Booker T. Washington’s hunger and determination to learn are the focus of this picture book account that follows him from his youngest days as a slave, carrying schoolbooks for his master’s daughter and overhearing her lessons, to his journey hundreds of miles, mostly on foot, to Georgia’s Hampton Institute, where he was determined to continue the education he’d pieced together growing up. Along the way—through childhood, and upon his arrival at Hampton—Booker’s dream is supported by family members and neighbors, and his own hard work, whether he was studying, or working to earn the money he needed to get to and stay in school. Additional facts about Booker and his journey are part of the end matter that also includes an insightful author’s note with more information about Booker T. Washington and decisions Jabari Asim made in writing this story. (Ages 5–9)