I must admit that I’ve never read Up From Slavery, Booker T. Washington’s famous memoir… but I’ve now read four picture books about the influential African American speaker, writer, and founder of Tuskegee University.

More Than Anything Else by Marie Bradby, illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet (Orchard Books, 1995)

Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) was born in slavery and even after emancipation he worked long hours at back-breaking work, all the time dreaming of learning to read. More Than Anything Else focuses on this aspect of his childhood, ending when he first sees his name spelled in the dirt. The descriptions bring the setting to life, as do the realistic illustrations with their contrast between light and darkness. It would be nice if a historical note were included. Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Booker T. Washington: Great American Educator by Eric Braun, illustrated by Cynthia Martin (Capstone Press, 2005)

I’ve probably said before that comic book style illustrations are not my cup of tea. That said, this 32-page biography provides an introduction to Washington’s life from childhood until his death. It’s divided into four chapters: Slavery and Freedom, The Importance of Education, Gaining Influence, and The Question of Race. The text is presented in short paragraphs and speech bubbles. Direct quotations are indicated by a yellow background. At the end of the book you’ll find more information about Washington, a glossary, an index, and lists of resources. Recommended for ages 8 to 10.

Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington by Jabari Asim, illustrated by Bryan Collier (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2012)

This picture book centres on Washington’s dream of learning to read and also his 500-mile walk to reach the Hampton Institute and all the work he did and obstacles he overcame to acquire an education. The story is accompanied by unique water colour and collage illustrations and the end papers are reproductions from The American Spelling Book by Noah Webster, which Washington’s mother gave to him. More information about Washington is presented at the back of the book, along with a timeline, illustrator’s note, and bibliography. An author’s note about Washington’s legacy is definitely addressed to adults. Recommended for ages 7 to 9.

With Books and Bricks: How Booker T. Washington Built a School by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell (Albert Whitman, 2014)

Instead of looking at the challenges Booker T. Washington overcame to learn to read and become educated, With Books and Bricks tells the story of him building the Tuskegee Institute from the ground up, including making the bricks by hand! As the author point out, this part of his life is less well-known, but it demonstrates just as much perseverance and hard work. Water colour and pencil illustrations complement the text, which is followed by biographical information, bibliography, sources of quotations, and author’s note. Recommended for ages 7 to 9.