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Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons: The Story of Phillis Wheatley
Kidnapped from her home in Senegal and sold as a slave in 1761, a young girl is purchased by the wealthy Wheatley family in Boston. Phillis Wheatley--as she comes to be known--has an eager mind and it leads her on an unusual path for a slave--she becomes America’s first published black poet. “Strong characterization and perceptive realism mark this thoughtful portrayal.�--Booklist
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1996
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About the author
Ann Rinaldi
61books972followersAnn Rinaldi (b. August 27, 1934, in New York City) is a young adult fiction author. She is best known for her historical fiction, including In My Father's House, The Last Silk Dress, An Acquaintance with Darkness, A Break with Charity, and Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons. She has written a total of forty novels, eight of which were listed as notable by the ALA. In 2000, Wolf by the Ears was listed as one the best novels of the preceding twenty-five years, and later of the last one hundred years. She is the most prolific writer for the Great Episode series, a series of historical fiction novels set during the American Colonial era. She also writes for the Dear America series.
Rinaldi currently lives in Somerville, New Jersey, with her husband, Ron, whom she married in 1960. Her career, prior to being an author, was a newspaper columnist. She continued the column, called The Trentonian, through much of her writing career. Her first published novel, Term Paper, was written in 1979. Prior to this, she wrote four unpublished books, which she has called "terrible." She became a grandmother in 1991.
Rinaldi says she got her love of history from her eldest son, who brought her to reenactments. She says that she writes young adult books "because I like to write them."
Rinaldi currently lives in Somerville, New Jersey, with her husband, Ron, whom she married in 1960. Her career, prior to being an author, was a newspaper columnist. She continued the column, called The Trentonian, through much of her writing career. Her first published novel, Term Paper, was written in 1979. Prior to this, she wrote four unpublished books, which she has called "terrible." She became a grandmother in 1991.
Rinaldi says she got her love of history from her eldest son, who brought her to reenactments. She says that she writes young adult books "because I like to write them."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
April 11, 2018
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The Five Books That Made Me Fall In Love With Reading: #1
I got asked an interesting question recently about how I fell into the world of book blogging, reading obsessively, and generally being a bookworm that got me thinking. My answer was fairly generic and one most of you can relate to, that I've always been this way. As long as I could remember I felt an affinity for books, providing something that I otherwise could not achieve. I was always a child in my own mind, lost in the clouds of my imagination and ignoring most other things. The conversation drifted to the books that impacted me the most, and this one was on the short list. I was 10 years old when first read this book, I remember clutching my money in my hand, wandering up and down the rows and rows of books trying to decide which adventure I wanted to go on, and this is what I chose.
This is the first book that I can recall that ever took my emotions hostage, I was completely and totally wrecked by it, and absolutely in love. I had no idea that a book could take over your soul and transport you into another life. Suddenly I was a little slave girl, learning to read, write poetry, and being an inspiration for ALL women. This is a truly inspiring story and one that is never too far from the surface, it's never drifted into the watery abyss of books that I vaguely remember. It's seared into my memory and my heart, and one I'm forever grateful for, thank you for making me the bookworm I am today!
The Five Books That Made Me Fall In Love With Reading: #1
I got asked an interesting question recently about how I fell into the world of book blogging, reading obsessively, and generally being a bookworm that got me thinking. My answer was fairly generic and one most of you can relate to, that I've always been this way. As long as I could remember I felt an affinity for books, providing something that I otherwise could not achieve. I was always a child in my own mind, lost in the clouds of my imagination and ignoring most other things. The conversation drifted to the books that impacted me the most, and this one was on the short list. I was 10 years old when first read this book, I remember clutching my money in my hand, wandering up and down the rows and rows of books trying to decide which adventure I wanted to go on, and this is what I chose.
This is the first book that I can recall that ever took my emotions hostage, I was completely and totally wrecked by it, and absolutely in love. I had no idea that a book could take over your soul and transport you into another life. Suddenly I was a little slave girl, learning to read, write poetry, and being an inspiration for ALL women. This is a truly inspiring story and one that is never too far from the surface, it's never drifted into the watery abyss of books that I vaguely remember. It's seared into my memory and my heart, and one I'm forever grateful for, thank you for making me the bookworm I am today!
