The Escape of Robert Smalls

Written by Jehan Jones-Radgowski · Illustrated by Poppy Kang

An enslaved man risks all to steal a Confederate ship and sail to freedom.

4.4 Goodreads · 138 ratings

40 pages· 2,225 words· Est. 18 min read-aloud· 740L

$18.95Save 7%

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Bookroo's summary

In the chaos of the Civil War, Robert Smalls, an enslaved man, seizes a Confederate steamship, the Planter, and embarks on a daring escape. Disguised as the captain, he navigates past armed forts, aiming for Union territory and freedom. Will his audacious plan succeed, or will the Confederate forces catch him? This gripping true story of courage and determination reveals an unsung hero's quest for liberty.

From the publisher

The mist in Charleston Inner Harbor was heavy, but not heavy enough to disguise the stolen Confederate steamship, the Planter, from Confederate soldiers. In the early hours of May 13, 1862, in the midst of the deadly U.S. Civil War, an enslaved man named Robert Smalls was about to carry out a perilous plan of escape. Standing at the helm of the ship, Smalls impersonated the captain as he and his crew passed heavily armed Confederate forts to enter Union territory, where escaped slaves were given shelter. The suspenseful escape of the determined crew is celebrated with beautiful artwork and insightful prose, detailing the true account of an unsung American hero.

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