Despite being a slave, Douglass learned to read and write. At age 21, he escaped from slavery and forged a new life for himself as a free man. Intelligent and charismatic, Douglass became the leading voice against slavery in the 1800s. There is no way a nation can call itself free and accept slavery, said Frederick Douglass. Middle-grade readers and up will respond to Anne Schraff’s fresh, lively retelling of Douglass’ story.