Only Passing Through: The Story of Sojourner Truth

by Anne Rockwell, R. Gregory Christie (Illustrator)

A powerful picture book biography of one of the abolitionist movement's most compelling voices.

Sojourner Truth traveled the country in the latter half of the 19th century, speaking out against slavery. She told of a slave girl who was sold three times by age 13, who was beaten for not understanding her master's orders, who watched her parents die of cold and hunger when they could no longer work for their keep. Sojourner's simple yet powerful words helped people to understand the hideous truth about slavery. The story she told was her own.

Only Passing Through is the inspiring story of how a woman, born a slave with no status or dignity, transformed herself into one of the most powerful voices of the abolitionist movement. Anne Rockwell combines her lifelong love of history with her well-known skill as a storyteller to create this simple, affecting portrait of an American icon.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, History, African American, Nonfiction, Childrens, Historical

40 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sojourner Truth does not always receive as much attention as other historical figures such as Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, but her story is just as important. This picture book biography tells of her early life as a slave and how she fought for her freedom, including the freedom of others later on.

[sarafem · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Sojourner Truth, beautifully told. We don't seem to hear as much about her as we do about Harriet Tubman and I like that there are more books about her now than when I was a child. This is the best of the best.

[Kathy Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the beginning of the story, we find a young girl, tall and strong for her age, named Isabella. She has been separated from her parents, and was sold to an English speaking farmer. That lead to problems for Isabella. She only speaks Dutch, as do the rest of the people from the Hudson Valley where she was from. When she didn't comply with the farmer, the beatings start. Thus started the cruelty that Isabella suffered during her years as a slave. She didn't let the harsh treatment break her spirit. She grew to be 6 ft tall,had 5 children, and dreamt of the day she and her children would be free. Isabella always fought for the truth no matter what she came up against. When her sons' master illegally took him across state lines, she found a lawyer that would help her. She took the owner to court, and won! The slave owner brought her son back. Isabella stunned everyone. Slaves didn't do such things, neither did women. But Isabella did- the truth was her master. Toward the end of the book, Isabella has a dream that it was her mission in life to give up what little she had, take her few possessions, and start walking across the country to spread the message about the evils of slavery, to be a voice for slaves still in bondage. She changed her name to Sojourner ( which means one who passes through) Truth, and started a new beginning in her life, and went on to become involved with slave emancipation and women's rights, especially to vote.

This book would be a great read for 4th or 5th grader, because of the content, message, and the length of the book. The text is beautifully written with meaning, and conviction. The illustrations are done by R Gregory Christie, which are striking. The pictures are bold, colorful, ingenious figures with large heads, and exaggerated features. They are pictures with a purpose, which compliments Anne Rockwells 'words.

I recommend this book to anyone who would like to read a short, well written biography about one of our little known American heros. It delivers a strong message about the evils of slavery and shows how one woman made such a hugh difference in the world.

[Julie]

Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. (Knopf, 2001. ISBN 044041766X. Order Info.) Picture Book, Nonfiction. 36 pages. Grades 3-12.

The text is dramatic and gives information about slavery in the northern United States in the early 1800's because, of course, that's where the slave Isabelle, later to rename herself as Sojourner Truth, lived her long and inspiring life.

The book covers her early years when she was beaten and sold repeatedly including at a slave auction in Kingston, New York. After being denied the freedom promised her she escapes and later has her permanent freedom bought. We follow her through her travels as an advocate for civil rights with an author's note telling us more about her life and work.

The illustrations are remarkable. They are bold and stylized figures with large heads and exaggerated features, there's a passion to them that makes them perfect companions to the dramatic text. R. Gregory Christie won the Coretta Scott King Honor for his illustrations in The Palm of My Heart. This is a picture book that you can use as low as third grade but don't let your high school students miss it either.

Also check out these related books on our site:

Ashley Bryan's Let it Shine: Three Favorite Spirituals. (2007, Atheneum. ISBN 9780689847325. Order Info.) Picture Book. 38 pages. Gr PreK-5.

