They Call Me Teach: Lessons in Freedom
by Lesa Cline-Ransome; illus. by James E. Ransome
Primary, Intermediate    Candlewick    40 pp.
9/24    9780763681555    $18.99

This poetic picture book tells the inspiring tale of a young enslaved man, “a compilation of many of the real-life stories of the people who resisted, fought, demanded, and seized every opportunity at their disposal to gain the freedoms that literacy provided.” Nicknamed Teach, he has secretly learned to read, write, and do arithmetic, bravely sharing his skills despite the great risks involved. The ­narrative follows Teach through the week, escalating to one of his most powerful acts of rebellion: a Sunday sermon in a concealed cabin, where he draws poignant parallels between the plight of the biblical Israelites and the hardships endured by his fellow captives, empowering them through his words. ­Cline-Ransome’s engrossing first-person storytelling style, which features rich dialect reflecting the historical setting, brings out the character of Teach and the significant impact of his actions. ­Ransome’s watercolor illustrations perfectly complement the narrative, offering detailed portrayals that vividly convey the challenges and dreams of Teach and his community. The skillful use of light and shadow heightens the emotional intensity of each meticulously rendered scene. An author’s note underscores the importance of literacy and education as tools for freedom and resistance as well as the risks they entailed during slavery; further reading is also appended.

From the "September/October 2024 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.