In Disguise on the Underground Railroad: A Graphic Novel Biography of Anna Maria Weems

by Myra Faye Turner, Markia Jenai (Illustrator)

Overview

Anna Maria Weems was just a teenager when she was given the opportunity to escape her enslaver in the mid-1800s. The journey would be dangerous, but she would have the help of abolitionists along the way. One of those supporters had a novel idea—Anna Maria would escape to freedom disguised as a boy. Learn about her brave journey on the Underground Railroad in this inspiring graphic novel.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781669061823
Publisher:	Capstone
Publication date:	01/01/2024
Series:	Barrier Breakers
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

About the Author

Myra Faye Turner is a New Orleans-based poet and author. She has written for grownups, but prefers writing for young readers. She has written two dozen nonfiction books for children and young adults, covering diverse topics like politics, the Apollo moon landing, edible insects, and U.S. history. When she’s not writing, she spends her days reading, napping, and drinking coffee.

Markia Jenai was raised in Detroit, Michigan, during rough times but found adventure through art, drawing, and storytelling. Those interests led her to study at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. An avid lover of fantasy settings, cultures, and mythology, Markia has made it her goal to create worlds where people of color are front and center. Diversity within her art means the world to her, and she dreams of the day when everyone will see themselves in media and have the same access to telling their own stories.

Interviews

Features lesser-known stories of people who made a difference, providing fresh perspectives of historical events for kids;

Editorial Reviews

04/01/2024

Gr 3–5—The adventures of lesser-known participants in history are recounted in these four volumes. Jewish girls Zhanna and Frina escape death and use their musical talents to survive in World War II Europe. Enslaved Stephen Bishop becomes an expert on Mammoth Caves and provides valuable information to tourists. Anna Maria Weems's harrowing escape from slavery is chronicled. Finally, a Confederate soldier, moved by compassion, provided water to suffering Union troops on the battlefield. Presented in graphic format, the titles employ drawings to convey the stories, which include narratives and dialogue in the panels. The stories are exciting and anticipation builds with the narrative. One small error in The Angel of Marye's Heights may confuse some—Union generals are dressed in gray uniforms on some panels. These subjects neatly convey individual experiences in grim times. Those preferring the graphic format will find these books entertaining as informative. VERDICT Selectors might feel constrained to limit nonfiction to report topics, but they should consider these volumes to reach those otherwise disinterested in history.

School Library Journal