Freedom to Read: The Story of Teacher Mary Peake and One Mighty Oak Tree

From Newbery Honor author Lesa Cline-Ransome and ALA Children’s Literature Legacy Award recipient James Ransome, this inspiring picture book biography tells the story of Mary Peake, a courageous teacher who started a secret school for Black children.

So many found sanctuary in Mary’s secret schoolhouse. They found freedom in letters. In Mary’s teaching, they found a refuge.

Mary Peake was born free in 1823 in Norfolk, Virginia, and from a young age she hungered for learning. Mary attended a...