Dickens & Rumi

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To Be a Slave (Plus)

Julius Lester · 1968

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for To Be a Slave (Plus) by Julius Lester. This book is recommended for ages 13+; content notes include Frightening scenes, Violence, Death of a character; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Educational value.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? The subject matter includes severe abuse, dehumanization, family separation, sexual exploitation, violence, and death. The historical testimony is emotionally difficult, though the book supports empathy and understanding. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Death of a character3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Educational value5/5
  • Positive messages5/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Accounts include the death of loved ones, families being split apart, and brutal killings.

Graphic injury3/5
Why this rating?

Includes graphic descriptions of physical injuries and the scarring resulting from torture.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Contains period-appropriate, often harsh language used in the context of the accounts.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Religion is mentioned as a source of comfort and strength for some of the enslaved individuals.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Not applicable to this historical documentary work.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Real accounts of captivity, family separation, pursuit, punishment, and constant fear create sustained, realistic emotional distress; this may be intense for younger readers.

Sexual content & nudity3/5
Why this rating?

The history includes sexual exploitation, coercion, and the denial of bodily autonomy, handled as part of the realities of slavery.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Not applicable.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Describes severe beatings, whippings, and brutality inherent in the system of slavery.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

The act of remembering and documenting these experiences is a profound act of courage.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

The compilation style is creative, but the content is sobering reality.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Focuses entirely on the diverse experiences of Black individuals under the institution of slavery.

Educational value5/5
Why this rating?

Highly significant educational work that provides primary source accounts of American history.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Shows acts of support and solidarity among the enslaved despite the brutal circumstances.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

A powerful testament to human resilience, the importance of truth-telling, and the evils of oppression.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The narrators demonstrate immense courage, survival, and moral fortitude.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in To Be a Slave (Plus) would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in To Be a Slave (Plus), and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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