September 21, 2008
Read this book a while ago but I had to add it to my books. Ann Rinaldi is hands-down my favorite historical fiction writer!! This book was fantastic because it introduces the reader to Phillis Wheatley, a woman who played an important role during the time period of the American Revolution. The fact that she was a woman, a slave, very well educated, could read and write Latin, wrote poetry, traveled to England to meet royalty, and had Benjamin Franklin tell her to never leave England, because he said, "Here you are free!" should be more than enough to make a reader want to find out more about her life!! Any book written by Ann Rinaldi will leave you wanting to know more about the characters!!
October 26, 2020
It was May 1772 and Phillis Wheatley was going to Province House in Boston to prove that she—and she alone—authored the poetry that had caught the attention of so many. Soon this 17-year-old slave would be standing in front of merchants, clergy, councilmen, the lieutenant governor and governor, and John Hancock to prove the authenticity of her work. It wouldn’t be easy, for who could have imagined that an uneducated African girl could not only read and write, but produce such astonishing work. But before Phillis Wheatley came to this critical juncture in her life, her journey would start ten years ago in Senegal, West Africa where a disgruntled uncle would sell her for brandy, some cowrie shells, and muskets.
With just a few minor exceptions, Ann Rinaldi gives readers an historically accurate account of Phillis Wheatley’s remarkable journey from slavery to becoming America’s first published black poet. This young girl, who was sold into slavery at the age of seven and named after the very ship that carried her to America, would grow up to meet such dignitaries as John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington. Rinaldi takes us to Boston where we relive the Smallpox Epidemic of 1764, the Quartering Act, the Sugar and Stamp Acts, the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party and the retaliatory Boston Port Act of 1774, and the Suffolk Resolves. It’s a delight for history enthusiasts and an unbelievable story for readers of all ages.
Up until the time of its publication in 1996, Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons was the first “humanistic� story written about Phillis Wheatley. As Rinaldi explains in her Author’s Note, “All the books written about [Phillis Wheatley] at present are scholarly, concerned with the dry facts of her life or her classical poetry.� When Rinaldi told her friend, an African American librarian, that she was writing a book that would “put flesh� onto Phillis Wheatley, her friend’s response was, “It’s about time.� Indeed, it was.
Phillis Wheatley’s story is heartbreaking and tragic. Despite her literary gifts and talent, she died in poverty and obscurity. Although she was granted freedom by her master, she was never able to rise above the limitations she faced due to the color of her skin. Although these are Rinaldi’s words and not Phillis’s, one can imagine the poet saying something similar: “…I love that when I write I am not skinny and black and a slave. My writing has no color. It has no skin at all, truth to tell.� Phillis Wheatley’s poems may not have had skin, but they were brimming with heart and soul and hope. “I could scarce contain my own excitement,� Rinaldi’s Phillis said. “The more I wrote, the more excited I became. I felt like Columbus must have felt when he just discovered America. Only the land that I had sighted was myself. In a way, my own way, I was free.�
With just a few minor exceptions, Ann Rinaldi gives readers an historically accurate account of Phillis Wheatley’s remarkable journey from slavery to becoming America’s first published black poet. This young girl, who was sold into slavery at the age of seven and named after the very ship that carried her to America, would grow up to meet such dignitaries as John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington. Rinaldi takes us to Boston where we relive the Smallpox Epidemic of 1764, the Quartering Act, the Sugar and Stamp Acts, the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party and the retaliatory Boston Port Act of 1774, and the Suffolk Resolves. It’s a delight for history enthusiasts and an unbelievable story for readers of all ages.
Up until the time of its publication in 1996, Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons was the first “humanistic� story written about Phillis Wheatley. As Rinaldi explains in her Author’s Note, “All the books written about [Phillis Wheatley] at present are scholarly, concerned with the dry facts of her life or her classical poetry.� When Rinaldi told her friend, an African American librarian, that she was writing a book that would “put flesh� onto Phillis Wheatley, her friend’s response was, “It’s about time.� Indeed, it was.
