Based on the true story of Henry Brown. Born a slave, tells one man’s story of his experience with slavery, with family separation, and of faith and courage. The story is told effectively in poetic form, in six-line stanzas, each with a bold heading that emphasizes the theme of that block of text. Although this is a picture book, the content makes it more for suitable for middle graders and above. It could be used effectively in the classroom for discussions of slavery, trade, nineteenth-century U.S. history, human rights, geography…It would be a shame if this book was overlooked by older readers because it is a picture book.
The story comes to life through illustrations by Michele Wood with bold paintings in vivid colors. In both text and illustrations, the book resonates with authenticity of the black experience in America during the early to mid-1800s.
Apr 24, 2020