Synopses & Reviews
The stories of slaves who fled the South in search of freedom are some of the most riveting in American history. The fugitives usually left at night, with little or no food or money and only the light of the North Star to guide them. Gathered here are twelve stirring stories of escape, including those of Henry "Box" Brown, Ellen and William Craft, and Harriet Tubman, along with less well known but equally compelling accounts of Mary Prince, Eliza Harris, Margaret Garner, John Anderson, Solomon Northrup, and others. Accompanied by striking archival prints and photographs, these thought-provoking narratives vividly depict the horrors of slavery and the high value of freedom, and are a testimony to the tenacity of the human spirit. Bibliography, index.
Review
"an excellent, readable historical resource"
Review
"the biographies are moving, touching--and devastating, even as the life of a slave was devastating to his or her humanity."
Review
"...by juxtaposing stories of unfathomable patience and endurance with those of nail-biting action, Fradin expands readers' understanding of the myriad strategies and risks that led to freedom."
Review
"The attractive cover...will lure readers to the volume. Fradin makes liberal reference to the free African-Americans' own accounts and will likely send many readers on to further volumes."
Review
"The book design is beautiful, with thick paper, clear type, and small archival photos and period sketches throughout."
Review
"an excellent, readable historical resource" School Library Journal, Starred
"the biographies are moving, touching--and devastating, even as the life of a slave was devastating to his or her humanity." Kirkus Reviews
"...by juxtaposing stories of unfathomable patience and endurance with those of nail-biting action, Fradin expands readers' understanding of the myriad strategies and risks that led to freedom." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"The attractive cover...will lure readers to the volume. Fradin makes liberal reference to the free African-Americans' own accounts and will likely send many readers on to further volumes." Publishers Weekly, Starred
"Fradin's tone throughout is sympathetic but restrained, often incorporating quotes that allow the fugitives to tell their stories in their own words." Horn Book
"The book design is beautiful, with thick paper, clear type, and small archival photos and period sketches throughout." Booklist, ALA, Starred Review
About the Author
Dennis Brindell Fradin is the author of many books for young readers, including the well-received SAMUEL ADAMS: THE FATHER OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE and, with coauthor and wife Judith Bloom Fradin, IDA B. WELLS: MOTHER OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT. He lives in Evanston, Illinois.