Phillis Wheatley’s story is heartbreaking and tragic. Despite her literary gifts and talent, she died in poverty and obscurity. Although she was granted freedom by her master, she was never able to rise above the limitations she faced due to the color of her skin. Although these are Rinaldi’s words and not Phillis’s, one can imagine the poet saying something similar: “…I love that when I write I am not skinny and black and a slave. My writing has no color. It has no skin at all, truth to tell.� Phillis Wheatley’s poems may not have had skin, but they were brimming with heart and soul and hope. “I could scarce contain my own excitement,� Rinaldi’s Phillis said. “The more I wrote, the more excited I became. I felt like Columbus must have felt when he just discovered America. Only the land that I had sighted was myself. In a way, my own way, I was free.�
August 8, 2013
This book was among the most surprising I've ever been required to read in school. Its frequent use of stock characters that were used in Antebellum literature to condone slavery, i.e. the unassuming Aunt Jemima house negro, the degenerate field negro, and for that matter, the mythical soft-hearted George Washington was wholly unacceptable. For that matter, the clear sacrifice of accuracy for patriotism, instilled in the children who were obligated to read this farce a belief that slavery was in some way okay or justified because at the end of the day, it was "Americans" doing it.
We were presented with a particular character, a negro slave who desired his freedom because he felt he was obligated to it and was therefore somehow an antagonist. If the daily events in this story were real, which they're actually not, I would despise most everyone but him. I would hate all of the whites in the book who owned slaves because they owned slaves, not be content with them because they 'agreeably' owned slaves.
I admit that I shouldn't have expected any sort of Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, or Zora Neale Hurston from this book, but what it provided was nonetheless ridiculous. This book itself is a tale of mammies, pickaninnies, and the freedom-lovers who own them.
The dumbest part of the book was the depiction of George Washington, a man who is not only described as being universally loved by his men, whom he was actually known to beat, but as being even remotely sympathetic to Wheatley's dream of freedom. The real Washington did not even have the plaguing hypocrisies that Jefferson had; Washington owned massive numbers of slaves and always defended that as his right. He made sure to sell the vast majority of them to his other family members before he died. Did Washington praise Wheatley's work? Yes. Did he believe in emancipation, the only thing Wheatley needed more than praise? No.
So when I am made to believe, by the way as someone descended from slaves, that I should sympathize not only with Mr. Washington, but with the soul-holders of Mrs. Wheatley, I am appalled.
That's not to say that the writing wasn't also of poor quality: the word choice was frequently redundant and the plot itself became illogical by the end.
So if you want a cutesy depiction of one of the worst institutions to ever govern man, go ahead and read this. If you want to know about hardship, about the real Phillis Wheatley, then stay far away from this farce.
We were presented with a particular character, a negro slave who desired his freedom because he felt he was obligated to it and was therefore somehow an antagonist. If the daily events in this story were real, which they're actually not, I would despise most everyone but him. I would hate all of the whites in the book who owned slaves because they owned slaves, not be content with them because they 'agreeably' owned slaves.
I admit that I shouldn't have expected any sort of Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, or Zora Neale Hurston from this book, but what it provided was nonetheless ridiculous. This book itself is a tale of mammies, pickaninnies, and the freedom-lovers who own them.
The dumbest part of the book was the depiction of George Washington, a man who is not only described as being universally loved by his men, whom he was actually known to beat, but as being even remotely sympathetic to Wheatley's dream of freedom. The real Washington did not even have the plaguing hypocrisies that Jefferson had; Washington owned massive numbers of slaves and always defended that as his right. He made sure to sell the vast majority of them to his other family members before he died. Did Washington praise Wheatley's work? Yes. Did he believe in emancipation, the only thing Wheatley needed more than praise? No.
So when I am made to believe, by the way as someone descended from slaves, that I should sympathize not only with Mr. Washington, but with the soul-holders of Mrs. Wheatley, I am appalled.
That's not to say that the writing wasn't also of poor quality: the word choice was frequently redundant and the plot itself became illogical by the end.
So if you want a cutesy depiction of one of the worst institutions to ever govern man, go ahead and read this. If you want to know about hardship, about the real Phillis Wheatley, then stay far away from this farce.
April 30, 2008
I think I've read the majority of Ann Rinaldi's historical fiction novels.
Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons is my favorite of her books. After reading this book in eighth grade, I wrote my first research paper on Phillis Wheatley and her poetry.
I really learned to admire Phillis Wheatley. Her story was inspiring to me. It made me want to write. And of course, because it is fiction, the author added a little bit of love intrigue into the story. I remember wanting Phillis' love interest to love her back. I hated the fact that he didn't.
Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons is my favorite of her books. After reading this book in eighth grade, I wrote my first research paper on Phillis Wheatley and her poetry.
I really learned to admire Phillis Wheatley. Her story was inspiring to me. It made me want to write. And of course, because it is fiction, the author added a little bit of love intrigue into the story. I remember wanting Phillis' love interest to love her back. I hated the fact that he didn't.
January 31, 2018
I liked this for the most part but did find it dry in places. Phillis is a fascinating person and I enjoyed this fictional look at her life while I await the Henry Louis Gates biography to become available at the library.
I really appreciated the author's handling of the Wheatley family and the frustration of Phillis's treatment by Nathaniel.
I really appreciated the author's handling of the Wheatley family and the frustration of Phillis's treatment by Nathaniel.
March 10, 2023
This is one of my ALL thim favorite books! I have been rereading it every few years since I was a child. Amazing story about one of Americans' first female poets. The trials she went through. The life she was given and the life she was not properly prepared for. I recommend this book to everyone and anyone of any age
May 6, 2012
I found this book compelling; a real "page turner" and read it in 3 days (which meant staying up late to do so!).
The overall story is a poignant one and the author has the sense and professionalism to devote the last chapter to letting the reader know which parts were founded in fact and which parts an elaboration on her part.
I would have liked to give the book 5 stars, but I felt it fell short on a couple of important points:
There is an interweaving of conjecture and fact that runs through the novel. This occasionally irritates and the ending of the book, whilst brought about at the right time, does not sit well with the story thus far.
Written in the first person, the author allows the protagonist, Phyllis, thought processes that are clearly 21st century in nature rather than those of a child from Senegal in the 18th century. It's as though the author transplanted a child of this world into the world of Phyllis some 200 odd years ago.
This is not a book to read to learn of the terrible world of the slave trade, although some moments are shocking and insightful.
Overall, a very good story and a good read about a real woman who really existed. It left me wanting more.
The overall story is a poignant one and the author has the sense and professionalism to devote the last chapter to letting the reader know which parts were founded in fact and which parts an elaboration on her part.
I would have liked to give the book 5 stars, but I felt it fell short on a couple of important points:
There is an interweaving of conjecture and fact that runs through the novel. This occasionally irritates and the ending of the book, whilst brought about at the right time, does not sit well with the story thus far.
Written in the first person, the author allows the protagonist, Phyllis, thought processes that are clearly 21st century in nature rather than those of a child from Senegal in the 18th century. It's as though the author transplanted a child of this world into the world of Phyllis some 200 odd years ago.
This is not a book to read to learn of the terrible world of the slave trade, although some moments are shocking and insightful.
Overall, a very good story and a good read about a real woman who really existed. It left me wanting more.
August 16, 2012
This novel says it is a fictionalized account of Phillis Wheatley life. I enjoyed the story and feel Rinaldi did well with her research on Wheatley's life. That being said, I was disappointed that Rinaldi chose to add the story of Wheatley's mother being killed on the slave ship when there is no evidence to suggest that. I also found it disturbing that Phillis was named after the slave ship that brought her to America.
I was saddened that Wheatley life ended in so much sorrow. Rinaldi did not include any text from Wheatley's poetry because she felt it wouldn't interest her readers. I wish she had included text from the poems. She should give her readers a little more credit. I am off to search for some of Wheatley's poems on my own.
I was saddened that Wheatley life ended in so much sorrow. Rinaldi did not include any text from Wheatley's poetry because she felt it wouldn't interest her readers. I wish she had included text from the poems. She should give her readers a little more credit. I am off to search for some of Wheatley's poems on my own.
March 3, 2008
There are a lot of words that would describe this book: Thrilling. Exciting. Great. Spectacular. Interesting.
The true story of an incredible woman slave, Hang A Thousand Trees With Ribbons is both sensitively sweet and daringly exciting. I loved the author's writing style.
