Sheila Moss has given a slave who never learned to read or write a voice that is compelling. In this fictional slave narrative readers get to know Dred Scott as a human being with fierce determination and tremendous courage. Readers begin to understand the complex issues of slavery and the legal system that perpetuated it. The introduction, written by a great-grandson of Dred Scot, assures readers that Moses uses fiction, based on facts, to give depth to the story of Dred Scott. It is the hope of the great-grandson that people all over the world will love the characters and agree that Dred Scott should not be defined by a court ruling that declared he was only one one-fourth of a man. Because the book is written to acquaint readers with a major character in the shaping of American history and the legal precedents set by his case, history is made accessible to preteen and adolescent readers.
As the 9th of 10 children Sheila P. Moses has deep understandings of human nature. In addition to being a poet, playwright, and producer, Moses has written several books for youthful readers. She states that perfect happiness is a “good relationship with God, good health, and a family.” She says that her greatest achievement is getting up each day and talking to people about writing and her biggest pet peeve is dishes in the sink. She is a Coretta Scott King Honor winner.
Teaching Points: 1st person narrative, Judicial system, Historical fiction, Think-aloud, Close reading (excerpt of speech by Lincoln and writing by Charles Sumner in response to the decision). As a mentor text for writing I would use the book to teach 1st person narrative, compelling dedication, voice, dialog that defines the characters, composing an author note that includes primary source material, and creating a timeline of events.
Pathways Theme: Social Issues & Culture, Yesterday
Reviewed by Krystal Bishop, EdD
Professor of Education
Southern Adventist University
