Mumbet’s Declaration of Independence
Gretchen Woelfle, Author
Alix Delinois, Illustrator
Carolrhoda Books, Biography, Feb. 1, 2014
Suitable for Ages: 5-10
Themes: Elizabeth Freeman, African-American Woman, Slavery, Massachusetts, Human Rights
Opening: Mumbet didn’t have a last name because she was a slave. She didn’t even have an official first name. Folks called her Bett or Betty. Children fondly called her Mom Bett of Mumbet. Others weren’t so kind.
Book Jacket Synopsis: Everybody knows about the Founding Fathers and the Declaration of Independence in 1776. But the founders weren’t the only ones who believed that everyone had a right to freedom. Mumbet, a Massachusetts slave, believed it too. She longed to be free, but how? Would anyone help her in her fight for freedom? Could she win against her owner, the richest man in town? Mumbet was determined to try.
What I like about this book:
- Gretchen Woelfle’s tells Mumbet’s compelling and true story for the first time in a picture book biography. While the book is considered nonfiction, it is fictionalized so that the reader experiences the hardships in 1780s. The author’s language is true to the time period, she creates the right amount of tension and her pacing of the story is perfect.
- The characters are realistically portrayed and well-developed. Mumbet is a smart, bold and determined character filled with hopes, dreams and ambitions for her life. Col. John Ashley is wealthy and owns the iron mine, a forge, a sawmill, a gristmill a general store and 3,000 acres of land with slaves. His wife is mean, abusive, strikes the slaves and calls Mumbet ” useless baggage, a stubborn wench and a dumb creature.” She didn’t break Mumbet’s spirit.
- Mumbet’s courageous actions to fight for freedom and equality and challenge the new Massachusetts Constitution in the courts, is a huge step in ending slavery in the United States.
- You can’t help but smile when you see Mumbet returning to the courthouse in 1781 to choose a name for herself, Elizabeth Freeman.
- Alix Delinois fills the pages with bold, colorful. evocative and detailed acrylic illustrations.
Resources: Mumbet’s story is an excellent read for Women’s History Month. The book is a resource which will spark many discussions. There is a wonderful “Author’s Note” at the end with a lot of information to use in the classroom, a picture of Mumbet and suggested reading materials. Check out the Mumbet website with the transcript of the trial as well as photos. Visit the author Gretchen Woelfle at her website.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Children's Books Heal 
Sounds like this is a very powerful story of strength and courage.
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Thank your for visiting. It is an exceptional story of bravery. I had not heard of Elizabeth Freeman’s (Mumbet) story.
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Perfect choice for Women’s History Month … I feel like we are all discovering new role models for our daughters this month! I had heard of Elizabeth Freeman but never knew her story AND we live in Massachusetts!!!
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Yes, it is a good choice for Women’s History Month. I had never heard of Elizabeth Freeman before. Very powerful text and illustrations.
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This would be a great pairing with Jaqueline Woodson’s BROWN GIRL DREAMING. She talks a lot about the meaning of names, the strength we get from them.
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Had not thought about Woodson’s comments about the meaning of names. Thank you for pointing that out, since many have read her book.
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Such a powerful moment in her choosing a name. Thank you for introducing me to this book and Mumbet!
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Yes, I was moved when she chose her name. It us a powerful moment. Think you’d enjoy it!
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This sounds fantastic, Pat.
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It is an excellent book. After my husband proofed my post last night, he read the book. He was moved.
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I’m going to look for this…not just for me, but for my 17 year old whom I’m still homeschooling. What a perfect addition to our study of American history! Thanks, Pat!
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And it’s Women History Month. My husband read it and liked the book. It is a very lively book. Love the use of text and the typeset.
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I´m pleased to see books like this available for middle readers.
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It can be read to a younger child, but an older child in 5th grade would enjoy it a lot. A lot of action.
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I love the detail’s you’ve shared. So intriguing! Thanks.
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Joanne, I am glad you enjoyed my review. This is an excellent book and great for Women’s History Month.
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This sounds like a powerful book. 🙂
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Thank you Erik. It is a powerful story. You’d like it!
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I always leave your site with a smile, Pat. Thanks for sharing this interesting story!
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Thank you for your lovely compliment, Wendy. This is one you would really enjoy!
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Thank you for another special pick. WoW!
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Thanks, Barbara. So glad you enjoyed it — I certainly did. Great classroom book.
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This is my first visit to your blog, and I love the premise of it.
This book sounds like a wonderful one to use for Women’s History Month!
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Thank you for visiting Joyce. I’m glad you enjoyed my selection. It is an exceptional book! And, yes it is showcases strong women for Women’s History Month.
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This is exactly the sort of book I used to look for when we were homeschooling: a cool story, based in fact, that I could read aloud and trigger all sorts of discussion.
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You would love this story. It is one of those “stand-out” books that stays with you.
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Patricia, thank you for your thoughtful and enthusiastic review of MUMBET. I’m always on the lookout for unknown heroes/heroines to introduce to children.
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Thank you Gretchen for visiting my website. I’m glad you liked my review of MUMBET! I’m always thrilled to find heroes/heroines to share with children. MUMBET was inspiring and a great choice for Women’s History Month. I even enjoyed the typeset used to accentuate her spirited story and speech. Outstanding book. Will be watching for your books to review.
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