Ann Rinaldi has actually written many, many historical books. I love how she puts her own fictional twist on most of the true stories.
-Lulu
The true story of an incredible woman slave, Hang A Thousand Trees With Ribbons is both sensitively sweet and daringly exciting. I loved the author's writing style.
Ann Rinaldi has actually written many, many historical books. I love how she puts her own fictional twist on most of the true stories.
-Lulu
June 22, 2020
When I picked up this book, the name 'Phillis Wheatley' sounded familiar, but I knew next to nothing about her. Now I'm wondering how she escaped my notice for so long. I'm also left wondering how many other black slaves were given both education and opportunity. The Wheatleys must have been remarkable people. If Phillis had been purchased by some other Bostonian, what would have been her fate?
This passage, on pp 95 and 96, is particularly appropriate during the present time of pandemic.
Smallpox.
That word was as dreaded as the word 'fire' in Boston. By the third week in February it had spread through town. Seven well-known families had it. ...
I was not allowed out. Neither was Mary. Shoppes and markets were closed, but Nathaniel and his father went to their countinghouse. Business fell off. Carriages and carts rumbled outside in the streets as people fled. The lieutenant governor adjourned the General Court. Everything was in a state of mayhem. ...
By the last week in February, the pesthouses were full. ...
"Things can't get much worse," Mr. Wheatley said. "Isn't the pox enough? Now we hear that Harvard Hall has burned down."
"Things can and will get worse if we don't get inoculated," Nathaniel said.
The title doesn't really fit the story. Yes, there's a connection, but it's subtle (and forgettable).
This passage, on pp 95 and 96, is particularly appropriate during the present time of pandemic.
Smallpox.
That word was as dreaded as the word 'fire' in Boston. By the third week in February it had spread through town. Seven well-known families had it. ...
I was not allowed out. Neither was Mary. Shoppes and markets were closed, but Nathaniel and his father went to their countinghouse. Business fell off. Carriages and carts rumbled outside in the streets as people fled. The lieutenant governor adjourned the General Court. Everything was in a state of mayhem. ...
By the last week in February, the pesthouses were full. ...
"Things can't get much worse," Mr. Wheatley said. "Isn't the pox enough? Now we hear that Harvard Hall has burned down."
"Things can and will get worse if we don't get inoculated," Nathaniel said.
The title doesn't really fit the story. Yes, there's a connection, but it's subtle (and forgettable).
May 26, 2017
I read this book in five chunks for five straight nights this week and thought it was great! It is written as if Phyllis Wheatley, a slave girl from Africa who is taken in by a great family in Boston, is telling her life story. She has quite an interesting life, and is taught by her master's son to read, which leads to writing, which leads her to write outstanding poetry, which quickly gains recognition here and in London. I really liked the way the author wrote - as if we're alive in the 1770's Boston with the old English speaking, and will add Ann Rinaldi (from New Jersey!) to my list of favorite historical fiction authors.
August 13, 2022
I’m not a fan of poetry and I’d never heard of Phillis Wheatley. However, I’m drawn to historical fiction and this book was based in the 1770s prior to the Revolution. Interesting read about her early life captured, sold, and raised in the home of the Wheatley family. Her life after reaching America could have gone much differently and I’m so glad it didn’t. While the book describes her trip to London and meetings with John Hancock, Ben Franklin, George Washington and others (all true), I felt the book was too myopic and completely focused on Phillis when so much else was happening during that time. A bit wider awareness of the era would have increased my rating.
June 2, 2018
I hesitate to trash this book because I have great nostalgia for Ann Rinaldi - when I first started teaching 7th grade, she was an author whose books my kids loved, even some of my reluctant readers. And any book that may inspire people to know more about Phyllis Wheatley has some merit. BUT! But. Wow, this is full of some racist tropes and stereotypes, and really glosses over the reality of the tragedies of Wheatley's life, and it gives ridiculously free passes to white enslavers. There are a few moments that hint at the abject cruelty of slavery, such as the fate of Wheatley's mother, but then there are quotes like this, "White folk don't have it any easier than we do," I minded. "They just think so. We all die in the end."
Um.
