A New York Times Notable Book
A powerful historical picture book about the child of founding father
Thomas Jefferson and the enslaved Sally Hemings.
In an evocative first-person account accompanied by exquisite artwork,
Winter and Widener tell the story of James Madison Hemings's childhood
at Monticello, and, in doing so, illuminate the many contradictions in
Jefferson's life and legacy. Though Jefferson lived in a mansion,
Hemings and his siblings lived in a single room. While Jefferson doted
on his white grandchildren, he never showed affection to his enslaved
children. Though he kept the Hemings boys from hard field labor--instead
sending them to work in the carpentry shop--Jefferson nevertheless
listed the children in his "Farm Book" along with the sheep, hogs, and
other property. Here is a profound and moving account of one family's
history, which is also America's history.
An author's note includes more information about Hemings, Jefferson, and
the author's research.
This gentle, emotional book is a reminder that many presidents'
biographies have distressing aspects. . . . A simple but historically
solid introduction to some of the moral crises slavery presented for our
nation. --The New York Times
Through a poignant first-person monologue, Winter imagines the peculiar
upbring- ing of Virginia slave James Madison Hemings, son of Thomas
Jefferson and his enslaved mistress, Sally Hemings."--Bulletin,
starred review
