Freedom to Read

Name: Freedom to Read
Brand: A Paula Wiseman Book/Beach Lane Books
Price: 39.75 AUD
Availability: PreOrder

The Story of Teacher Mary Peake and One Mighty Oak Tree

By: Lesa Cline-Ransome, James E. Ransome (Illustrator)

Write A Review

Hardcover | 25 August 2026

At a Glance

Format
Hardcover

Age
4 - 8

Grade
P - 3

Dimensions(cm)
27.94 x 22.86 x 0.32

Hardcover

$39.75

or 4 interest-free payments of $9.94 with

or

Available: 25th August 2026

Preorder. Will ship when available.

“A thoughtful double portrait that reaches forward and back.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

From Newbery Honor author Lesa Cline-Ransome and ALA Children’s Literature Legacy Award recipient James Ransome, this inspiring picture book biography tells the story of Mary Peake, a courageous teacher who started a secret school for Black children.

So many found sanctuary in Mary’s secret schoolhouse. They found freedom in letters. In Mary’s teaching, they found a refuge.

Mary Peake was born free in 1823 in Norfolk, Virginia, and from a young age she hungered for learning. Mary attended a colored school in her youth, but when Virginia lawmakers outlawed education for colored students, both enslaved and free, the schools had to close their doors. Mary wanted nothing more than to share the gift of education, so she opened up her home as a secret school, risking punishment in order to teach.

When the Civil War broke out, Mary and her community found refuge in a Union camp, and Mary set up a new schoolhouse under the branches of a proud oak tree. Shoulder to shoulder, students of all ages gathered to hear Mary teach.

Mary’s crusade for education became a model for one of the first historically black colleges, Hampton University. Her story is a celebration of one woman’s sacrifices for the freedom to read.

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $89.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.