Freewater

Written by Amina Luqman-Dawson

Two siblings escape slavery, finding refuge in a hidden community threatened by outside dangers.

4.2 Goodreads · 5,789 ratings

416 pages· 76,356 words· Est. 8.5 hour read· 690L

$16.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Twelve-year-old Homer and his sister Ada escape a plantation, leaving their mother behind. In the swamp, they discover Freewater, a hidden community of former slaves. As Homer makes new friends, he learns of a looming threat to their sanctuary. Torn between rescuing his mother and protecting Freewater, Homer must devise a daring plan. Will he save his new home and reunite his family? This tale of courage and survival explores the resilience of those who seek freedom against all odds.

From the publisher

Winner of the John Newbery Medal Winner of the Coretta Scott King Author Award An Indiebound Bestseller A New York Times Bestseller Award-winning author Amina Luqman-Dawson pens a lyrical, accessible historical middle-grade novel about two enslaved children’s escape from a plantation and the many ways they find freedom. Under the cover of night, twelve-year-old Homer flees Southerland Plantation with his little sister Ada, unwillingly leaving their beloved mother behind. Much as he adores her and fears for her life, Homer knows there’s no turning back, not with the overseer on their trail. Through tangled vines, secret doorways, and over a sky bridge, the two find a secret community called Freewater, deep in the swamp. In this society created by formerly enslaved people and some freeborn children, Homer finds new friends, almost forgetting where he came from. But when he learns of a threat that could destroy Freewater, he crafts a plan to find his mother and help his new home. Deeply inspiring and loosely based on the history of maroon communities in the South, this is a striking tale of survival, adventure, friendship, and courage.