William Still's parents escaped slavery but had to leave two of their children behind, a tragedy that haunted the family. As a young man, William went to work for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, where he raised money, planned rescues, and helped freedom seekers who had traveled north. One day, a strangely familiar man came into William's office, searching for information about his long-lost family. Could it be?
Motivated by his own family's experience, William Still began collecting the stories of thousands of other freedom seekers. As a result, he was able to reunite other families and build a remarkable source of information, including encounters with Harriet Tubman, Henry "Box" Brown, and William and Ellen Craft.
Award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate brings to life the incredible, true story of William Still, a man who dedicated his life to recording the stories of enslaved people fleeing to freedom. Tate's powerful words and artwork are sure to inspire young readers in this first-ever picture book biography of the Father of the Underground Railroad.
★ "Tate's sentences are often short, underscoring Still's effort and drive; when they occasionally lengthen, they land with a punch. . . His paintings often likewise play out in vignettes that capture action over time then linger lovingly on the expressive faces of his characters. Brings deserved attention to the life of a man who dedicated himself to recording the lives of others." --Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"The digital illustrations portray [Still] effectively from infancy to old age. . . . In this concisely written, informative picture-book biography, Tate introduces a man who deserves to be more widely known." --Booklist
★ "[A] clear, comprehensive narrative. . . .Graceful free verse. . . Textural digital illustrations and expressive characters punctuate the affecting text. . . An illuminating picture book biography of a lesser-known hero." --Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"[A] thorough and informative picture-book biography. . . . Tate's writing style is generally engaging and accessible. Rich acrylic illustrations are perfectly matched with a poetic narrative that celebrates the subject and conveys the realities of the times." --The Horn Book Magazine
"Striking illustrations with approachable text. . . The legacy of an American hero is told here using accessible, factual text; lifelike illustrations rendered digitally; and informative backmatter. . . An alluring picture book."--Shelf Awareness
"Tate's short sentences and accessible language convey the urgency of Still's work, and his illustrations sensitively communicate the danger and terror faced by enslaved people. . . .There's plenty of hope here, too."--BookPage