I think it's pretty safe to say that, in general, white folk had it MUCH easier than enslaved black people during Revolutionary times. And any time you have a white author writing a black character who says something like that, there's a big problem. And there's a problem when that white author writes a black character who muses that freedom is in many ways more difficult than slavery and essentially chooses to stay in her position once she is released from bondage. And don't even get me started about the scenes between Wheatley and George Washington, a "freedom"-loving enslaver, who "never separated his slaves from their families" (a lie), how he "wanted to have a way to free them all" (also not true).
Maybe 20 years ago I would have just thought it was nice to allow adolescents to empathized with an enslaved person and learn more about the story of Phyllis Wheatley. But now, when I think of the white supremacist BS that an adolescent might absorb from this...the myth that Washington really abhorred slavery and would have called Wheatley, "Miss", her musings that whites didn't have it any easier than enslaved people, and her feeling that enslavement was actually easier for her than freedom...on balance, there's a lot more wrong with this book than there is right.
Um.
I think it's pretty safe to say that, in general, white folk had it MUCH easier than enslaved black people during Revolutionary times. And any time you have a white author writing a black character who says something like that, there's a big problem. And there's a problem when that white author writes a black character who muses that freedom is in many ways more difficult than slavery and essentially chooses to stay in her position once she is released from bondage. And don't even get me started about the scenes between Wheatley and George Washington, a "freedom"-loving enslaver, who "never separated his slaves from their families" (a lie), how he "wanted to have a way to free them all" (also not true).
Maybe 20 years ago I would have just thought it was nice to allow adolescents to empathized with an enslaved person and learn more about the story of Phyllis Wheatley. But now, when I think of the white supremacist BS that an adolescent might absorb from this...the myth that Washington really abhorred slavery and would have called Wheatley, "Miss", her musings that whites didn't have it any easier than enslaved people, and her feeling that enslavement was actually easier for her than freedom...on balance, there's a lot more wrong with this book than there is right.
August 25, 2017
This is really a 3.5 star book. I loved the story and the poetic license that is necessary for a novel of this type is handled masterfully by Ann Rinaldi. I always love her author's notes, she is so careful to be clear on what liberties she took and I appreciate her efforts. I am fascinated by Phillis Wheatley and I am also grateful that Ms. Rinaldi chose to end the story where she did and not take the reader through to the end of Phillis' life.
The quotes to retain:
"Then I dreamed of my mother. She was standing before the morning sun, pouring water out of a stone jar. She smiled at me. Her smile was so radiant and so filled with peace that I knew that she was not dead. Nobody who was dead could be that happy. Her presence was so real. My mother was not dead. She was somewhere else, she was happy. And she'd come to me when I needed her. I didn't cry out when she faded away, because she left me with a sense of peace. I slept. Long and deeply." (pg. 110)
"He was bottling me up. As Parliament was bottling up the colonies. Yes, he was teaching me. My mind was growing. And I had nowhere to go. Because I had nowhere to go, I went inside myself. If I did not take such course of action, I fair would have died." (pg. 121)
"Those pernicious stamps were all we'd heard about since May, when a coastal vessel had brought the news that Parliament would soon demand a stamp duty, from half a penny to twenty-five shillings on any skin or vellum or parchment or sheet of paper on which anything should be engraved, written, or printed. I thought of all the papers in my drawer. How priceless words seemed now. How precious!" (pg. 129)
"Why is it that all joy is trimmed with pain and all pain with joy?" (pg. 174)
"The air of England has long been too pure for a slave, and every man is free who breathes it." -Judge Mansfield (pg. 209)
The quotes to retain:
"Then I dreamed of my mother. She was standing before the morning sun, pouring water out of a stone jar. She smiled at me. Her smile was so radiant and so filled with peace that I knew that she was not dead. Nobody who was dead could be that happy. Her presence was so real. My mother was not dead. She was somewhere else, she was happy. And she'd come to me when I needed her. I didn't cry out when she faded away, because she left me with a sense of peace. I slept. Long and deeply." (pg. 110)
"He was bottling me up. As Parliament was bottling up the colonies. Yes, he was teaching me. My mind was growing. And I had nowhere to go. Because I had nowhere to go, I went inside myself. If I did not take such course of action, I fair would have died." (pg. 121)
"Those pernicious stamps were all we'd heard about since May, when a coastal vessel had brought the news that Parliament would soon demand a stamp duty, from half a penny to twenty-five shillings on any skin or vellum or parchment or sheet of paper on which anything should be engraved, written, or printed. I thought of all the papers in my drawer. How priceless words seemed now. How precious!" (pg. 129)
"Why is it that all joy is trimmed with pain and all pain with joy?" (pg. 174)
"The air of England has long been too pure for a slave, and every man is free who breathes it." -Judge Mansfield (pg. 209)
June 13, 2011
I picked this up after doing a presentation on the history of African American children's literature for a class last quarter. Phillis (Keziah) Wheatley was the first black woman to be published in America--this is pre-Revolutionary War we're talking. Anyway, this is obviously historical fiction, though, of course, like any other book from the genre worth its weight, based on historical documents like letters, diary entries, newspaper stories, etc. In the editor's note, Rinaldi explains what in the story was true, what was made up, and what was based in reality but improved upon.
