Here at Plumfield, we often say that the famous Caldecott and Newbery Awards have left us disappointed more often than not. In fact, of late, Diane and I both tend to feel that if the book is noticed by these awards, it may even be a mark against it. But, sometimes, especially in the earlier years, the awards committee got it right...
Amos Fortune, Free Man by Elizabeth Yates was written and published in 1950. It won the Newbery Medal in 1951 for its outstanding contribution to children’s literature. The book tells the inspiring true story of Amos Fortune, an African prince who was captured and sold into slavery in the early 1700s. He eventually gained his freedom in 1769 and became a respected and generous citizen who spent his life freeing others from bondage.
This book is incredible. The writing is of the highest quality. The storytelling is utterly compelling. The story itself is exceptionally interesting and inspiring. And, it beautifully straddles the line between history and hagiography. This is the kind of book that young people should read for many reasons. An absolute classic, I am left with only one question: Why didn’t I know anything about it until I was in my 40s?
I could pen many words lamenting the books that sit on the library and classroom shelves instead of this one. If you have read enough of our reviews, you can probably hear my arguments in your head. I won’t belabor the point except to entertain one comparison: Ann Rinaldi’s The Education of Mary and this book, Amos Fortune, Freeman by Elizabeth Yates.
Beloved by feminists and modern readers who appreciate exploring modern social justice themes in historical fiction, The Education of Mary: A Little Miss of Color, 1832 by Ann Rinaldi was published in 2000. In her author’s note, Rinaldi reflects on her reaction to reading about Prudence Crandall’s school for girls. She expresses skepticism about historical accounts of the women’s behavior, writing: “Were they all modest, retiring, submissive, uncomplaining, long-suffering, and sacrificing? I found that difficult to believe.” Instead, she reimagines their stories through the lens of her own ideals.
A quick web search of Ann Rinaldi reveals the source of my frustration. Modern feminist readers praise her as a “historical fiction goddess,” while members of the communities she writes about criticize her work as “outrageous” appropriation, built on inadequate historical research and accuracy. Both perspectives highlight the same issue: Ann Rinaldi takes hot-button issues and reshapes them to fit her narrative, presenting them as historical fiction when they are more fiction than history. Yet, these kinds of stories are frequently recommended and celebrated. What impact does this fiction parading as truth have on young readers? It encourages them to impose modern values and prejudices onto the people of the past, fostering a distorted understanding of history. This is not only misleading but also potentially harmful.
Alternatively, Amos Fortune, Free Man is considered a work of historical fiction because it accurately incorporates historical facts with imaginative storytelling. Elizabeth Yates based the novel on the life of Amos Fortune, a real historical figure. He was an African prince who was captured and sold into slavery and later purchased his freedom. He then became a successful tanner in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. Unlike Rinaldi’s Prudence Crandall story, critics have considered this to be good historical fiction because it is consistent with what we know to be true of Amos Fortune’s life, motives, and actions. And, Yates accomplishes this with an even more exciting story than that which Rinaldi tells, and a great deal more accuracy.
“Sacred to the memory of Amos Fortune, who was born free in Africa, a slave in America, he purchased liberty, professed Christianity, lived reputably, and died hopefully.” - Tombstone of Amos Fortune
When working with librarians, teachers, and parents, I am delighted to recommend this masterpiece.
Over the last two years, our friends at Biblioguides have been building a rich database within their main database just for the Newbery and Caldecott medals. On their site, they have listed all of the winners over the years and are now working on adding all of the honors as well. People who are curious about these awards and the books that won them can find out more on the Biblioguides website.