Phillis's Big Test [Hardcover]

Catherine Clinton (Author), Sean Qualls (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

In 1773, Phillis Wheatley published a book of poetry. It was a great accomplishment that made her very famous.
Only a year before, Phillis had had to take a test to prove that she was the actual author of these poems, because Phillis Wheatley was a slave.
Who would believe that an African girl could be the author of such poetry?
Phillis did! She believed in herself, and took every opportunity she could to make her life better. She believed in the power of her words, and her writing to prove her talent, and used the power of words to change a life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Qualls' terrific mixed-media art...enlivens every page." Booklist Feb 1 2008 Booklist, ALA

"A powerful introduction to the first published African-American poet." Kirkus 3/15/08 Kirkus Reviews

"Qualls' fresh and distinctive acrylic and collage illustrations...imbue [Phillis] with a prim grace and serene beauty." Bulletin, May 2008 Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

About the Author

Sean Qualls received a Coretta Scott King Honor award for his illustrations in Before John Was a Jazz Giant by Carole Boston Weatherford, and has published many other acclaimed books. He lives in Brooklyn with his family.Visit his website at www.seanqualls.com.

Catherine Clinton earned her undergraduate degree in Afro-American studies from Harvard University and her Ph.D. in history from Princeton. She is the author of many historical works for children and adults, including I, TOO, SING AMERICA: THREE CENTURIES OF AFRICAN AMERICAN POETRY, and has taught African American Studies at Brandeis University, Brown University, and at Harvard University, where she is a fellow at the Dubois Institute. Dr. Clinton lives in Connecticut with her husband and two sons.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children; None edition (March 21, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618737391
• ISBN-13: 978-0618737390
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,435,833 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:

5.0 out of 5 stars Please get to know Phillis Wheatley, May 2, 2011

By 

Deborah Sandford "Marian the Librarian" (Madison, NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Phillis's Big Test (Hardcover)

A biography, perfect for third graders, which tells the story of a young African girl who was captured into slavery and sold to the Wheatley family in Boston. The Wheatley's children, undoubtedly with their parent's permission, shared education lessons with Phillis, who loved to read and write poetry. Phillis recited her poetry locally, but when she had compiled a book of verse, she had to prove her authorship to an examination board of eighteen learned men before it could be published. This daunting story is heart-fully enlarged by illustrations most beautiful. The artist's portrayal of Phillis is alluring and appealing, and every expression is shown on Phillis's thoughtful, comely face. In any work of art, the background behind a portrait tells a story, and here is no exception , except in its magnificent simplicity. Don't let this book get lost on the shelves.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Art, April 30, 2010

By 

Raphael E. Rogers "R. E. R." (Amherst, Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Phillis's Big Test (Hardcover)

Phillis's Big Test is filled with great art. I like how the artist used a lot of detail. I could see Phillis walking up and down colonial Boston in great detail. She seems somewhat realistic, but also cartoony. I love how he drew the clothes that Phillis wore during her lifetime.. Thats why the art in Phillis's Big Test is good.

Written by Mia M. Rogers (Raphael Rogers 10 year old daughter)