I have two books in a series marketed for "young adults " which are nonetheless delightful and informative for older readers. Although not specifically about "freedman " the subject matter does overlap. These are "Proudly Red and Black" and "Black Women of the Old West." The author is William Loren Katz who according to the book jackets "is the author of more than thirty books on African Americans including such award-winning titles as 'Breaking the Chains ' 'Proudly Red and Black ' and 'Black Indians.'" Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers these do a fine job of introducing the subject to the mass market. They are full of vintage photographs. I've really enjoyed my copies.

[originally posted 26 May 1999]