Do You Know Them?

Written by Shana Keller · Illustrated by Laura Freeman

A girl seeks lost family through newspaper ads post-Civil War.

4.4 Goodreads · 195 ratings

40 pages· 1,139 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud· ~550L

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In 1865, young Lettie is on a heartfelt quest to reunite with her family, torn apart by slavery. Each week, she reads newspaper ads, hoping to find her lost loved ones. With every penny saved, Lettie dreams of placing her own ad, a beacon to bring her family back together. Will her determination and hope bridge the chasm of separation? This poignant tale, rooted in history, captures the resilience and longing of those seeking to mend broken bonds.

From the publisher

A moving and triumphant picture book inspired by the printed newspaper ads placed by African Americans who were separated from family members by the Civil War, enslavement, and emancipation. After the war’s end, everyone is missing someone. Lettie’s missing her family. They had been sold and lost long before enslavement was abolished. Every week, she reads the advertisements in the newspapers to her congregation. “Do you know them? I would like to find my people. My mother’s name was Charlotte King, and when I was sold, I had five brothers.” Lettie is determined to find her loved ones, too. She saves every penny she earns, but not to buy candy or toys. She saves for something better–something that could bring her whole family together. Every ad depicted in this poignant tale is authentically historical, bringing the heart-wrenching past to life.

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