Jefferson's Sons

By: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Narrated by: Adenrele Ojo

What does it mean when the man who wrote
the Declaration of Independence is your father
and also your slave master?

Beverly, Harriet, Madison, and Eston are Thomas Jefferson’s children, but their mother is a slave, so they must keep their father’s identity secret. They get special treatment—better work, better shoes, even violin lessons—but they are still slaves. Their father has promised to set them all free when each turns twenty-one. Some of them are light-skinned enough that they will be able to enter white society—and thereby turn their backs on home forever. Others won’t have that option. So just what did their father mean when he wrote all men are created equal?
Told in three parts from the points of view of three of Jefferson’s slaves—Beverly, Madison, and a third boy close to the Hemings family—these engaging and poignant voices shed light on what life was like as one of Thomas Jefferson’s invisible offspring.

Critic reviews

* “A big, serious work of historical investigation and imagination; the tale has never before been told this well.” — Kirkus, starred review

* “[an] eye-opening and powerful novel.” — The Horn Book, starred review

* “Bradley’s fine characterization and cinematic prose breathe life into this tragic story.” — School Library Journal, starred review

* “Bradley’s sensitive and richly imagined vision pays respect to those who struggled for lives of stability and dignity, even as the whims and fortunes of the Jeffersons shifted beneath them.” — Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books, starred review

“This well-researched and moving novel provides insight into their lives as it raises important and difficult questions.” — American Library Association

“The young innocents’ elemental questions raise fundamental issues for the reader. How could founding father Jefferson sell off Maddy’s best friend? What does it mean, ‘all people are created equal?’” — Booklist

Well done!

I loved everything about this book. Though it is in 3rd person, the switches in character perspectives invest the reader into the lives of various characters and their families. The historical facts are well researched and seamlessly weaved into and drive the fictional aspects of this book. Definitely worth everyone’s time.

Great Story

I enjoyed stepping back in time and getting to know the characters. I was enamered.

The goated book

Nothing to dislike! Great listen and amazing plot! Would recommend to any looking for a great read!

A good read

I thought this book was a good read/listen. The orator did a great job. The story unfolded nicely. I would recommend this book to someone interested in historic fiction.

Fantastic

I laughed, I cried. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. I have never before read a book from the perspective of a child slave. It was both enlightening and heartbreaking to listen.