Paul Robeson: The Life and Times of a Free Black Man

This excellent biography of the great Paul Robeson chronicles his life as the son of a runaway slave beginning in the 1890s to his disappearance from public life in the early 1960s. This book is wonderful for reluctant readers because it is interesting AND easy to read. The wide time span covered by Paul's life covers many of the most tumultous years in American history. This book covers many important historical and personal themes such as hypocracy of the federal government (democracy in the 1910s-1950s) and society, search for acceptance as an individual and performer, desire and struggle for social justice, and hatred and opposition to fascism. Paul's activist stance is a wonderful example for all young readers, no matter their ethnicity. His life was lived to the fullest, and his legacy is an important one in African-American history specifically and American history generally. This bio is a great way to introduce young readers to the strange times of McCarthyism and how these times affected individuals such as Mr. Robeson. It is also a wonderful way to introduce young and old readers to a positive role model who was actively seeking positive changes in our federal government and our global community. Paul Robeson's life story is a great way to show readers the importance of keeping an open mind and keeping open opportunities to make new friends, despite the consequences (Paul's relationship with communist Russia). Read on!