Lift Your Light a Little Higher: The Story of Stephen Bishop: Slave-Explorer

Underground, Stephen Bishop (born around 1821) was an intrepid explorer and leader, world renowned for his knowledge of Mammoth Cave, the largest cave system on earth. He discovered new species of fish and crawdads in the underground caves and became the first cartographer of the region. However, his skin was black, which made his aboveground identity in 1840s Kentucky that of a slave known simply as "Guide." In a first-person fictionalized narrative, Bishop himself guides us through his remarkable life story. Bishop's tone vacillates between pride in his accomplishments and growing legacy and a stonier tone regarding his life as a slave ("But being known is not the same as being free"). Speaking directly to readers, Bishop tells of how he has become literate by showing the "fine folks" he leads through the caves how to write their names on the walls and ceilings with candle smoke ("And in return they teach me, sometimes, without knowing what's been taught"). Collier's deft watercolor and collage illustrations pay special attention to perspective and lighting, the dark browns and burnt oranges of the cave contrasting with the bright greens and blues of aboveground. Collier also takes great care to place Bishop in the forefront of the cave scenes, whether it's a full portrait of his face or his intent gaze as he observes the tourists writing. This is a fitting tribute to a historical figure who led so many yet had to remain behind. eboni njoku

In a first-person fictionalized narrative, intrepid Mammoth Cave explorer and leader Stephen Bishop guides us through his remarkable life story. Bishop's tone vacillates between pride in his accomplishments and a stonier tone regarding his enslavement in 1840s Kentucky. Collier's deft watercolor and collage illustrations emphasize perspective and lighting. A fitting tribute to a historical figure who led so many yet had to remain behind.