This unusual slice of U.S. history deals with Molly Walsh, the grandmother of famed African-American astronomer, Benjamin Banneker. In late 17th century England, 17-year-old Molly was accused of stealing milk from her landowner and was thus sentenced to seven years of bondage in the American colonies. At the end of her sentence, she started her own small farm and soon earned enough to enable her to purchase an African slave to help her, palnning to set him free once her land was cleared. He told her his name was Bannaky. Molly and Bannaky soon fell in love, married, and raised a family. The story of their success is carried through through the next two generations, as Molly lived long enough to teach her eldest grandson, Benjamin Banneker, to read and write English, and to tell him what she knew of his grandfather’s life in Africa. The dramatic realisitic watercolor paintings frequently use fire, candlelight or the setting sun as a light source in this 13 1/2 x 9 3/4" volume. (Ages 7-11)

Benjamin Bannaker, a renowned 18th century scientist, learned to read from his grandmother, Molly. His grandfather, Bannaky, was first purchased as a slave by Molly who vowed to set him free. Together they farmed, thrived, married, and had children and grandchildrenâ€"man accomplished life for resourceful Molly, who started as a dairymaid exiled for spilling the milk.