The King of Haiti
Timothy T. Schwartz, PhD
Independently Published
ISBN: 979-8290108209
Reviewed by Terri Stepek for Reader Views (09/2025)
What do you know about the Black king, King Christophe I of Haiti? The majority of us know next to nothing of this man, who led a nation at a time of slavery, rebellion, and war. Author Timothy T. Schwartz, anthropologist and researcher, is on a mission to help young people learn about this historic figure who was born a slave and rose to be king, with his book The King of Haiti. With a fresh attitude, he approaches this complex time of slavery and colonialism with an open, earnest honesty that’s easy to appreciate.
There are many parts of this book that are simply wonderful. Dr. Schwartz begins this historical tome with a contemporary young Black boy, Jerry, who comes home upset because he was laughed at during school. His laughable offense? He said he wanted to be a king. A “real” Black king. As he tells it, “Black kings run around half-naked with a spear. Or they ride a camel.” He wants to be like King Arthur, with a castle, sword, and warhorse.
That night, the ghost of King Christophe and his horse Thunder appear in Jerry’s bedroom, offering to set him straight on what a “real Black king” can be like. Thus begins their adventure… and ours.
The illustrations within this unique volume are beautiful and fascinating. Every page has two or three illustrations that are famous historical works from the era or heavily edited illustrations generated through AI. This provides a wealth of stunning visual works that enhance the story at every turn. Interestingly, several times I discovered within these illustrations pieces of realism that are not actually mentioned within the text due to their nature. This allows parents, if they wish, to pursue further truths about these difficult times. Schwartz also provides us with a full list of the paintings used as well as more information about them.
As King Christophe tells the very difficult story of his early life to Jerry, he keeps it historically accurate, age-appropriate, and as neutral as possible. While he shows some of the hardships and sufferings of the slaves, including Kongos (enslaved people born in Africa), he tries to explain why things were the way they were. For instance, when Jerry asks the King how the White men on the slave ships could have been so cruel, the King’s answer might surprise some readers:
“First off,” said the King, “they’re not all White men. Some are Black like us. Secondly, if you talk to them, I think you will find that they don’t see themselves as a part of the slave trade. They see themselves as victims.”
Christophe then takes Jerry to hear the story of one of the crew on the slave ship—an interesting perspective. This type of both-sides POV allows for great discussion and thought.
This unique and thought-provoking book provides a wealth of information to students aged 8-18 in an interesting yet enlightening package. Children and parents will find facts they never knew pertaining to Haiti and the slave trade, as well as the trades of sugar, coffee, cocoa, and indigo. I highly recommend The King of Haiti by Timothy T. Schwartz to families, teachers, librarians, and anyone who wants to know more about Christophe I, who went from slave to king of Haiti.