Nettie's Trip South

Written by Ann Turner · Illustrated by Ronald Himler

A young girl witnesses the harsh realities of slavery and questions her own freedom.

4.0 Goodreads · 237 ratings

32 pages· 906 words· Est. 11 min read· 860L

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Bookroo's summary

Nettie journeys to the pre-Civil War South, where the sweet cedar air contrasts with the harsh reality of slavery. She meets Tabitha, a slave without a last name, and sees the rags used as beds. Most haunting is the slave auction, where people are sold like goods. Nettie's vivid memories and questions about freedom linger, challenging her understanding of the world. What if she were in their place? This poignant tale, drawn from a real diary, offers a child's perspective on a dark chapter in history, leaving a lasting impression.

From the publisher

In a letter to her friend, Nettie remembers ner trip to the pr–Civil War South. She remembers the swet cedar smell in the air and the sun pressing on her head. But she also remembers Tabitha, the slave at the hotel who has only that one name, and she remembers the heaps of rags the slaves use for beds. Most of all, though, she remembers the slave auction where people were bought and sold like sacks of flour. Nettie can’t forget these images, and she can’t help but wonder what life would be like if she were a slave…..Based on the diary of the author’s great–grandmother, this is a poignant and compelling look at slavery through the eyes of a young girl. Once read, it is not soon forgotten.

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