Mumbet’s Declaration of Independence by Gretchen Woelfle -ESSENTIAL

Woelfle, Gretchen and Illustrated by Delinois, Alix Mumbet’s Declaration of Independence 32 pgs. Carolrhoda Books, 2014. $17.95 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G.

Mumbet was an African women held captive as a slave in a 1700’s Massachusetts. She endures physical and verbal violence in the course of taking care of her masters household. But Mumbet has freedom in her heart. When she overhears parts of the Declaration of Independence, she risks everything to prove those words of equality and freedom true. Her case is heard in court and helps to free slaves from the entire state, including her own daughter.
This is a profound true story of bravery! The history of Mumbet is a wonderful inclusion in lessons about the civil war as well as strong female role models. This book would be best brought to life through teacher instruction. I felt very inspired by Mumbets story and can’t wait to share this resource with teachers.
Elementary –ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.