The Poet Slave of Cuba: a Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Sean Qualls.
Happy Friday! Fact Friday features The Poet Slave of Cuba: a Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Sean Qualls. This blank verse biography is a compelling and difficult read. It tells the story of Juan Francisco Manzano, who was born enslaved in Cuba in the late 1700s. He was bright and had a way with words. He also had a photographic memory, which made him a bit of a pet or show pony for his mistress. When she died though, his new mistress beat him mercilessly. The spare, honest verse sheds light on the brutality of chattel slavery and also illuminates the resilience of those enslaved.
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