Maritcha: A Nineteenth-Century American Girl

Discover the remarkable story of a free Black girl born during the days of slavery in this Coretta Scott King Honor Award-winning picture book

"To do the best for myself with the view of making the best of myself," wrote Maritcha Rémond Lyons (1848--1929) about her childhood.

Based on an unpublished memoir written by Lyons, who was born and raised in New York City, this poignant story tells what it was like to be a Black child born free during the days of slavery. Everyday experiences are interspersed with notable moments, such as a visit to the first world's fair held in the United States. Also included are the Draft Riots of 1863, during which Maritcha and her siblings fled to Brooklyn while her parents stayed behind to protect their Manhattan home. The book concludes with her fight to attend a whites-only high school in Providence, Rhode Island, and her victory of being the first Black graduate.

The evocative text, photographs, and archival material make this book an invaluable cultural and historical resource. Maritcha brings to life the story of a very ordinary--yet remarkable--girl of nineteenth-century America.


Author: Tonya Bolden
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 02/01/2005
Pages: 48
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.30lbs
Size: 10.10h x 10.20w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9780810950450
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 7.7
Point Value: 1
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 86214 / Maritcha: A Nineteenth-Century American Girl


Award: Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens - Recommended
Award: James Madison Book - Winner
Award: Coretta Scott King Award - Honor Book
Award: NAPPA Gold Awards - Winner


Review Citation(s):
Black Issues Book Review 05/01/2005 pg. 66
Multicultural Review 09/01/2005 pg. 100
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2005 pg. 411 - Superior,Well Above Average
Ingram Children's Advance 01/01/2005 pg. 54
Kirkus Review - Children 12/15/2004 pg. 1198
Booklist 12/15/2004 pg. 726
Publishers Weekly 01/03/2005 pg. 57
School Library Journal 02/15/2005 pg. 145
Booklist 02/01/2005 pg. 970
School Library Journal 02/01/2005 pg. 145
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 03/01/2005 pg. 282
Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2005 pg. 107
SLJ's Best Books 12/01/2005 pg. 43
ALA Best Books Young Adults 03/01/2006 pg. 6
ALA Notable Children's Books 03/01/2006 pg. 26

About the Author
Bolden, Tonya: - Tonya Bolden has written numerous bestselling books for children and adults, and her work has garnered many awards, including the Coretta Scott King Honor, James Madison Book Award, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, and YALSA Best Book of the Year. She lives in New York City. Visit tonyaboldenbooks.com.

This title is only available via back order