Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley: The Slave Girl Who Wrote Her Way Into History

When a frail seven-year-old slave girl arrived in Boston in 1761, no one could have imagined the legacy she would leave behind. Yet that young girl, named Phillis Wheatley, would grow up to become the first published African American author—earning recognition in both America and England.

Phillis quickly learned to read the Bible and classic literature, astonishing everyone with her brilliant intelligence. At just thirteen years old, she published her first poem, and by 1773 she had released an entire book of poetry.

Her writings spoke boldly of freedom and human dignity, proving to a skeptical world that talent and intelligence are not bound by race.

Through Phillis’s remarkable journey, young readers will discover the power of education, faith, and courage—and learn what it means to trust God’s plan while standing up for justice and the good of others.

Endorsements

“Simonetta Carr has written an accessible and balanced book on an important figure in African American and American Christian history. Her sensitive treatment of the life and work of Phillis Wheatley is a fine introduction to a new generation of readers.” 
—Eric M. Washington, Associate Professor of History and Director of African and African Diaspora Studies, Calvin University

“Phillis Wheatley is the quintessential persona non-grata of African American history. The powers that be in her day could not believe the beautiful, eloquent poems ascribed to her could emanate from someone so young, so female and so black. Later generations of black activists and intellectuals failed to appreciate her theological underpinnings that included an understanding of God’s sovereignty and divine providence, even in relation to the atrocious and sinful institution of slavery. I am eternally grateful to Simonetta Carr for bringing the complex story of this prodigious and profound poet to the consciousness of a new generation of young readers.” 
—Ken Jones, pastor of Glendale Missionary Baptist Church, Miami, Florida and co-host of “The White Horse Inn”

About the Author

Simonetta Car was born in Italy and has lived and worked in different cultures. A former elementary school teacher, she home-schooled her eight children for many years. She has written for newspapers and magazines around the world and has translated the works of several Christian authors from Italian to English, and vice-versa. Presently, she lives in San Diego with her husband Thomas and one of their eight children. She is a member at Christ United Reformed Church.