Vibrant cut construction paper collages illustrate this inspirational picture book/song book. The words of "This Little Light of Mine," "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" accompany the full double spread illustrations. At the end of the book the author has included the music and an afterward about slavery and the origin of the spirituals. Read More . . .

and

Mildred D. Taylor's The Land. (2001, Penguin Putnam/ Phyllis Fogelman. ISBN 0803719507. Order Info.) Novel. 375 pages. Gr 4-8.

Paul was born from the partnership of a slave and the white master of the plantation in Mississippi. Slavery ended when he was still very young but he, his sister, and his mother have stayed on the plantation. Paul's mother is the cook and housekeeper. Read More . . .

On our website there are related articles here:

US History through Kids' Books, Category with links to Featured Subject Articles and Featured Book Articles:
http://www.carolhurst.com/subjects/us...

and here

eBook CD In Times Past: Integrating US History with Literature in Grades 3-8. Third Edition by Carol Otis Hurst and Rebecca Otis.
Ordering information and sample chapters:
http://www.carolhurst.com/products/in...

and here

Women's History through Kids' Books, Featured Subject Article with Activities, Related Books and Links:
http://www.carolhurst.com/subjects/hi...

and here

Slavery through Kids' Books, Featured Subject with activities, related books and links:
http://www.carolhurst.com/subjects/sl...

[Kristyan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is breathtaking for the illustrations alone, but the story is equally appealing, especially for a historical fiction tale. The life of Sojourner Truth is detailed with power and emotion in a way that makes her character unforgettable. I would definitely use this story in any Slavery, Civil Rights or Women's Rights unit in order to bring Sojourner Truth's biography into a more distinguishable light for students. Often, this hero's name is lost in textbooks among those of Harriet Tubman and others who played key roles in the Abolitionist movement. In this book, readers can get a real sense of Truth's background- everything from the Dutch language she grew up speaking as a girl, to the way she chooses a new name for herself later in life. There is also a thorough timeline of events in Truth's life at the end of the story. This is a quality children's picture book that takes an engaging, respectful, serious approach to the life of one of the most deserving figures in U.S. history.

[The Reading Countess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fascinating look at Sojourner Truth's life not only informs young readers about one of our most well-known and respected freed slaves fighting the good fight, but encourages them to learn more about not only her, but about women's rights and the people whom she found herself in company. The rough illustrations by R. Gregory Christie added dimension to an already multi-dimensional character.
Now I want to read her autobiography. http://digital.library.upenn.edu/wome...

[Lana Clifton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great picture book biography for introducing Sojourner Truth as a "change agent", as opposed to an African-American "hero". No, the clever author does not sugar coat the truth of our American history. Rockwell introduces young Isabella on the slave-block-- being poked and prodded by the sticks of European folk. Rockwell recounts Truth's brutal life experiences and struggles towards freedom, in the face of great adversity, through collective action.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great effort at writing a biography for children. The story was interesting. The illustrations are really not quite to my taste, but they are colorful and powerful in their way. Sojourner Truth was an amazing woman and I enjoyed reading about her life and the ways in which she gained her freedom and fought for the freedom of others.

[Cariegreer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book about the life and trials of Sojourner Truth. It is a picture book that tells of her life as a slave and journey to freedom. I would definately read this out loud in a classroom. This book deals with the topic of slavery and could be used in younger and middles grades to address the topic of slavery.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rough yet appealing art style. Excellently written: pulls no punches about slave life but doesn't elaborate. Highlights of Truth's life are told in an arresting yet smoothly flowing manner.

Multi-award winner.

Great for displays, book reports, recommendations.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong and courageous.

[Lucia]

Great story of Sojourner Truth's life. The illustrations are interesting... a bit rough, I guess. But it depicts a difficult topic well.

[Josette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really did not like the illustrations in this book, but the text was well done, esp. considering the subject matter. Even my 6 1/2 year old was absorbed. What a fascinating woman!

