Henry's Freedom Box A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Author: Ellen Levine
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Genres: Picture book, Children's literature, Historical Fiction, Biography
Awards: Caldecott Medal
Ages: 8-10 Years old
Summary:
This biographical story is based on the life of Henry Brown. Henry Brown was a slave boy. Henry was not sure how old he was because slaves were not allowed to know their birthdays. Henry and his siblings lived in a big house with a good master. After, Henry's master passed away, he was left with the master's son. Eventually, Henry grew up and met Nancy. Henry's master and Nancy's master, both agreed in allowing them to marry. So, they married and had lots of children. They lived together, even though they had different masters.Then, one day the owner's wife was in need of money, and Nancy was afraid that her owner would sell their children. Henry's friend then told the news to Henry in that his wife and children were sold to the slave market. Henry was heartbroken because he knew he would never see his family again. Henry asked Dr. Smith to help him. Dr. Smith was a white man, and he believed slavery was wrong. Henry mailed himself. When, Henry arrived to Philadelphia, four men received him with a welcome and a big smile on their face. Henry, finally had a birthday. Henry's birthday was March 30, 1849, and this was his first day of freedom. From that day on, Henry also had a middle name. Henry's middle name was box. The free slave name was Henry Box Brown.
Book Evaluation:
1) I would recommend this book to my class because it based on a true story. I also, loved the illustrations. The pictures were so vivid. It allowed the reader to transcend into Henry's world.
2) I would recommend this book to the third graders all the way to the fifth graders.
3) I would include this book in the unit of History. I would have them write first the summary of the book and a reflection about it.
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