Check It Out - Freedom Song

FREEDOM SONG (by Sally M. Walker; illustrated by Sean Qualls)

This awe-inspiring picture book biography tells the story of Henry Brown, a slave who escaped to freedom by shipping himself north in a wooden box.

A slave in Richmond, Virginia, Henry’s greatest fear was being separated from his family – first his parents and siblings, then his wife and children.  When the unthinkable happened, he chased after his wife, who was being led away in chains, and held her hand for miles until he was beaten back.  After that, he could think of nothing but escape.

With the help of friends and supporters, black and white, he had himself placed into a shipping box and sent by cart, train, steamboat, and cart again to that land of freedom where we live today, Pennsylvania.

That this tale is true, that it is part of our own state’s history, and that is written in lyrical text make it a not-to-be-missed read-aloud for families.  Sally Lewis’s prose reads like poetry:  “As Henry worked ‘neath Virginia’s hot sun, he sang his workday song.  Its lift, tote, toss-the-sack words sent strength to his arms.”

Teachers, homeschoolers, and parents looking for deep, follow up conversation will not want to miss the strong values, remarkable courage, rich language, and important history in this book for children ages 9 to 12.  Available at the Easton Area Public Library.