unraveling the story of the party. So this was a bit of a fail for me however I love what LQ is doing to bring marginalized stories to young people, this was off the mark for its intended audience.
August 20, 2025
Joshua Bloom and Waldo E. Martin Jr. collaborated to write Black Against Empire, which like this book, present a balanced, comprehensive view of the Black Panther Party's history. This time they are joined by Jetta Grace Martin in reviewing the programs, policies and politics of the Black Panthers: Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, Eldridge and Kathleen Cleaver, Fred Hampton, David Hilliard, and Elaine Brown. The struggle for black rights and empowerment is detailed, as well as the persecution by the government and mainstream media, which included inflaming rivalries, and killings of Fred Hampton, Lil' Bobby, John Huggins, and Alprentice 'Bunchy' Carter. Their community programs (free breakfasts for school kids, medical care, etc.) and outreach to other socially progressive groups received little publicity then, but are discussed widely herein.
March 1, 2022
This is a valuable book in the consideration and history of a polarizing organization. While it covers the basic history/chronology, the more interesting parts included subjective experiences of those involved and tried to include some perspectives that may not always be central (like the women in the party). Martin does not shy away from the problematic aspects and ultimate failure of the leaders individually and for the cause while working to clarify the reasoning behind the ideology and to place the Black Panther Party in the context of other movements with similar or parallel objectives.
I wasn't always enthralled by the story or the information, but I was glad to have read it in order to have a firmer grasp on the nuances of their goals and reasoning for tactics.
I wasn't always enthralled by the story or the information, but I was glad to have read it in order to have a firmer grasp on the nuances of their goals and reasoning for tactics.
March 10, 2025
It is disgusting how the BPP was portrayed through the school system, as I had always heard of them as a dangerous biker gang. In reality, the movement was full of community service, arming yourself with knowledge before arming yourself with guns, and THEN once you’ve studied hard, you’d be armed and taught proper usage in the name of legal self defense. The Panthers wanted people (especially marginalized groups) to know their rights and not be unfairly intimated (often violently) by officers of the law.
The book was wonderfully written in a very easy to understand (for my ADHD ass) linear portrayal of events from the birth to the eventual tragic downfall of the party.
Highly highly recommend this, slay
The book was wonderfully written in a very easy to understand (for my ADHD ass) linear portrayal of events from the birth to the eventual tragic downfall of the party.
Highly highly recommend this, slay
March 16, 2022
This book was okay. I don't think there can be too many books written about this misrepresented group and time in history (I was taught in school that the Black Panthers were terrorists, and that was it). It's definitely a subject that needs greater attention.
But this book was not designed or written as well as Kekla Magoon's Revolution in Our Time, and it definitely suffers from the comparison. If there had been a little more time between the publication of the two titles, or if this book had come first, I might have been more impressed. But as it is, it just kind of feels like we don't need this book when we have Magoon's.
But this book was not designed or written as well as Kekla Magoon's Revolution in Our Time, and it definitely suffers from the comparison. If there had been a little more time between the publication of the two titles, or if this book had come first, I might have been more impressed. But as it is, it just kind of feels like we don't need this book when we have Magoon's.
October 21, 2022
The Black Panther Party! As a child and as a young person, I was terrified of the Black Panther Party as they were presented to me on the nightly news. Armed. Angry. They were shown to me as Very Scary People.
How different is this account of the party! The book tells the story of the formation of the party to combat police violence against Blacks and to promote pride in Blacks. The party rapidly gains new members despite having some of the key members jailed or killed, and it accomplished many of its goals. But then it began to decline and was finally dissolved.
A well-told and well-researched tale of an activist group that arose out of the movements of the sixties.
How different is this account of the party! The book tells the story of the formation of the party to combat police violence against Blacks and to promote pride in Blacks. The party rapidly gains new members despite having some of the key members jailed or killed, and it accomplished many of its goals. But then it began to decline and was finally dissolved.
A well-told and well-researched tale of an activist group that arose out of the movements of the sixties.
January 21, 2024
The only thing I learned about the Black Panther Party growing up was that they were a violent group, and while they did believe in an open carry policy they were so much more. The group provided many services for their communities and focused on the good of their people.
This book was very well researched and put together. The way the many different stories, quotes and view points were weaved together created an educational and informative story about a historically important group.
Beautifully narrated, seriously the narrator for the audio book was fantastic, I highly recommend listening to the audio version of this book.