[Ariana Thomas]

Interest Level: 3-5
Reading Level: 790 Lexile, Grade Level Equivalent 4.4
Genre: Biography, Picture Book
Main Characters: Sojourner Truth

Anne Rockwell’s picture book biography accounts the life of the powerful civil rights figure Sojourner Truth. Illustrated by Gregory Christie, the beautiful portrayal of Sojourner’s hardships outlines her life from when she was born into slavery, when she was purchased by her master and forced into an arranged marriage, the birth and tragic loss of her children, and her work as an amazing female freedom fighter battling injustice of the world. Her strength and determination make this compelling story of truth one that is a “must read” by all.

Illustrated by Gregory Christie, the full page images are incredibly symbolic that provide a great foundation for deep discussion. This book can also function as a great tool for teaching several language objectives with the rich phrases the author uses to end each page leaving readers eager to turn to the next. This resource can be used in teaching the concept formation of determination as well as slavery and human rights. It may also be used for students to learn concepts including struggle and identify examples in the life of Sojourner Truth. In upper grades where students have a more advanced level of reading comprehension skills, this resource can be used to teach perspective as the author includes not only the point of view of a slave, but also slave owners during a difficult period in American history. In addition to english language arts content, this text lends itself as a resource to teach many social studies related objectives as well. The author includes various extra sources in addition to the story such as a timeline of events not included in the story as well as an author's note.

[Shelby Church · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Only Passing Through, by Anne Rockwell. This book carries such a strong message. While it is a nonfiction book, the way it is written is extremely captivating. The word choices and specific imagery really bring this book into perceptions of what slavery was really like. The illustrations, by R. Gregory Christie, are especially creative and kind of have a melancholy feel. While the illustrations are not always cheery and bright, slavery was not cheery and bright so I think it fits nicely.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While at first it was very deep and sad, the whole book pulled on my heart strings. The main character, Isabella, is one of the strongest characters I have ever read about. I am glad this book is based upon a true woman, Sojourner Truth. I especially enjoy how Rockwell expands on Isabella's faith in God and His call for her to go speak her story.

I think I could use this book as a read aloud in upper elementary through high school history classes. It would be a great read for Black History Month, or during a unit where different cultures and histories are discussed.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winner of The New York Times' Best Illustrated Children's Book in a book review, Rockwell tells a very straightforward but inspiring story of Sojourner Truth and her journey towards advocacy during the abolitionist movement. The book gives a brief summary of her life while she was in slavery and how eventually, she use her voice to tell people about justice.

This book is appropriate for grades third to fifth. An activity that can be done for the 5th grade is in groups, students can find other icons during the abolitionist movement and do more biographical research. It is important that students learn about many different historic people so they are able to see how history can be formed. As a class, there can be a collection or chart of all the historic figures and why they are important. Students would also get a sense of the way people though and behaved during a certain time period.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Only passing through, the story of Sojourner Truth
Award: None
Appropriate grade levels: 3rd grade - 5th grade
Summary: This book is about Sojourner Truth's life, as a child she had been sold a slave. As a slave she continually worked and when she became of age she was forced to have kids, but as she worked her owner had promised her that she would be free. After her owner did not follow what he said, truth decided to leave. As she began to learn more about being a freed slave, she learned she had the calling to spread the word of abolition.
Review: I would give this book a 5, I think some parts of the story would have to be modified based on what grade you are reading this book to, however when teaching about slavery this is a great book.
Possible in class uses: A possible use for this book is when talking about slavery, another would be when discussing the underground railroad.

[Leah Tomasetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

-Best Illustrated Children's Book (NYT)
-2nd grade (this book is a picture book but most likely will act as a read-aloud for this level)

-SUMMARY:
The story of a young girl, Isabella, who would become the well-known Sojourner Truth. This is the story of her life and the series of events she faced during her lifetime. The way that she became the strong individual that we remember her as today, is told in this captivating picture book.

-REVIEW:
This story is told in such friendly and open way for children. Even though this is a picture book, I feel that this is a story that will be read in the form of a read-aloud and not individually due to the length and comprehension difficulty. This book may not be acceptable for students to read independently. Amazing story with beautiful illustrations.

-IN-CLASS USES:
1. discussing individuals
2. Black History
3. strength, power

[Emma Fields]

Summary: This is the biographical story of Sojourner Truth, someone who passionately spoke out against slavery. This book walks through her life, going from slave, to a very powerful abolitionist, whose words were heard and revered by many.

