No More!

This picture-book collection traces resistance among enslaved Africans in America, from the early years of slavery up to the Emancipation Proclamation. Short true vignettes sit alongside traditional verse, all paired with bold, dramatic images. Among the episodes: a man who cannot swim jumps from a slave ship into the dark sea, and a girl risks punishment by learning to read and write in secret. Frederick Douglass, who later became an abolitionist, refuses to be beaten into submission and fights back against the man who held him.

The collection also gathers folk tales in which enslaved people trick the plantation owner, along with the hidden "hush harbors" where people blended Christian worship with their own rituals. Spirituals such as "Go Down Moses" receive attention for their coded lyrics, which carried more than hope for freedom; they were a direct call to escape.

The illustrations are oil paintings by Shane W. Evans, an artist who has received awards for his work. Doreen Rappaport researched the text thoroughly. Back matter includes a timeline of important dates, a bibliography, a list of resources for further reading, and an index.

The book is intended for teachers, parents, librarians, students, and anyone interested in what freedom and humanity mean.