An account of the life and achievements of a woman born into slavery who, guided by her faith, became a renowned crusader for human rights.Clark opens by characterizing her subject as an evangelist. In tracing her long career, the author prominently folds mentions of Truth's preaching and religious visions into the tally of her accomplishments-including the successful lawsuit she brought against a white slaveholder to reclaim her son, the ringing "Ain't I a Woman?" speech she delivered to the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in 1851, and her integration of Washington, D.C.'s, trolley system after the Civil War, prefiguring Rosa Parks' later efforts. The biographical material, particularly in earlier chapters, might be too detailed for younger audiences to follow easily, but sidebars that invite readers to respond personally to significant incidents or character traits will help hold readers' interest when the flurries of names and places become bewildering; to spark further engagement, a quiz and a set of discussion questions follow the pithy closing analysis of Sojourner's legacy. If she doesn't look quite as indomitable in the illustrations as she does in contemporary photographs, her bespectacled figure still stands properly tall and straight, whether speaking to courts and crowds or face to face with presidents (she met three).Clear and systematic, though the narrative flows more easily in later chapters. (glossary, bibliography) (Biography. 7-10)

Gr 2–4— This latest entry in "The Story Of" biography series explores the inspiring and vibrant life of Sojourner Truth. Born Isabella Baumfree around 1797 in New York, she began her life enslaved on a small farm with her family. Clark's biography touches upon Baumfree's many challenges and achievements, including how she spoke out against the evils of slavery in a court of law and won her son back from his enslaver. Young readers will also learn how Baumfree was inspired to begin preaching and sharing God's word, eventually changing her name to Sojourner Truth. She spoke up for women's rights and was an important leader in the anti-slavery movement, meeting with presidents and abolitionists and dictating "The Narrative of Sojourner Truth." Clark, along with illustrators Cloud and Douglas, have created an appealing layout for new readers through frequent use of question boxes and Myth &; Fact checks that challenge traditional ideas on both their subject's life and history in general. Level-appropriate sentences throughout include more challenging words in bold to help keep the prose and concepts from becoming too overwhelming. Warm, engaging artwork depicting key moments of Baumfree/Truth's life, as well as maps and time lines, further enhance this approachable biography. A quiz, discussion questions, bibliography, and glossary are appended. VERDICT A worthy addition to the growing number of biographies for new readers. Recommended for all collections.— Kristy Pasquariello