The story of one of the most iconic and photographed figures in American history.

Frederick Douglass wanted to be viewed as more than an escaped slave, and Bolden emphasizes that point by beginning his story when he makes the decision to break with abolitionist publisher William Lloyd Garrison to begin his own newspaper. Douglass’ history is nevertheless revealed as he contemplates changing his course. In his paper, the North Star, he pressed for an end to slavery and was outspoken in favor of women’s suffrage. Once the nation’s struggles between freedom and slavery led to armed conflict, he pushed President Abraham Lincoln to allow black men to fight in the Union cause. After the Civil War, Douglass remained tireless in seeking to improve the lives of African-Americans until the end of his life. This narrative about a well-known figure feels fresh due to Bolden’s skilled storytelling. It fully captures his outsized personality and provides clarity for nuanced episodes such as his disagreements with Garrison, his refusal to support efforts to colonize blacks outside of the United States, and his reservations about John Brown’s raid. Complications in his personal life are handled with sensitivity. In addition, Douglass was a celebrity at the dawn of photography and became the era’s most photographed figure, and this handsome volume includes many, as well as period illustrations.

A spirited biography that fully honors its redoubtable subject. (author’s note, timeline, source notes, selected sources, index) (Biography. 10-14)

-Kirkus Review

This biography explores the life of abolitionist Frederick Douglas and his efforts to teach himself to read as a slave and his rise from a slave to becoming one of the most influential abolitionists of the Civil War era. This book is generally recommended for upper elementary school and middle school students as the text is easy to follow and provides a vivid description of the life of such an important figure in American history. ( )

I gave Facing Frederick four stars out of five. This historic biography about Frederick Douglass' life was very interesting because it was so detailed. I didn't give this book all five stars because it sometimes focused on events that weren't as important others and got kind of boring. This book also gave so many facts but they weren't in chronological order. I'm still kind of confused on the order of events. I had an idea of the impact Frederick Douglass made on American history but this book truly explains it all. Not only does it focus on the jobs Douglass had but focuses on his personal life as well. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who's researching Frederick Douglass or the abolition of slavery. Overall, I'm glad I read this book. ( )

Facing Frederick...exposes America’s deep-seated, far-reaching racism, its limited or warped liberalism and its overall hypocrisy that continue to plague us to this day. Bolden illustrates the struggles that Douglass faced during his lifetime and the way in which he combated them in ways that the leader can readily be seen as an honest and articulate crusader of the Black Lives Matter movement of his time. This biography is a great way for readers to get an intimate look at a true American hero. ( )

This gave me a broad overview of Frederick Douglass' life, causes, travels, struggles, and accomplishments. I kind of knew some of the broad strokes, but I learned a lot through this exploration. ( )