Freedom Bird

By Jerdine Nolen, James E. Ransome (Illustrator)

A mysterious bird inspires siblings to escape slavery and seek freedom.

5.4/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 189 ratings

32 pages· 1,516 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud

$19.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

On Simon Plenty's plantation, siblings Millicent and John endure endless hardships. Their parents' tales of ancestors flying to freedom linger in their hearts. When a mysterious bird appears, it ignites their courage to escape. Will they find the freedom they dream of, or will the past's shadows hold them back? This tale of hope and transformation unfolds with the magic of a folktale.

"You know, fate is a gleaming star that has its own way of pointing you out and shining down on you in the form of Providence."

— from the book

From the publisher

In this inspiring story in the tradition of American black folktales, an enslaved brother and sister are inspired by a majestic and mysterious bird to escape to freedom in this dramatic and unforgettable picture book.

There was nothing civil about that war. They should have called it what it was: a big, bad war.

Brother and sister Millicent and John are slaves on Simon Plenty’s plantation and have suffered one hurt and heartbreak after another. Their parents had told them old tales of how their ancestors had flown away to freedom just as free and easy as a bird. Millicent and John hold these stories in their hearts long after their parents are gone. “Maybe such a time will come for you,” their parents said. Then one day a mysterious bird appears in their lives. The bird transforms them and gives them the courage to set their plan into motion and escape to freedom.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Words: 1,516
Reading age: 5–9
Audience: Picture
Lexile: 780L

Themes & topics

Books about slavery Books about freedom Books about birds Books about civil rights movement Books about war

The Bookroo review

What our editors thought of Freedom Bird

Like the beautiful pattern of a quilt, Millicent and John’s lives were influenced by the actions, beliefs, and examples of their family long ago, passed down, altered, and sewn together to create the quilt of their lives. Through mountains of struggles and the hardships of slavery, Freedom Bird is a story of the hope and courage resounding in the triumph of Millicent and John’s escape to freedom, told from a storyteller in a similar echo of the stories Samuel and Maggie, John and Millicent’s parents, told their children. When a bird is shot down and left for dead in the fields, the children lay up at night with worry for the bird until they venture out to see if they can help it. They hide the bird, caring for it even when John is taken away to another farm for months, until they follow the healed bird into the night, running after it and towards their freedom. This powerful story is laced with significant metaphors, producing an engaging narrative full of imagery, depth, and symbolism. The bold illustrations emotionally evoke the song of freedom, creating lasting images like that of Millicent with the outstretched wings of a bird. While a powerful story for even young readers, the allegorical aspects of this authentic tale will be most appreciated by adults.

The verdict

“A story of freedom beautifully weaved through hardship, hope, and courage.”

Bookroo Editorial

Reviewed January 2020

5.4/7

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

Where this book stands out

Heartstrings

The “Heartstrings” badge is awarded to books that provoke an exceptionally tender emotional response.

After the last page

Talk about it together

John and Millicent showed such bravery in their actions throughout the story. They took the bird to safety, stayed strong when they were separated, and chose to run for freedom. Why do you think they were so brave?

The beginning line talks about a pattern in actions weaved together down through posterity, like a quilt. Samuel and Maggie had talked with their children about birds and freedom, which influenced Millicent and John's story. What patterns are in your family history that have influenced your life?

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.4

out of 7

“Vibrant writing and magical realism lift this story to one of triumph.”

Publisher's Weekly

Critic

“The lengthy text, addressed directly to child listeners, frames the tale with historical, cultural, and mythical context that will leave some younger children wondering but nevertheless will hold them spellbound. Ransome’s paintings create memorable scenes that evoke the indomitable human spirit to which the book is a tribute. Powerful storytelling and immersive art.”

Kirkus

Critic

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