The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano [Paperback]

A lyrical biography of a Cuban slave who escaped to become a celebrated poet.

Born into the household of a wealthy slave owner in Cuba in 1797, Juan Francisco Manzano spent his early years by the side of a woman who made him call her Mama, even though he had a mama of his own. Denied an education, young Juan still showed an exceptional talent for poetry. His verses reflect the beauty of his world, but they also expose its hideous cruelty.

Powerful, haunting poems and breathtaking illustrations create a portrait of a life in which even the pain of slavery could not extinguish the capacity for hope.

The Poet Slave of Cubais the winner of the 2008 Pura Belpre Medal for Narrative and a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Latino Interest.

Margarita Engleis a Cuban American poet, novelist, and journalist whose work has been published in many countries. She is the author of young adult nonfiction books and novels in verse includingThe Surrender Tree, a Newbery Honor Book,Hurricane Dancers,The Firefly Letters, andTropical Secrets. She lives in northern California.

Sean Quallsis the illustrator ofThe Baby on the WayandPowerful Words. He lives with his wife and their son in Brooklyn, New York.

Discussion Questions

1. How did the slave experience of Juan Francisco Manzano in Cuba differ from that of slaves in the United States?

2. How did sugarcane contribute to the growth of slavery in Cuba?

3. What was the cultural hierarchy of Cuba during the 19th century? How was this revealed in The Poet Slave of Cuba?

4. What was the relationship between the individuals in The Poet Slave of Cuba? Create a diagram to assist in determining how each was connected to the other person.

5. What were the various skills and trades learned by Manzano? How were they acquired and how did he use these skills throughout his life?