Phillis's Big Test

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In 1773, Phillis Wheatley published a book of poetry. It was a great accomplishment that made her very famous.
Only a year before, Phillis had had to take a test to prove that she was the actual author of these poems, because Phillis Wheatley was a slave.
Who would believe that an African girl could be the author of such poetry?
Phillis did! She believed in herself, and took every opportunity she could to make her life better. She believed in the power of her words, and her writing to prove her talent, and used the power of words to change a life.

Catherine Clinton earned her undergraduate degree in Afro-American studies from Harvard University and her Ph.D. in history from Princeton. She is the author of many historical works for children and adults, including I, TOO, SING AMERICA: THREE CENTURIES OF AFRICAN AMERICAN POETRY, and has taught African American Studies at Brandeis University, Brown University, and at Harvard University, where she is a fellow at the Dubois Institute. Dr. Clinton lives in Connecticut with her husband and two sons.

"Qualls' terrific mixed-media art...enlivens every page." Booklist Feb 1 2008 Booklist, ALA

"A powerful introduction to the first published African-American poet." Kirkus 3/15/08 Kirkus Reviews

"Qualls' fresh and distinctive acrylic and collage illustrations...imbue [Phillis] with a prim grace and serene beauty." Bulletin, May 2008 Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books