Beginning to teach himself mathematics and astronomy at age 57, Benjamin Banneker later became known for his scientifically developed predictions concerning the weather. He was the first black person to create a published almanac. Banneker can also be remembered for the forthright letter he wrote in 1791 to Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson concerning slavery and the need for equal opportunity for all people. This 11 1/4 x 8 1/4" picture biography created by a wife-and-husband team brings to life Banneker's early years and later accomplishments. The full-color illustrations were rendered using scratchboard colored with oil paint. (Ages 5-9)

Throughout his life Banneker was troubled that all blacks were not free. And so, in 1791, he wrote to Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who had signed the Declaration of Independence. Banneker attacked the institution of slavery and dared to call Jefferson a hypocrite for owning slaves. Jefferson responded. This is the story of Benjamin Banneker--his science, his politics, his morals, and his extraordinary correspondence with Thomas Jefferson. Illustrated in full-page scratchboard and oil paintings by Caldecott Honor artist Brian Pinkney.