They called him Toussaint L'Ouverture, meaning "the opener", because he broke through French enemy lines during Haiti's remarkable slave-led revolution. The could have also called him that for opening up the first true democracy on the island of Hispaniola. This revolution is one that is all too often passed over and I think it would make great short reading for a middle school history class. As just about everybody has noted, history highlights far too few black heroes. Toussaint is as big a hero as they come and his story is awe-inspiring. Also, the book is illustrated by paintings from Jacob Lawrence, an artist from Harlem representing "a new wave of black expression". He, like any young black student might be, was inspired by the revolt and freedom cry of Haitians and created a series of paintings to present it as it was: bloody, right, and incredibly important. ( )

I definitely felt as if this is one of the more interesting books I've read so far. The way L'ouverture fought for his freedom but never got to see it come to fruition is heartbreaking. The book had a lot of depth and showed you not only L'ouverture's perspective, but of other slaves and the french he were fighting. I think the reading level is slightly above where general kids would understand. There is a ton of information and facts thrown at you and it certain some of them will go over a kid's head. ( )

Toussaint L'ouverture's story takes place in Haiti, which was once known as Hispaniola. He is often considered the "liberator" of Haiti. This is because Toussaint had so often seen the people of his nation suffer under the harsh slavery and bondage of the Spanish and French in which they lived, so he decided to fight against it. Because their were no schools for african americans, Toussaint taught himself through reading books. He learned of revolutions, and that is where he decided he wanted to take part in bringing freedom to his people. He started a rebellion, which turned into hundreds of thousands of black soldiers. They won many battles. Toussaint became the ruler of his nation, but was later tricked into turning it over to the French commander. Toussaint was taken as a prisoner, and he later died in jail. His work did not go to waste; the French ended the battles in 1803, and the country changed its name to Haiti. This book was a good read, and could be very informative to children. ( )

While it has no author's note, this biography has something else. It's illustrator, Jacob Lawrence, has heard passionate stories as a child of defiant rebels, fighters against the injustice of slavery. Brave people of African descent, including Toussaint L'ouverture. This book feels appropriate, it is passionate, it is well written. As someone from a historically French and Spanish owned territory, I can visualize how Toussaint lived, how people interacted with him on Hispaniola/ Haiti; our cultures feel similar. This book can be used i conjunction with the American Revolution and New Orleans history. ( )

This book is the story of Toussaint who grew up a slave, but fought to have freedom in Haiti. He fought many battles and won many wars, but he knew when his time was up. He decided to call a truce with the French guaranteeing the freedom of black men in Haiti, but Toussaint was betrayed and taken prisoner. Haiti did gain it's freedom, but Toussaint also died in prison, but his story is not forgotten. Children can learn a story about history and the struggles of gaining freedom in Haiti from this book, but they can also learn about working hard for something you want. Toussaint worked hard for something he believed in and that can teach children to work hard for something they believe in too. ( )