“Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons”, by Ann Rinaldi

Broadway (my 10 year old daughter) just finished “Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons”, the story of Phillis Wheatley, the first African American woman to become a published poet.

Her story is fascinating as it begins with her being taken from her home in Senegal. From there, she is sold into slavery to the wealthy Wheatley family in Boston in 1761. Phillis becomes known as Phillis Wheatley, because of her relationship with this family.

It is with the Wheatley family where Phillis’ poetry talents are discovered.

Below is my brief interview with Broadway about this book:

Q. Describe this book in a few sentences

A. The book gets into so much detail and brings me into the setting. The book is about a young Indian girl who is taken away on a ship and is turned into a slave. She is loved by her master’s family. She is taught Latin and Greek, to read and write, and with all that she is taught, learns poetry. Then she becomes sort of famous. She meets wonderful people. What makes this book even more interesting is that is real. It is amazing and sad that this is a true story.

Q. Describe the main characters

A. The main character is Phillis Wheatley. She is an emotional, shy, young girl. However, she is very smart. She learns to write wonderful poetry that is published in a book in London and America’s newspapers.

Q. What is your most favorite scene in the book?

A. As most of the books I read, I cannot choose one favorite scene because it is such a wonderful story.

Q. Who is your favorite character and why?

A. I loved Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Phillis Wheatley, Nathaniel Wheatley, Mr. and Mrs. Wheatley. Oooh, I liked John Peters too. I cannot choose just one.

Q. Why would you recommend this book to your friends?

A. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to learn about many wonderful people. This is such a detailed book, it blocks out the rest of the world. This book is definitely a page turner.

If this book sounds good to you, you might also enjoy Broadway’s review of Hope’s Crossing.