This book was very well researched and put together. The way the many different stories, quotes and view points were weaved together created an educational and informative story about a historically important group.
Beautifully narrated, seriously the narrator for the audio book was fantastic, I highly recommend listening to the audio version of this book.
October 15, 2022
While this book was a well-researched look at the Black Panther Party (including the women who kept it going), it wasn’t the most riveting or well-written non-fiction. While I worry, as many, about the violence of the party, O do feel for the plight of their people, their desire for freedom, and frustration with the slowness of progress.
Read as a nomination for a high school non-fiction entry for a CYBILS award. Felt this was more of an adult read - not particularly adapted for teens or young adults.
Read as a nomination for a high school non-fiction entry for a CYBILS award. Felt this was more of an adult read - not particularly adapted for teens or young adults.
June 27, 2024
Honestly there was more here than I could attend to in the audio format. I might try to pick this up in print sometime, as I was able to connect some people and events and themes but not all of them. It is a tropic that gets brought up in racial discussion contexts but I feel like most people don't really have an idea of all the different threads of the organization and some of their amazing social programs. Of course there's some tough stuff here too, and the context of the times is really crucial.
February 16, 2024
the thing I liked most about this was the narrative structure and the transparency that the authors provide. it doesn’t shy away from more negative aspects of the party and I think that is incredibly important to understanding it. also, I especially liked the inclusion of women in the narrative of the party, even if their names are not the ones in our history books. the photos were also a great addition to the reading experience
March 21, 2024
"From early on, Huey understood the importance and the power of the group. His parents set an important example. When you put family first, when you put the needs of others before your own. You can achieve great things."
"Knowledge is power. The secret is this. Knowledge, applied at the right time and place, is more than power. It’s magic. That is what the black panther party did. They called up this magic and began a revolution."
"Knowledge is power. The secret is this. Knowledge, applied at the right time and place, is more than power. It’s magic. That is what the black panther party did. They called up this magic and began a revolution."
February 26, 2025
Authors do a great job of making the history of the Black Panther Party accessible to a broad audience. This book was easy to read and straightforward, it serves as a great introduction to the story of the Party, and leaves room for readers to read other texts to deepen their knowledge. I loved all of the images and photos throughout the book. I was grateful for the glossary and the timeline at the end of the book as well. I recommend this book!!!!
May 14, 2025
Really good summary of the rise, fall and importance of Black Panther party. Puts them in context to the large movement for civil rights, while detailing many of the key players in the Panther Party. I think weaving in and out of members would be a cool way to go as well, but probably would have been a much longer book and harder to remember. I also loved the layout of the book. It's beautifully formatted with photos. They aren't just placed, they heighten the reading experience.
April 24, 2022
Excellent history book with incredible photos throughout. I love everything Levine Querido is putting out and this book is no exception. Our 8th grade covers the Black Panther Party and this will be a great supplemental book. The party's leaders, teachings, and programs are depicted clearly and matter-of-factly, the writing is excellent, and the books design is perfection.
December 1, 2022
This was a great source of information about the Black Panther Party that focused on lots of specific instances and people, generally in a chronological and easy to digest manner. I definitely learned from it and would recommend to those looking for more info on the topic. Lots of footnotes and references included as well!
March 9, 2023
the audiobook for this book was OUTSTANDING!! this was a great listen, and the narration of these revolutionaries' lives could not have been better. this book not only gave an in-depth chronological account of the rise and fall of the Black Panther party, but also various perspectives-- especially those of the women that were overlooked in the movement.
February 16, 2024
I liked this. I wouldn't read it again. I learned A LOT from it so I am glad that I randonly picked it up from the Black History Month shelf as recommended by the library. Easy to read. I would recommend it to someone looking for a BIPOC read or social justice. It changed my understanding of the party.
July 25, 2024
To Build the World Anew requires Discipline!
This is a lovely book that highlights the struggles of the Black Panther Party since its founding to its eventual end. It’s a tragic yet hopeful story, important warnings are strewn within. Chief amongst them are the need for discipline, democracy, and equity for all.
Can’t recommend it enough!
This is a lovely book that highlights the struggles of the Black Panther Party since its founding to its eventual end. It’s a tragic yet hopeful story, important warnings are strewn within. Chief amongst them are the need for discipline, democracy, and equity for all.
Can’t recommend it enough!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews