Julius Lester’s To Be a Slave marked a significant turning point when it emerged in 1968, offering young readers a rare glimpse into the authentic experiences of African Americans under enslavement. Prior to Lester’s contribution, the literary landscape for young audiences was sparse in its representation of such unvarnished truths about slavery. His work not only carved a niche in the realm of young adult literature but also garnered widespread recognition, establishing Lester as one of the few African American voices widely celebrated in the 1960s.

The year of its publication was pivotal for Lester. Alongside To Be a Slave, he released Look Out, Whitey!: Black Power’s Gon’ Get Your Mama!, a critical examination of the Black Power movement. During this period, Lester was deeply involved in activism, serving as the field secretary of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), an organization that both challenged and captivated the American public and establishment.

Critics received To Be a Slave warmly, attesting to its literary merit by shortlisting it as a runner-up for the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1969. Scholars and educators have consistently lauded Lester’s ability to craft a narrative that is both powerful and essential, a sentiment echoed in major literary textbooks and reference sources over the years.

Lester's subsequent works continued to shed light on the African American experience in profound ways. Long Journey Home, for instance, paints vivid portraits of six slaves and freedmen, employing primary sources such as interviews, letters, and historical documents like bills of sale and marriage registers. Lester’s narratives extend beyond mere storytelling; they offer a moral compass that resonates universally.

In educational settings, Lester’s works dovetail with other significant literary pieces that explore similar themes. They complement Paula Fox’s The Slave Dancer, an evocative Newbery Medal winner, as well as Tom Feelings’ poignant wordless narrative, The Middle Passage. These works, alongside Milton Meltzer’s In Their Own Words: A History of the American Negro, collectively enrich the understanding of African American history from 1619 to 1865.

Adding to its cultural impact, To Be a Slave was adapted into a sound recording by Caedmon, featuring esteemed actors Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis. Their performances, coupled with Lester’s own narration, bring to life the stories of those who endured the harrowing realities of slavery, providing a compelling auditory experience that reinforces the book’s enduring significance.