"A paradigm-shattering biography of Phillis Wheatley, whose poetry was at the heart of the American Revolution"--

Taken from her family in Africa at the age of seven, Phillis Wheatley arrived in Boston as a slave in 1761. After she was purchased by the Wheatley family, Phillis quickly learned to speak and read English. The bright young girl soon began writing poetry. By 1771, her poems had been published in newspapers all over the colonies, and critics were praising the "extraordinary negro poetess." In this engaging biography, author Maryann Weidt tells the...

Phillis Wheatley was the very first African American woman to have a book published. Readers will learn about her fascinating life as a slave, poet, and author in this engaging biography. Featuring detailed images, photos of Phillis's published poems, and easy to read text, children will learn also learn about slavery, the difference of treatment of slaves in the North and South, and Phillis's relationship with the Countess of Huntingdon. A glossary...

A biography of an African girl brought to New England as a slave in 1761 who became famous on both sides of the Atlantic as the first Black poet in America.

"Arriving in Boston aboard a slave ship in 1761, Phillis Wheatley began what would eventually be a storied life in American. Primary sources bring to life the story of America's first African American female poet. Easy-to-read text highlights how Wheatley learned to speak English and to read and write. She even learned to read Latin. Soon she was writing poetry, but no one in Boston would publish her book because she was a slave. She had to look to...

Provides a close-up look at this young African woman who became a celebrated poet of her time, writing elegies, or tributes to people she admired, as well as poems that used the themes of America's struggle for independence.

"Describes the life and times of Phillis Wheatley, the first published African-American female poet"--

Traces the life of the black American poet who was born in Africa, brought over to New England as a slave, and published her first poem while still a teenager.