Synopses & Reviews
For as long as Luli can remember, the Confederate states have been at war with the Union. But the fighting has always been far from the Texas plantation where Luli lives with her pa and ma, her brothers, and her "almost" sister, Ruth, whom everyone calls Sis Goose. Sis Goose was born into slavery, but has been raised as a member of the family. Or so it seems.
When President Lincoln issues his Emancipation Proclamation abolishing slavery, Lulis family, like hundreds of other Texas slave owners, decides to keep the news a secret. Not even Sis Goose is told that shes free. Then, two years later, one day in June, Union soldiers arrive. And the secret that was so closely guarded threatens to tear the family apart.
Historical novelist Ann Rinaldi paints the story of one familys awakening to the true meaning of freedom and explores the events that led up to the creation of Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom that continues today.
Review
"Believable characters with human strengths and weaknesses, lively writing, and plenty of action and suspense make this book a real page-turner for lovers of historical fiction."--
School Library Journaland#160;Synopsis
Sis Goose is a beloved member of Luli's family, despite the fact that she was born a slave. But the family is harboring a terrible secret. And when Union soldiers arrive on their Texas plantation to announce that slaves have been declared free for nearly two years, Sis Goose is horrified to learn that the people she called family have lied to her for so long. She runs away--but her newly found freedom has tragic consequences.and#160;How could the state of Texas keep the news of the Emancipation Proclamation from reaching slaves? In this riveting Great Episodes historical drama, Ann Rinaldi sheds light on the events that led to the creation of Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom that continues today.Includes an author's note.
Synopsis
Tragedy strikes a Texas family when they fail to tell their slaves that they have been freed by Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.
About the Author
ANN RINALDI is an award-winning author best known for bringing history vividly to life. A self-made writer and newspaper columnist for twenty-one years, Ms. Rinaldi attributes her interest in history to her son, who enlisted her to take part in historical reenactments up and down the East Coast. She lives with her husband in central New Jersey.