Lester, Julius. All Is Well. New York: Morrow, 1976. Lester's early life.

——. Lovesong: Becoming a Jew. Ne w York: Arcade, 1988. A spiritual journey that reveals some of Lester's motivations for writing.

Nell, William C. Colored Patriots of the American Revolution. New York: Arno Press, 1968 (circa 1855). The basis for "Ben" is in this book.