Fort Mose: And the Story of the Man Who Built the First Free Black Settlement in Colonial America

by Glennette Tilley Turner

Overview

Discover the powerful true story of Fort Mose, the first free Black community in what would become the United States.

In this richly illustrated picture book, acclaimed author Glennette Tilley Turner brings to life the journey of Francisco Menendez, an African-born man who escaped slavery in South Carolina and found freedom in Spanish Florida.

Founded in 1738 near St. Augustine, Fort Mose became a sanctuary for escaped Africans and a vital link in the southern Underground Railroad. Through vivid storytelling and archival imagery, readers explore Menendez’s rise to captain of the Black militia, the daily life of the settlement’s residents, and the cultural blending of African, Spanish, Native American, and English traditions.

With a glossary, bibliography, and source notes, this book offers young readers ages 7–12 a compelling introduction to African American history, colonial America, and the enduring fight for freedom. A must-have for classrooms, libraries, and families seeking to honor untold stories of resilience and leadership, this is the only picture book focused on Fort Mose,the first free Black community in America.
 
“Turner’s graceful account clearly distinguishes between fact and supposition. . . . A significant addition to African American history collections for young people.” —Booklist (starred review)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810940567
Publisher:	Abrams Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	09/01/2010
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	10.10(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	NC1180L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Glennette Tilley Turner has written nine children’s books, including An Apple for Harriet Tubman and Running for Our Lives. She has a master’s degree in history and children’s literature; has spoken at ALA, NCTE, BCALA, and the Library of Congress; has presented at Illinois library, historical, and reading organizations; and has served as an advisor to the National Park Service. She lives in Wheaton, Illinois.

Editorial Reviews

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Turner’s graceful account clearly distinguishes between fact and supposition. The paragraphs discussing the transport of slaves and their treatment at the “pest” house on Sullivan’s Island are particularly vivid and informative. Brightening every page of this large, handsome book are deep-green borders of tropical leaves. A significant addition to African American history collections for young people."

— Booklist, starred review

"A useful addition . . . for teachers and librarians looking for unique stories about colonial America."

— School Library Journal

"This handsomely designed book offers an eye-opening look at a hitherto little-known community and a notable figure in Colonial American history."

— Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

Another too-little-known chapter in African-American history is revealed in this rich story of the first free black settlement to legally exist in what later became the United States. Founded in 1738 in St. Augustine in what was then Spanish Florida, Fort Mose offered sanctuary to slaves who escaped from English colonies. It would become home to approximately 100 people. Turner begins with the story of Francisco Menendez. With little historical record of his life, the author must speculate on what Menendez's life was like in West Africa before he was captured and sold into slavery in South Carolina. She does so responsibly, reminding readers of the paucity of source material and extrapolating from what is known of the slave trade at the time. In St. Augustine, Menendez became captain of the black militia that was vital to defending the settlement from English attack and the leader of the Fort Mose community. Illustrated throughout with archival images, this handsomely designed book offers an eye-opening look at a hitherto little-known community and a notable figure in Colonial American history. (glossary, source notes, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews