William Still and His Freedom Stories: The Father of the Underground Railroad (HC) (2020)

From Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate comes a remarkable picture book biography of William Still, known as Father of the Underground Railroad. Essential for black history collections.

★ "Brings deserved attention to the life of a man who dedicated himself to recording the lives of others." ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

★ "An illuminating picture book biography of a lesser-known hero." --Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

★ "Inspirational." ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

William Still's parents escaped slavery but had to leave two of their children behind, a tragedy that haunted the family. As a young man, William went to work for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, where he raised money, planned rescues, and helped freedom seekers who had traveled north. One day, a strangely familiar man came into William's office, searching for information about his long-lost family. Could it be?

Motivated by his own family's experience, William Still began collecting the stories of thousands of other freedom seekers. As a result, he was able to reunite other families and build a remarkable source of information, including encounters with Harriet Tubman, Henry "Box" Brown, and William and Ellen Craft.

Award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate brings to life the incredible, stranger-than-fiction true story of William Still, a man who dedicated his life to recording the stories of enslaved people fleeing to freedom. Tate's powerful words and artwork are sure to inspire young readers in this first-ever picture book biography of the Father of the Underground Railroad. eBook available.

Awards:

Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book --Chicago Public Library
Eureka! Nonfiction Children's Book Award Silver Honor --California Reading Association
Best of Picture Books --Kirkus Reviews
Children's Crown Award (Nominee) --National Christian School Association
Golden Kite (Finalist, Nonfiction Text for Younger Readers) --Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) --Kansas National Education Association

Also available from Don Tate:
Carter Reads the Newspaper
Poet