Jefferson's Sons

Jefferson's Sons
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Written for young people, Jefferson's Sons is the story of Sally Hemings' children fathered by Thomas Jefferson and the life they led as slaves at Monticello. This is a very gently-told fictional account of how life may have been for Beverly, Harriet, Maddy and Eston. Their mother Sally was fierce in her love for them and her assurances to them that "Master Jefferson" would set them free upon their 21st birthdays. It was Sally's firm conviction that Beverly, Harriet and Eston would grow up and pass for white in society. It is also the story of Maddy's anger and frustration, knowing his skin would be too dark to pass and that he wouldnever see his siblings again once they came of age. This is a wonderful book to share with older elementary-aged kids, either at home or in the classroom, and would be a great discussion starter.

I especially liked the Afterword. The author explains what is really known about the Hemings family and how she used historical documents to tell this story. She goes on to say that this is her
imagination at work and that someone else using the same historical documents might well write a totally different story. There is a lot here to get kids thinking. The author includes a list of sources for further study.

- Linda