Carved in Ebony by Jasmine L Holmes

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Young Reader's Edition
Lessons from the Black Women Who Shape Us

This book is a series of ten short chapters that each tell a brief synopsis of ten ladies who made a difference in the world in which they were part of. Most of the stories take place in the Civil War era, either just prior, during, or soon after. 

I have not read the regular edition and might find that one a bit more interesting, but the chapters were almost too short and didn't give enough information about each lady to really draw me in. However, I think for a young reader it might be about perfect--enough information to learn something without being overwhelming. 

What I did like was the fact that it was written to be used as a history supplement. Hard words were highlighted so they could be looked up in the dictionary and at the end of each chapter there were discussion questions and also research opportunities to learn more about the person or that era in which they had lived. If I was a teacher, I could see this being a fun project to add to the school day to help my students learn more about Black Americans and the perilous times they lived in during the Civil War era and on through the Civil Rights era. 

My favorite story was the first one about Elizabeth Freeman from Massachusetts around the Revolutionary War. She was a slave woman who worked for a very difficult employer. One day, when she was out shopping, she heard the words of the Declaration of Independence. She made her way to a lawyer and presented her case. He took her case to court and she won her freedom. She went to work for the lawyer's family, where she was viewed as part of the family. She was able to save up enough money to buy a home of her own.  And eventually, slavery was banned in the entire state of Massachusetts. 

I enjoyed the book,but would have enjoyed a more in depth look at each of the ladies, but I guess I can also pursue that on my own if I wish. I received this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

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