This picture book biography describes the early years of Booker T.Washington and the hunger for learning that set him on course to be an inspiring role model, famous author and educator. Born into the era of slavery when books were forbidden to a black child in Virginia, the young boy is determined to learn to read. When emancipation comes, he seeks to realise his dreams and as a penniless teenager embarks on a 500 mile walk to seek a place at a college open to African-Americans. Striking collage-style illustrations by artist Bryan Collier anticipate the young boy's single-minded pursuit of his goals and chart the journey he undertakes.