We usually think of historic characters as discrete individuals. This book shows how the lives of Anthony and Douglass intersected across race and gender and how both benefited from their years of friendship. Author’s Note, Illustrator’s Note, Author’s Research Note, Timeline.

Friends for Freedom tells about the unlikely friendship between Susan B. Anthony and Fredrick Douglass. They both fought for equality and freedom in a time when it was dangerous to have those ideas. However despite many hardships they persevered and the country grew better and stronger thanks to people like them. This is a good book for introducing the important figures in American history to young readers. The book is informative and the pictures are cute. There are author and illustrator notes at the end with more detailed information as well as selected biographies and a time line. ( )

I enjoyed reading about the relationship between these two historical figures who fought for equal rights. This story could be used to start a discussion about equal rights.

Is it odd that I didn’t even know that Susan B. Anthony and Fredrick Douglass knew each other? Not only did they know each other, but they were friends who fought alongside each other. In Suzanne Slade’s book, she chose to focus mainly on the growth of a friendship in comparison to the growth of a nation. Anthony and Douglass were friends against all odds and did not allow differences, such as race, class and gender, affect their friendship. Instead they set an example of what friendship should be about, believing in each other and standing up for they believe in together regardless of race or sex. I enjoyed how the author’s writing style. She chose comparison and repetition. She compared Douglass to Anthony and their friendship to America. Throughout the book she repeated “Their friendship lasted...” which showed how strong their friend was. This book would be good to use in a classroom to show the importance of friendship, and race and gender should not affect friendship. ( )

Friends for freedom is one of the best books I have yet to read. It vividly describes the lives of both Fredrick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony. Suzanne Slade states that Frederick Douglas was born in a "one-room cabin with floors made of clay" and Susan who was "born in a two story home with polished wood floors." This shows how different their worlds are, and how their love and belief in equality for all, helped them become friends. The story will show you how the world was in the 1800s and how it is now. This friendship between Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas has shaped history in ways the story helps us understand. Nicole Tadgell did a amazing job with the graphics! ( )