Analysis: I really enjoyed this story because I didn't really know much about Sojourner Truth and her story.

How I will use this book in my classroom: I would use this in my classroom as a book in a read aloud series during Black History Month.

[Alyssa Durant]

I just finished reading Only Passing Through by Anne Rockwell. This is such a powerful book that can be read to young kids and show them how serious slavery was. The illustrations are beautifully done and show how sad the main character Isabel was during this horrible time.

This would be a must read during a unit on slavery while you show them the many things that were key elements in history during this time such as the underground railroad. This true story about Sojourner Truth has such a strong message about the things she stood for in her life during a difficult time, and this book does a great job of showing us with its imagery.

[Elissa L · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason I gave this book 4 rather than 5 stars is because it took me so long to get through it with my 5th and 6th graders. There's a lot of text on each page, so it's not really appropriate for younger grades. However, it sparked a lot of great discussions in my class, and it was a great representation of Sojourner Truth's life. This book could be used to teach several writing traits, but especially ideas and word choice. The language is powerful and at times brutal, so previewing by the teacher is essential.

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I encourage parents and educators to check out several picture book biographies when wanting to teach students about a historically important individuals. My daughter and I have read several of these small biographies on Sojourner Truth and each one adds something that the ones before had not included. Also, allowing for that fantastic repetition of facts to hopefully work like glue to make it all stick. This would be a wonderful addition to any elementary library or classroom as it had much information on this remarkable woman.

[Monique Mcdonald]

I absolutley enjoyed reading this and allowing my students to use it in a recent Women Suffrage social studies unit. The students can be in literature circles with differnt jobs amongst 6 students and they could read the story while grabbing important information out on the character. Have the students teacch the class about the abolitionist. You could follow up with this activity by playing her famous speech "Aint I a Women"

[Sharia A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a biography of sojourner truth. This book is about a girl that has to endure horrible life experiences. The book talks about how sojourner truth over came being sold and beaten. This book is great for children to understand the struggles that she and slaves had to endure. This book is great for 3rd grade students. This book has nice pictures and very friendly text to explain harsh themes and subjects.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an exceptionally written biography of Isabella - an enslaved woman and mother of five who eventually fought for her freedom and renamed herself Sojourner. Rockwell's work is accessible for an early elementary crowd, while teaching me more about Truth's life than I knew previously. What a tremendously brave, strong woman. Christie's illustrations - though sometimes jarring - become warmer and more appealing with time.

[Jill Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography #4
This book is about a girl named Isabella who is later known as Sojourner Truth. It talks about how she was sold in slavery 3 times before she was even 13. It goes into how she got her own freedom and began to speak out against slavery and how it is not right to treat people the way that African Americans were being treated. This book is a really good story to show kids how individuals overcame slavery and made a difference in the United States.

[Daniella Delgado · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. Coretta Scott King award, Jane Addams Children's Book Award for Picture Book.
2. 1st -4th
3. This book is the life story of Sojourner Truth. The pictures in the book are very different and interesting to look at. It is a longer book, so it is recommended for the upper elementary students.
4. This book was easy to read. The pictures were interesting and well illustrated. It is a good book to learn about black history.
5. Black history, history.

[Weavre · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful audiobook complete with stirring a capella period spirituals and a variety of powerful voices reading the text. At only 41 minutes long, it barely covered a single day's commute to and from work, but it was a great companion for that short bit of time. Highly recommended, whether Sojourner Truth is an old friend or the heroin of an inspiring new adventure.

[Elizabeth]

I was really not into the illustrations.

I'm not sure what age range this is targeted at, but it felt somewhat text-heavy for a picture book. Though I did learn stuff I hadn't known before -- like about Sojourner Truth winning a court case after her son was illegally sold out of state.

(Also, why am I still reading books about POC written by white people?)

[Eva Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful children's biography about Sojouner Truth. This book may be for older children to adults alike to read and learn about the incredible story of Sojourner Truth. I thought that the depictions of her were a little off and did not really depict her super nicely, but overall, a wonderful book!