William Still and His Freedom Stories

★ “Gentle and straightforward prose. . . The text recounts the oppression and dehumanization of slavery but is not too graphic for the target age demographic. . . . Tate’s expressive, colorful illustrations work well with the text to convey this important part of American history. . . . This inspirational true story combines fact with a very readable narrative, spotlighting a pivotal figure in the abolitionist movement. A book that deserves a place on school and public library shelves.” —School Library Journal, Starred Review

★ “Tate’s sentences are often short, underscoring Still’s effort and drive; when they occasionally lengthen, they land with a punch. . . His paintings often likewise play out in vignettes that capture action over time then linger lovingly on the expressive faces of his characters. Brings deserved attention to the life of a man who dedicated himself to recording the lives of others.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“The digital illustrations portray [Still] effectively from infancy to old age. . . . In this concisely written, informative picture-book biography, Tate introduces a man who deserves to be more widely known.” —Booklist

★ “[A] clear, comprehensive narrative. . . .Graceful free verse. . . Textural digital illustrations and expressive characters punctuate the affecting text. . . An illuminating picture book biography of a lesser-known hero.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“[A] thorough and informative picture-book biography. . . . Tate’s writing style is generally engaging and accessible. Rich acrylic illustrations are perfectly matched with a poetic narrative that celebrates the subject and conveys the realities of the times.” —The Horn Book Magazine

“Striking illustrations with approachable text. . . The legacy of an American hero is told here using accessible, factual text; lifelike illustrations rendered digitally; and informative backmatter. . . An alluring picture book.”—Shelf Awareness

“Tate’s short sentences and accessible language convey the urgency of Still’s work, and his illustrations sensitively communicate the danger and terror faced by enslaved people. . . .There’s plenty of hope here, too.”—BookPage