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My Name Is James Madison Hemings

Author Jonah Winter
Illustrated by Terry Widener
Ebook
RH Childrens Books | Schwartz & Wade
On sale Oct 25, 2016 | 40 Pages | 9780385383448
Grades K-4
Reading Level: Lexile 910L | Fountas & Pinnell V
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A New York Times Notable Book 

A powerful historical picture book about the child of founding father Thomas Jefferson and the enslaved Sally Hemings.

In an evocative first-person account accompanied by exquisite artwork, Winter and Widener tell the story of James Madison Hemings’s childhood at Monticello, and, in doing so, illuminate the many contradictions in Jefferson’s life and legacy. Though Jefferson lived in a mansion, Hemings and his siblings lived in a single room. While Jefferson doted on his white grandchildren, he never showed affection to his enslaved children. Though he kept the Hemings boys from hard field labor—instead sending them to work in the carpentry shop—Jefferson nevertheless listed the children in his “Farm Book” along with the sheep, hogs, and other property. Here is a profound and moving account of one family’s history, which is also America’s history.

An author's note includes more information about Hemings, Jefferson, and the author's research.

"This gentle, emotional book is a reminder that many presidents’ biographies have distressing aspects. . . . A simple but historically solid introduction to some of the moral crises slavery presented for our nation." --The New York Times

"Through a poignant first-person monologue, Winter imagines the peculiar upbring- ing of Virginia slave James Madison Hemings, son of Thomas Jefferson and his enslaved mistress, Sally Hemings.”—Bulletin, starred review 
Jonah Winter is the award-winning author of more than forty nonfiction picture books that promote environmental awareness and social and racial justice. Among them are Here Comes the Garbage Barge!; Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs. Inequality; My Name is James Madison Hemings; Barack; The Founding Fathers!; and Lillian’s Right to Vote, a Jane Addams Children’s Book Award recipient and Kirkus Prize finalist. View titles by Jonah Winter
Terry Widener was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He got his college degree from the University of Tulsa, and after school became a graphic designer. A few years into his career, Terry left the field and dedicated himself to becoming a full-time illustrator. Books that Terry has worked on are The Babe and I, Tambourine Moon, America’s Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle, Peg and the Whale, and Shoe Magic.  View titles by Terry Widener
  • SELECTION | 2016
    NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies
  • SELECTION | 2016
    New York Times Notable Book
"This gentle, emotional book is a reminder that many presidents’ biographies have distressing aspects. . . . A simple but historically solid introduction to some of the moral crises slavery presented for our nation." —The New York Times

"Through a poignant first-person monologue, Winter imagines the peculiar upbring- ing of Virginia slave James Madison Hemings, son of Thomas Jefferson and his enslaved mistress, Sally Hemings.”—Bulletin, starred review

Praise for Jonah Winter's Lillian's Right to Vote:

"Moving.... Stirs up a potent mixture of grief, anger, and pride at the history of black people’s fight for access to the ballot box." —The New York Times

"A much-needed picture book that will enlighten a new generation about battles won and a timely call to uphold these victories in the present." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred

"A valuable introduction to and overview of the civil rights movement." —Publishers Weekly, Starred

"An important book that will give you goose bumps." —Booklist, Starred

"A powerful historical picture book.” —School Library Journal, Starred

About

A New York Times Notable Book 

A powerful historical picture book about the child of founding father Thomas Jefferson and the enslaved Sally Hemings.

In an evocative first-person account accompanied by exquisite artwork, Winter and Widener tell the story of James Madison Hemings’s childhood at Monticello, and, in doing so, illuminate the many contradictions in Jefferson’s life and legacy. Though Jefferson lived in a mansion, Hemings and his siblings lived in a single room. While Jefferson doted on his white grandchildren, he never showed affection to his enslaved children. Though he kept the Hemings boys from hard field labor—instead sending them to work in the carpentry shop—Jefferson nevertheless listed the children in his “Farm Book” along with the sheep, hogs, and other property. Here is a profound and moving account of one family’s history, which is also America’s history.

An author's note includes more information about Hemings, Jefferson, and the author's research.

"This gentle, emotional book is a reminder that many presidents’ biographies have distressing aspects. . . . A simple but historically solid introduction to some of the moral crises slavery presented for our nation." --The New York Times

"Through a poignant first-person monologue, Winter imagines the peculiar upbring- ing of Virginia slave James Madison Hemings, son of Thomas Jefferson and his enslaved mistress, Sally Hemings.”—Bulletin, starred review 

Author

Jonah Winter is the award-winning author of more than forty nonfiction picture books that promote environmental awareness and social and racial justice. Among them are Here Comes the Garbage Barge!; Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs. Inequality; My Name is James Madison Hemings; Barack; The Founding Fathers!; and Lillian’s Right to Vote, a Jane Addams Children’s Book Award recipient and Kirkus Prize finalist. View titles by Jonah Winter
Terry Widener was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He got his college degree from the University of Tulsa, and after school became a graphic designer. A few years into his career, Terry left the field and dedicated himself to becoming a full-time illustrator. Books that Terry has worked on are The Babe and I, Tambourine Moon, America’s Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle, Peg and the Whale, and Shoe Magic.  View titles by Terry Widener

Awards

  • SELECTION | 2016
    NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies
  • SELECTION | 2016
    New York Times Notable Book

Praise

"This gentle, emotional book is a reminder that many presidents’ biographies have distressing aspects. . . . A simple but historically solid introduction to some of the moral crises slavery presented for our nation." —The New York Times

"Through a poignant first-person monologue, Winter imagines the peculiar upbring- ing of Virginia slave James Madison Hemings, son of Thomas Jefferson and his enslaved mistress, Sally Hemings.”—Bulletin, starred review

Praise for Jonah Winter's Lillian's Right to Vote:

"Moving.... Stirs up a potent mixture of grief, anger, and pride at the history of black people’s fight for access to the ballot box." —The New York Times

"A much-needed picture book that will enlighten a new generation about battles won and a timely call to uphold these victories in the present." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred

"A valuable introduction to and overview of the civil rights movement." —Publishers Weekly, Starred

"An important book that will give you goose bumps." —Booklist, Starred

"A powerful historical picture book.” —School Library Journal, Starred

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