OUTSPOKEN

Weatherford and Velasquez explore actor Paul Robeson’s remarkable achievements.

Written as a “one-man show” in the first person, this tale in four acts highlights the phases of Robeson’s remarkable life (1898-1976). He adored his father, who was born into slavery and gave Robeson every chance to develop mentally, physically, and spiritually. Robeson excelled as a scholar and athlete, and in college he developed his skills as a performer. Although he studied law, other opportunities led him to the stage, where his acting and singing moved crowds both at home and abroad. He took advantage of his fame to speak out against oppression wherever he went. Robeson enjoyed positive experiences in the Soviet Union, where he found that racism didn’t curtail his life as it did in the U.S. When the Red Scare villainized Soviet and Communist sympathizers, Robeson refused to denounce communism; the government took away his U.S. passport, and his life and livelihood became limited. Lengthy verse, presented in double columns and a small typeface, is accompanied by powerful, painterly images, many based on actual photographs, set against a white background. Informative, insightful, and comprehensive, this book will be a valuable addition to reference shelves, classrooms, and anywhere older elementary children are drawn to learning more about legendary American changemakers.

This inspiring volume leaves nothing out.