Born into slavery in 1806 in New York state, Isabella grew tall and strong, able to do the work of any man. From an early age she experienced the cruelty inherent in the institution of slavery: she saw children sold from their parents and felt the whip on her own back when she was unable or unwilling to carry out her master’s orders. Knowing New York state law was preparing to prohibit slavery, Isabella took freedom for herself when the promised day arrived. When her five-year-old son was illegally sold across state lines, Isabella went to court and won his freedom, too. Her courage, intelligence, and commanding presence made her a natural as a public speaker for the Abolitionist cause, so she began to travel the country to speak firsthand about her experiences as a slave. At that time, she cast off her slave name and began calling herself Sojourner Truth, and she soon became known as an eloquent speaker who was able to convince many people that slavery was wrong. Anne Rockwell does an admirable job of providing the necessary historical context within the confines of a picture book biography. R. Gregory Christie’s expressionistic paintings slightly distort the human figures to relay the deep emotions stirred by injustice. Young Isabella’s face shows a combination of fear and anger that’s palatable, while the face of mature Sojourner shows courage and determination. (Ages 8-12)

A powerful picture book biography of one of the abolitionist movement's most compelling voices.
Sojourner Truth traveled the country in the latter half of the 19th century, speaking out against slavery. She told of a slave girl who was sold three times by age 13, who was beaten for not understanding her master's orders, who watched her parents die of cold and hunger when they could no longer work for their keep. Sojourner's simple yet powerful words helped people to understand the hideous truth about slavery. The story she told was her own.
"Only Passing Through is the inspiring story of how a woman, born a slave with no status or dignity, transformed herself into one of the most powerful voices of the abolitionist movement. Anne Rockwell combines her lifelong love of history with her well-known skill as a storyteller to create this simple, affecting portrait of an American icon.