Bridget "Biddy" Mason: A Walking Sensation (We Were Always There Series) [Hardcover]

DWE Williams & Loretta Ford (Author), Joyce Jackson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: We Were Always There Series

Biddy Mason was born a slave in 1818 in Mississippi. Biddy was owned by Robert and Rebecca Smith. The Smiths moved to California taking Biddy and her girls along. This was a mistake for Robert Smith and a blessing for Biddy Mason.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Bridget Biddy Mason is someone that everyone in the country needs to learn about in order to appreciate her struggle. BRIDGET BIDDY MASON: A WALKING SENSATION is a remarkable tale of endurance, persistence, and Christian service. Williams and Ford have a God given talent for writing that is sure to inspire children for many years to come. The illustrations are brilliant and will certainly promote discussions between parents and their children. The characters are vividly depicted according to the time period while the facial expressions speak volumes. I m ready for the next installment in the We Were Always There series. --M. Bruner, 2005 Marguerite Reviewer of the Year

Bridget "Biddy" Mason: A Walking Sensation is a beautifully illustrated "peek" into the lives of African Americans through the eyes of a very special young person that all children will be able to learn from and love. --Kathleen Price Brown, Interim Superintendent (retired) Hampton City (VA) Public Schools

Williams and Ford provide an excellent vehicle for introducing African-American history to our youngest children. The content of this book opens the door for a profound historical review of American history. --Dr. Betty G. Mason, Retired Superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools Oklahoma City, OK

About the Author

Loretta Ford is an Early Childhood educator who has been in the classroom for more than 30 years. Loretta is a graduate of the District of Columbia Teachers College, and the University of the District of Columbia. She holds a Master 's degree in Early Childhood Education. Loretta is married and has two children. They reside in Cheverly, Maryland. DWe Williams is an accomplished storyteller, playwright, performer and educator. DWe, a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and SIU Carbondale holds a Master's degree with a double major in Speech and Theater. DWe has seven children and resides in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 50 pages
• Publisher: DWELo Enterprises, LLC; 1st edition (November 20, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0978683900
• ISBN-13: 978-0978683900
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,355,125 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Inaccurate and incomplete, December 2, 2011

By 

Deborah L. Rosenquist "Rosyteach" (Pacoima, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bridget "Biddy" Mason: A Walking Sensation (We Were Always There Series) (Hardcover)

I don't know if the other people who wrote reviews are just not informed about who Biddy Mason was, or if they have no idea what makes for good literature, but I purchased this book based on the strength of the three reviews listed and was sorely disappointed. She never knew her parents and yet the book begins with a picture of her with her parents saying that they gave her the nickname "Biddy." The inaccuracies just go on from there including saying she made a "brief stop" in Utah that actually lasted more than three years and that she learned about getting her freedom in California when it actually happened when she met a free black couple on the journey to California.

I liked the idea of the book being a song but the text of the book goes in and out of song mode, and there isn't even any music to accompany the lyrics. There is a brief acapella version on the website, where the person doesn't even sing the whole "song" of the book. The lyrics listed in the end of the book don't comprise the text of the actual book.

I bought this book from Amazon Marketplace and it was delivered with the author's autograph to a child, and even they didn't want the book anymore. I bought it for a credential class and can't use it. What a waste of money.

5.0 out of 5 stars Take a Walk With Biddy, October 3, 2010

By 

Noodle - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bridget "Biddy" Mason: A Walking Sensation (We Were Always There Series) (Hardcover)

I am so glad I met you at the bookfair in Largo, Maryland. My grandson has enjoyed many hours with Bridget "Biddy" Mason. He was 3 years old when the book was added to his library collection and now he has entered kindergarden and is looking forward to turning 5 years old soon. Not only is this a great read-along and sing-along book (we use the online song) but it is a good history lesson for young children. Yisrael likes Iman the "Peeker" - he thinks she's funny. He now talks about the story without reading the book. I was amazed when he said, "you know Biddy had a long journey from Mississippi, that's in the south, to California, that's in the west. She didn't have shoes, her feet hurt and spread out." He is becoming a great story teller and he enjoyes reading - one book at a time. We are looking forward to the other series.

5.0 out of 5 stars Who is Bridget Biddy Mason? An African American Legend, December 13, 2006

By 

M. Bruner ""Deltareviewer" Real Page ... (Oklahoma!) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bridget "Biddy" Mason: A Walking Sensation (We Were Always There Series) (Hardcover)

Who is Bridget Biddy Mason? Biddy is an African American female legend that grew up a slave and died a philanthropist. During her life is endured harsh treatment from slave owners, the journey of walking from Mississippi to Los Angeles without shoes, and building an empire that would serve thousands. Bridget Biddy Mason is someone that everyone in the country needs to learn about in order to appreciate her struggle. BRIDGET BIDDY MASON: A WALKING SENSATION is a remarkable tale of endurance, persistence, and Christian service.

Williams and Ford have a God given talent for writing that is sure to inspire children for many years to come. The illustrations are brilliant and will certainly promote discussions between parents and their children. The characters are vividly depicted according to the time period while the facial expressions speak volumes. I'm ready for the next installment in the "We Were Always There" series.

Reviewed by: M. Bruner, 2005 Marguerite Reviewer of the Year
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