The Best Frederick Douglass Books for Kids

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2007

Elijah of Buxton

By Christopher Paul Curtis

A boy's quest to reclaim stolen freedom money leads him into a world of danger and discovery.

Newbery Medal (2008)Coretta Scott King Award (2008)

341 pages· 77,916 words· Est. 11 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 14,408 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: In 1859, young Elijah Freeman, the first free-born child in Buxton, Canada, faces a daunting challenge. When a deceitful preacher steals money meant to free a friend's family, Elijah must journey into the perilous American South. As he navigates this treacherous world, he confronts the grim realities his parents escaped. Will Elijah find the courage to return home and bring justice? This gripping tale of bravery and discovery explores the true cost of freedom and the strength found in unexpected places.

Frederick's Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2015

Frederick's Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass

By Doreen Rappaport, London Ladd (Illustrator) · Book #8 in the A Big Words Book series

A slave's journey to freedom through the power of words.

48 pages

4.5/5 Goodreads · 351 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Born into slavery, Frederick Douglass defied the odds by secretly learning to read, knowing words would be his path to freedom. At twenty, he escaped north, becoming a powerful voice for abolition and equality. His journey from oppression to inspiration is vividly captured, blending his own words with evocative illustrations. How did a man born into bondage become a beacon of hope and change? Discover the extraordinary life of a man whose legacy of words continues to inspire generations.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2014

Who Was Frederick Douglass?

By April Jones Prince, Who HQ, Robert Squier (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

The life story of a former slave who became a prominent abolitionist and advocate for women's rights.

112 pages· 7,347 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 702 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: Frederick Douglass, born into slavery, discovers the power of knowledge and secretly learns to read and write. Escaping to the North, he transforms into a compelling orator, sharing his harrowing experiences and advocating for abolition. His journey from bondage to becoming a confidant of President Lincoln raises questions about the power of words and the fight for justice. How did a man born into chains become a beacon of hope and change?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2012

Words Set Me Free

By Lesa Cline-Ransome, James E. Ransome (Illustrator)

A young boy discovers the power of words on his journey to freedom.

32 pages· 1,636 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 477 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Young Frederick Douglass, born into slavery, discovers the transformative power of reading. As he learns to read, he begins to see a path to freedom and equality. This journey not only changes his life but also sets him on a course to become a leading voice for justice. How will the words he learns shape his destiny and the world around him? Dive into this inspiring tale of courage and determination, where every word becomes a step toward liberation.

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Hand in Hand

By Andrea Pinkney, Brian Pinkney (Illustrator)

Discover the legacies of ten Black men who shaped American history.

Coretta Scott King Award (2013)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2013)

256 pages· 68,766 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 307 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Summary: Explore the lives of ten influential Black men, from slavery to modern times, whose legacies form a powerful 'freedom chain.' Meet figures like Frederick Douglass and Barack Obama, each leaving an indelible mark on history. How did their childhoods and eras shape their monumental achievements? Dive into their stories and uncover the enduring impact they have on future generations. With vivid illustrations and a civil rights timeline, this book offers a rich tapestry of courage and change.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

Two Friends

By Dean Robbins, Sean Qualls (Illustrator), Selina Alko (Illustrator)

Two friends discuss their fight for equal rights over tea. Can they change history?

32 pages

3.8/5 Goodreads · 516 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass meet over tea, sharing stories of their battles for women's and African Americans' rights. As they reflect on their struggles, they question why some have rights while others do not. Set against the backdrop of a statue in Rochester, New York, this tale invites young readers to explore the challenges and triumphs of these historical figures. Will their efforts inspire change and equality? Discover the power of friendship and determination in this engaging story.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2017

Frederick Douglass

By Barbara Kramer, National Geographic Kids · National Geographic Readers series

Explore the life of a legendary abolitionist and his fight for freedom.

32 pages· 1,690 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 42 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Summary: Journey through the life of Frederick Douglass, a renowned abolitionist who rose from the shackles of slavery to become a powerful voice for freedom. This engaging biography reveals his struggles and triumphs, offering young readers a glimpse into his relentless pursuit of justice. What challenges did he overcome to inspire a nation? Discover the story of a man whose words and actions changed the course of history.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 9–10 · 2013

Frederick Douglass

By Amanda Mitchison, Lee Sullivan (Illustrator)

A former slave's relentless fight for equality reshapes history.

56 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Frederick Douglass, once enslaved, rises to become a powerful voice against slavery. His journey from bondage to influential statesman challenges the status quo and inspires a movement for equality. How did he transform his life and ignite change in a divided nation? Discover the relentless pursuit of justice and the impact of one man's courage in the face of overwhelming odds. This biography delves into Douglass's pivotal role in history, exploring his battles and triumphs in the fight for social and political reform. Will his legacy endure in the ongoing struggle for human rights?

Sale price

$1398

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1995

Frederick Douglass

By William Miller

A boy's childhood shapes a future activist's spirit.

32 pages· 947 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 56 ratings

$14.95Save 6%

Summary: In a pivotal childhood moment, a young boy discovers the strength and resilience that will define his future as a renowned writer and activist. Vivid illustrations capture his journey, revealing the roots of his enduring spirit. What challenges will he face, and how will they mold his destiny?

Sale price

$1248

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2019

Frederick Douglass

By Frank Murphy, Nicole Tadgell (Illustrator)

Discover the power of words in the fight for freedom.

48 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 19 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: Frederick Douglass, born into slavery, discovers the transformative power of reading. As he learns, he realizes that words can be his path to freedom. Douglass becomes a powerful voice against injustice, influencing the fight for civil rights. How did his words change the course of history, and what can they teach us today? This engaging biography invites young readers to explore Douglass's journey and its lasting impact on the world.

The Best Frederick Douglass Books for Kids

Our 10 Favorite Books About Frederick Douglass

Elijah of Buxton

Frederick's Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass

Who Was Frederick Douglass?

Words Set Me Free

Hand in Hand

Two Friends

Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass

Great books, picked for their age.

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Book Store

Schools

Book Platform

Authors & Illustrators

Follow Bookroo