No one could have imagined that the frail, seven-year-old slave girl who arrived in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1761 would become the first published African American, achieving fame for her poetry in both America and England. Upon her arrival, Phillis quickly learned to read the Bible and other classic literature, publishing her first poem in 1767 when she was thirteen and a book of poetry in 1773. Her poetry encouraged freedom for all people, and she proved to a doubting generation that intelligence and creativity are not limited to a particular race.

Through Phillis’s story, young readers will learn the importance of trusting God’s plan while standing up for justice and the good of other human beings.

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1 – Kidnapped

Chapter 2 – A Gifted Girl

Chapter 3 – International Fame

Chapter 4 – The Cost of Freedom

Chapter 5 – Through the War

Chapter 6 – Making Ends Meet

Chapter 7 - Legacy

Timeline

Did You Know?

From Phillis Wheatley’s Pen

Author
Simonetta Carr was born in Italy and has lived and worked in different cultures. A former elementary school teacher, she homeschooled her eight children for many years. She has written for newspapers and magazines around the world and has translated the works of several Christian authors into Italian. Presently, she lives in San Diego with her husband, Thomas, and family. She is a member and Sunday school teacher at Christ United Reformed Church, Santee, California.