At times it was a bit didactic (slavery is bad! freedom is good!) though this certainly isn't your typical slave narrative because the Wheatley's considered Phillis family and eventually freed her. It also presents Boston in the late 18th century in a way I didn't know much about: some residents wanted to remain a British colony while others wanted their freedom. (Have I mentioned that I went to a terrible high school and know virtually nothing about history?) Phillis was living a strange existence in a topsy-turvy time in history and got to witness many sides to the issue through the Wheatleys and her contacts in Europe.
At times it was a bit didactic (slavery is bad! freedom is good!) though this certainly isn't your typical slave narrative because the Wheatley's considered Phillis family and eventually freed her. It also presents Boston in the late 18th century in a way I didn't know much about: some residents wanted to remain a British colony while others wanted their freedom. (Have I mentioned that I went to a terrible high school and know virtually nothing about history?) Phillis was living a strange existence in a topsy-turvy time in history and got to witness many sides to the issue through the Wheatleys and her contacts in Europe.
November 18, 2013
Before reading this book, I had heard of Phillis Wheatley, first black American poetess, contemporary of George Washington, but that's about it. This book "put a face" on slavery, particularly for young female readers. They show Phillis as a young teenage girl, often fickle, given to crushes on the master's son and unsure of her own heart. Most interesting for me was the perspective of what happens to a girl who is pampered, even spoiled by her kind owners (but never considered a family member) when she gets her freedom? She was classically educated in Greek and Latin, but did that really benefit her in a world that saw her as a mere curiousity - "Mrs. Wheatley's little nigra who writes poetry"? Phillis was a pioneer of her time who changed the way many people viewed the intellectual capacity of Africans. Her efforts paved the way for others. It's just a shame she had to cope with so much fame and so little true freedom at such a young age. I could not give it 5 stars though because the story lagged somewhat. It wasn't until I read the "Afterward" section that I truly started to appreciate what Phillis went through. I fear many young readers will put the book down before getting to the good stuff.
July 26, 2011
Ann Rinaldi’s Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons is a wonderful portrayal of the life and times of Phillis Wheatey, an African slave whose unusual education and writings eventually earned her freedom during the tumultuous Revolutionary War era. From her nightmare aboard a slave vessel, to her early education in the home of the caring and well-connected New England Wheatley family, we see young Phillis grow into a passionately literate teenager, willing to risk ostracism from the many white faces who refused to believe Africans capable of higher thinking, as well as those in her own race who derided her for haughty aspirations. Despite all obstacles, Phillis and her surrogate family defy the detractors and prove during a politically fraught time that the very freedom they were fighting for as a nation ought to be extended to those upon whose backs the new nation’s economy had been dependent. Her life and writings brought much hope and fervor to the anti-slavery movement. This novel is easy to read, not overly maudlin, and suitable for younger readers.
January 9, 2015
If I could, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars. I enjoyed it for the entertainment value, but too much of the information presented is historically inaccurate. I appreciate that as a historical FICTION writer, Ann Rinaldi took liberties. However, this time I think too many liberties were taken.
