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Jefferson's Children : The Story of One American Family
Jefferson's Children The Story of One American Family
Author: Shannon Lanier, Shannon Lanier
Shannon Lanier is sixth great-grandson of Thomas Jefferson. He is also black. How is this possible? Shannon and his family are the result of Thomas Jefferson’s union with his slave mistress, Sally Hemings. Two hundred years later, the facts are still in dispute. Jefferson’s Children is the story of Shannon’s travels across the ...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780375821684
ISBN-10: 0375821686
Publication Date: 12/24/2002
Pages: 160
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Rating:
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 2

4.3 stars, based on 2 ratings
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review
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reviewed Jefferson's Children : The Story of One American Family on + 47 more book reviews
Bought it without realizing it was "juvenile literature" and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of this wonderful book regardless of its intended audience. So good to hear from so many Jefferson descendants of all colors!!
reviewed Jefferson's Children : The Story of One American Family on + 13 more book reviews
The controversy over the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and his African American slave Sally Hemings has raged for generations. Shannon Lanier, a 20-year-old descendant of Jefferson and Hemings, was inspired to delve deeper into the debate after attending the Monticello Association's yearly meeting in 1999. On the heels of the discovery through DNA evidence of a link between Jefferson and Hemings, excitement was running high at Jefferson's famous homestead. Lanier, who is black, encountered Jeffersons who embraced him, and those who wouldn't even shake his hand. He met Hemingses who looked as white as Jeffersons, Jeffersons who refused to acknowledge the scientific evidence, and Hemingses who were angry at having to prove their lineage.


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