Ben is a young slave who desires to know how to read. When he's sent to the city to work for a tailor, he works to read signs and newspapers. He quickly becomes well-known amongst slaves because he knows how to read. When the Civil War breaks out, the tailor shop shuts down and Ben is sent to a slave prison. It's here that Ben reads a newspaper article announcing that President Lincoln had signed the emancipation proclamation, meaning that slavery is no longer legal.

Genre critique: This is a good example of a biography because it's based on a true story and the life of Benjamin Holmes. The book is written in an engaging way and also includes additional information on Benjamin Holmes' life as a slave and then after he is emancipated.

Media: Oil on board ( )