For example, in a biography I read about Phillis Wheatley, it said it is believed that Mary Wheatley was Phillis' main tutor. In this novel, Mary is portrayed early on as one who completely dislikes and abuses Phillis. I can't imagine Mary in this regard. If she was a tutor as the biography mentioned, I imagine her to have much more compassion on Phillis than her character does in Hang a Thousand Trees.
I intend to study Phillis Wheatley more thoroughly. She was a great example of starting with nothing and using her education to expertly express herself. She is definitely someone I want to know more about.
For example, in a biography I read about Phillis Wheatley, it said it is believed that Mary Wheatley was Phillis' main tutor. In this novel, Mary is portrayed early on as one who completely dislikes and abuses Phillis. I can't imagine Mary in this regard. If she was a tutor as the biography mentioned, I imagine her to have much more compassion on Phillis than her character does in Hang a Thousand Trees.
I intend to study Phillis Wheatley more thoroughly. She was a great example of starting with nothing and using her education to expertly express herself. She is definitely someone I want to know more about.
February 17, 2014
This book was very interesting. It described the whole life of a small slave girl, Phillis Wheatley, who was captured form Africa and brought to America. The book showed how Phillis changed from the beginning of the book when she just arrived in America, to the end of the book. The book showed that anything is possible if you try. Phillis was just a slave, but she was determined to learn to read and write, and she did learn. After she learned how to read and write, she found that she had a passion for writing poetry. Phillis put everything into her writing and they eventually got published. Phillis worked very hard on her poems and she became the first African-American poem writer. I enjoyed this book very much and I highly recommend it to others.
-Adriana Murphy
-Adriana Murphy
April 13, 2015
What an enjoyable and informative historical fiction about Phillis Wheatley. I knew her name and that she was known as America's first black poetress, but I never knew anything else. Ann Rinaldi, who writes primarily for young people, works her storytelling magic again and does not disappoint. As with any historical fiction, I always learn more about the nuts and bolts of life at that time than I even would in a purely nonfiction book. It's true again for this one: "Fiction reveals truths that reality obscures" (Jessamyn West). When you need a little break from long and intricate works, have a little Ann Rinaldi and you will be refreshed and appreciative.
August 10, 2009
I found the historical part of this book interesting. It is set in Boston around the Revolution. I had never considered the implications and meanings of freedom in ways that were brought to light in this book. I feel like the writer was partial in her description of the main character, and I would have liked more depth to the character. On the other hand, I believe the writer just had some facts and was trying to put a personality to the facts, so my ideas on a different type of character probably amounts to a difference of opinions. Like I said, good historical book, just a little flat.
February 24, 2011
This is another historical fiction novel by Ann Rinaldi focusing on Phyllis Wheatley, a girl who was kidnapped from her home in Senegal and sold as a slave. She is purchased by the Wheatley family and is allowed to learn to read. When the Wheatleys discover she has a gift for writing poetry, they have her perform for guests, and she is sent to England where her book is published, the first book of poetry by an African American woman. Despite her accomplishments, Phillis struggles with who she is and her feelings as a slave. Very insightful and interesting.
May 5, 2008
I enjoyed this book although I felt some of the characters were a little stock. Knowing how Phillis Wheatley died made the book more poignant. To be "saved" from slavery, poverty, and ignorance, but not from racism creates a rather tragic future for Miss Wheatley. In spite of-and maybe because of-her refined and educated upbringing, talented and erudite Miss Wheatley was still ill equipped for the harsh realities of being black in post-colonial America.
January 25, 2020
We need more books like this that illustrate the realities of America’s founding years. A wonderful and sometimes heart wrenching look at a real life person—Phillis Wheatley, the “first slave poet”—a story of her slave’s life woven with hope and well-researched history.
January 28, 2008
This is one of my absolute favorite books. Ann Rinaldi is a great writer. I couldn't put it down. This book got me interested in reading more historical fiction books.
November 22, 2008
I loved it. It was a little too long at times, but overall incredible.
December 25, 2008
tis is like one of my favorite books!! it was very very good. read it
July 1, 2018
Loved this book.. well done historical fiction about such an interesting life!!
February 2, 2009
Wonderful historical fiction of the first Aferican American poet.
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