The Journal of Leroy Jeremiah Jones, a Fugitive Slave

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Summary: The Journal of Leroy Jeremiah Jones, a Fugitive Slave
Review: I am an elementary teacher/school librarian/book reviewer and author of PIRATES (Franklin Watts)as well as several magazine articles. I wrote THE JOURNAL OF LEROY JEREMIAH JONES after having spent years studying slavery and reading slave narratives! This middle-grade novel is about Leroy, a 12-year-old slave boy living on an Alabama cotton plantation in 1855, who hides his family in a nearby Appalachian cave. Leroy and his friend, Eddy, the wicked plantation owner's stepson, become best friends and have many daring and humorous adventures before the boys decide to help his family escape to FREEDOM. Leroy's family consists of Mammy, Bothersome Beulah, the twins, Buster & Bizzle, and Baby Ernestine. In the cave they are joined by their friends, Mule Man Max and Gal Nancy. In The Author's Note I have provided factual information and photos that will help teachers introduce this important time in American history to their classes. Children of all ages, teachers, and parents will love the adventure and humor in LEROY. I tried to show this horrible time in our history without graphic horror--so children would keep on reading and learning and enjoying! LEROY ends on an upbeat note as his family finds a happier life in Ohio. K.J. McWilliams (Naples, Fl)

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Summary: A childs view of slavery
Review: If you want to understand how it felt to be a slave child, read this book. With the dialogue and circumstances you feel as though you were there. It is great to read aloud. My mentee's teacher has used it to inspire her pupils to write their own diary. Besides that there is much historical information about life during that time. The pictures that accompany the text help you picture the times and places. Buy it for young children and others too. I wonder how the author is able to do this. It's great.

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Summary: Review of The Journal of Leroy Jeremiah Jones
Review: The Journal of Leroy Jeremiah Jones, a Fugitive Slave by K.J. McWilliams, is a fun, read-aloud book for children. Set in the Appalachian region of Alabama, young Jeremiah Jones, 'knowd here 'bout's 's THE ROCK,' is taught an early lesson about leadership when his pappy dies. Struggling to keep his family together while working for an oppressive master, Leroy befriends the master's young boy, who is his age. Like many youngsters would do in the same setting, they frolic and get into mischief on the rice plantation. When rumors begin to surface about changes on the plantation that threaten to split up his family forever, Leroy springs to action with a plan to escape. In the book are photos and etchings of slave life from the era, that give the reader a strong, historical context for the story. McWilliams sprinkles nuggets of humor throughout the story, making make it a delight to read for adults and children alike!