Unsung African-American hero brought to life by St. Johns native
“Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School” by Janet Halfmann (Lee & Low, $18.95) is an exceptional children’s biography of the life and influence of an unsung hero in African-American and educational history.
Born into slavery in Petersburg, Virginia around 1821, Lilly Ann Eliza Cox was 4 when her mother died.
She was sold to a family in Kentucky. Growing up, she worked in her master’s house; the family children, when the adults weren’t looking, played school with her.
They even give her a blue-back old speller to keep and use. Lilly Ann was eager to learn, but enslaved people in Kentucky were significantly discouraged from being taught how to read and write.
That didn’t stop Lilly Ann, who practiced her letters in the dirt of the garden and in the spilled flour in the kitchen. Eventually, she wrote down her own thoughts and learned how to read the Bible by herself.
Soon, Lilly Ann was secretly teaching enslaved children and others to read, hidden in the nearby woods, when the master’s family was attending church or seeing friends.
When the master died, his property went to auction: she was sold to a new owner, ending up at a plantation in Mississippi.
Working in the hot cotton fields was exhausting; she was whipped regularly and struggled. The new master noticed, sending her to work in the kitchen in his big house in Natchez.
She met Oliver Granderson, they had three children, but she missed teaching.
Enslaved people in Mississippi were legally not allowed to learn how to read and write – punishment was 39 lashes with a whip!
Eventually Lilly Ann finds a way to succeed, teaching classes in a secluded cabin in the middle of the night. Many students study and teach other family members, some starting secret schools of their own.
When discovered by a slave patrol, Lilly Ann faces severe punishment - but a surprising decision changes her life - and many others - forever.
An informative afterward showcases significant biographical information and provides many research/reference sources.
Janet Halfmann, who grew up in St. Johns and graduated from MSU, is the award-winning author of over 40 books for children. She lives with her husband in South Milwaukee, Wis.
London Ladd, who provides the superb, dynamic illustrations, resides in Syracuse N.Y.
Read more:
Donors pay for local kids to see 'Black Panther'
Lansing-born author offers touching puppy tale
Grand Ledge author explores mysterious shipwreck
This is a wonderful book for younger children and adults.
It’s ideal inspirational reading for families and is a great choice for local libraries.
Halfmann’s signed books are available locally at Becker’s Furniture on Main Street in Fowler and the Clinton County Art Gallery in downtown St. Johns.
You can find out more about “Midnight Teacher” at www.leeandlow. com/books/midnight-teacher
Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop, has reviewed Michigan books, children’s books and crime novels regularly since 1987. Reach him atraywalsh@voyager.net.