James Forten Genre: Biography

Meet the Author Walter Dean Myers discovered he loved to write when he was in fifth grade. His teacher required that all her students read in front of the class. Myers, who had a speech impediment, froze with fear at the thought. But when the teacher allowed the students to read something they had written themselves, Myers relaxed.

Meet the Illustrator Because he was "obsessed with Leonard Jenkins comes from a family of eight children, and as a boy he wanted to set himself apart in some way. Because he was "obsessed with drawing," he made his mark through his art. He now likes to encourage kids who share his enthusiasm for drawing and painting.

Words to Know and Learn

abolitionists Abolitionists thought that slavery was wrong and should be against the law.

apprentice An apprentice works with an expert to learn a trade.

captives Captives are not free. They are prisoners.

dread The soldiers dread the upcoming conflict.

enslavement Enslavement is a terrible thing.

influential Paul Revere and George Washington were influential men.

privateers The colonists used privateers because their navy was too small.

tacking The sailboats are tacking back and forth across the bay.