A Picture of Freedom (Dear America)

Coretta Scott King Award winner and Newbery Honor author Patricia McKissack's inspiring A PICTURE OF FREEDOM is now back in print with a gorgeous new cover! It's 1859 and Clotee, a twelve-year-old slave, has the most wonderful, terrible secret. She knows that if she shares it with the wrong person, she will face unimaginable consequences. What is her secret? While doing her job of fanning her master's son during his daily lessons, Clotee has taught herself to read and write. However, she soon learns that the tutor, Ely Harms, has a secret of his own. In a time when literacy is one of the most valuable skills to have, Clotee is determined to use her secret to save herself, and her family. Patricia C. McKissack weaves the pages of Clotee's diary with the intrigue and disloyalty of spies and traitors, the celebrations of life, and the anguish of death. PRAISE FOR DEAR AMERICA: "More than a supplement to classroom textbooks, this series is an imaginative, solid entre into American history." --PUBLISHERS WEEKLY "An impressive series that will challenge students to make connections from prominent historical events to relevant life situations . . . A wonderful asset to the classroom as well as to home libraries." --CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW SERVICE "Engaging, accessible historical fiction." -- SLJ "The Dear America diaries represent the best of historical fiction for any age." --CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Patricia C. Mckissack<br>Patricia C. McKissack is an award-winning author of many books for children and young adults. She is the author of three Dear America books: A PICTURE OF FREEDOM, COLOR ME DARK, and LOOK TO THE HILLS. <br><br>She has also written many prestigious titles with her husband, Fredrick L. McKissack. They are currently working on the series The Clone Codes with their grown son, John McKissack. <br>