The Poet slave of Cuba : a Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano

The Poet Slave of Cuba : A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano

By Margarita Engle.

This is a portrait in poems of Juan Francisco Manzano, the poet who was born a slave in Cuba in 1797.

"This biography-in-verse pays tribute to Juan Francisco Manzano, who lived between 1797 and 1853. Like many verse novels, the biography is told through alternating points of view, including Juan's as he grows from childhood to adulthood. Separated from his mother and father, Juan is reared by a slaveholder who adores his genius with words. When he is 11, she passes away. Even though she promised him his freedom upon her death, he remains enslaved, this time to a mentally unbalanced woman who abuses him unmercifully."
Publisher: Henry Holt, 2006.

Dewey: 861

(Kirkus Review (March 15, 2006) Cover image
from Follett Library Resources: http://www.flr.follett.com)

Lesson Connection : Students will research slavery, which happened in countries other than the United States. Biographies, poetry, Cuban cultures are all topics to be studied. This book could be a good catalyst for research on the subjects mentioned.