Fort Mose
And the Story of the Man Who Built the First Free Black Settlement in Colonial America
Abrams Books for Young Readers · Print & ebook · September 1, 2010
Discover the powerful true story of Fort Mose, the first free Black community in what would become the United States.
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- Who it’s for
- For readers ages 7–12 interested in African American and colonial history
- Themes
- African American history, Freedom from slavery, Cultural blending
- Genres
- Colonial & Revolutionary U.S., African American Life (U.S.), Historical Biographies for Kids
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Start with this bookAbout this book
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.
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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)
Who it’s for
- For readers ages 7–12 interested in African American and colonial history
- For classrooms and families exploring stories of resilience and leadership
Where it sits
| African American Life (U.S.) | 61% |
|---|---|
| Colonial & Revolutionary U.S. | 61% |
| Historical Biographies for Kids | 55% |
Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.
Publisher categories
- Historical Biographies for Kids
- African American Life (U.S.)
- State & Local History
- Colonial & Revolutionary U.S.
Show all 5 publisher categories
- Prejudice & Racism
- Authors
- Glennette Tilley Turner
- Publisher
- Abrams Books for Young Readers
- Published
- September 1, 2010
- Format
- Print & ebook
- Theme
- African American history · Freedom from slavery · Cultural blending
- Reading lane
- Historical Biographies for Kids