My Name Is Henry Bibb: A Story of Slavery and Freedom (-) by Afua Cooper
Published by Kids Can Press on September 1, 2009
ISBN: 1525310852
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

My Name is Henry Bibb: A Story of Slavery and Freedom is a fictional first-person account of historic figure, Henry Bibb, born into slavery in 1814. Henry grows up to become a famous autobiographer and orator, escaping to freedom in Canada, and founding its first Black newspaper. Cooper tells the story of Henry’s life as an enslaved child. 

In a time when some states’ curriculum standards state that Blacks “benefited” from slavery, we are reminded of all that Henry endures and suffers as an enslaved person. The writing is compelling and Henry is a powerful character. This book would have benefitted from a timeline, as well as an author’s note explaining where she gathered her facts for this book.

Recommended for library collections looking for middle-grade appropriate historical fiction to discuss the reality of enslavement in American history.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS Young School, Saco