My Name is Phillis Wheatley
Afua Cooper
My Name is Phillis Wheatley
Afua Cooper
The remarkable story of the young slave Phillis Wheatley, America's first black poet. This is the remarkable story of Phillis Wheatley, who is born into an African family of griots, or storytellers, but captured by slave raiders and forced aboard a slave ship, where appalling conditions spell death for many of her companions. Numerous sharks follow the ship, feeding on the corpses of slaves thrown overboard. Weakened by the voyage and near death in a Boston slave market, Wheatley is bought by a kind family who nurses her back to health and teaches her to read and write. Soon her mistress recognizes that the girl is a quick learner and talented. At the age of 12, a torrent of poetry begins to flow out of Wheatley. Proud of her achievements, her mistress organises readings in Boston's finest parlors and drawing rooms, and Wheatley's fame spreads. But even when many in Boston are calling her a prodigy and a genius, some remain unsure that a slave should be able to write, much less write poetry. When Phillis travels to London she is a media sensation, feted by the cream of English society. A book of her poems is published, and she finally gains her freedom. This amazing story, wide in scope, is based on fact and told convincingly from young Wheatley's point of view. AGES: 10 to 14 AUTHOR: Afua Cooper is a multi-award-winning and celebrated speaker, scholar, historian, author, poet, performer and social and cultural commentator for organisations worldwide committed to building diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. In alignment with the recent global overtures to end racism, Dr. Cooper's mission is to end racism globally by helping organisations improve racial and ethnic justice in the workplace. She helps boards of directors set long-term strategies to become anti-racist organisations. She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in approx 2 weeks
Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.