From Slave Ship to Freedom Road

Rating:
Summary: A powerful exploration of African-American history
Review: "From Slave Ship to Freedom Road" combines text by Julius Lester with the superb paintings of Rod Brown. Together they tell the story of African-American enslavement and freedom.

Brown's paintings are truly stunning. He creates images that are often disturbing and graphic: men chained together like cargo in a slave ship's hold, a slave's back bloody with fresh welts, etc. But he also renders the faces of people with great care and tenderness.

At times, I felt that Lester's text was a bit too racially charged (for example, he includes separate "Imagination Exercises" for black and white readers). But on the whole, this is a moving and educational book. Also, there is text and an illustration explaining how many whites risked their lives to help escaped slaves; this aspect of the book is an effective celebration of racial reconciliation.

Rating:
Summary: A powerful exploration of African-American history
Review: "From Slave Ship to Freedom Road" combines text by Julius Lester with the superb paintings of Rod Brown. Together they tell the story of African-American enslavement and freedom.

Brown's paintings are truly stunning. He creates images that are often disturbing and graphic: men chained together like cargo in a slave ship's hold, a slave's back bloody with fresh welts, etc. But he also renders the faces of people with great care and tenderness.

At times, I felt that Lester's text was a bit too racially charged (for example, he includes separate "Imagination Exercises" for black and white readers). But on the whole, this is a moving and educational book. Also, there is text and an illustration explaining how many whites risked their lives to help escaped slaves; this aspect of the book is an effective celebration of racial reconciliation.

Rating:
Summary: I disagree with this book for young children
Review: Don't be fooled by the looks of this book. It isn't for little kids. This powerful narrative asks students to step into the role of a middle passage slave, a master whipping a slave, an abolitionist, and a salve who has just been set free after the Civil War. For classroom use I would send small sections home with CAREFULLY selected students for them to practice reading as a homework assignment. By numbering their entries, students can circle in order to read their parts aloud in order. To be on the safe side, sending permission slips home to parents might be a good idea. This is powerful, expect to see emotions from your students. I would not use it with students any younger than 8th grade, and that might be pushing it.

Rating:
Summary: I disagree with this book for young children
Review: Don't be fooled by the looks of this book. It isn't for little kids. This powerful narrative asks students to step into the role of a middle passage slave, a master whipping a slave, an abolitionist, and a salve who has just been set free after the Civil War. For classroom use I would send small sections home with CAREFULLY selected students for them to practice reading as a homework assignment. By numbering their entries, students can circle in order to read their parts aloud in order. To be on the safe side, sending permission slips home to parents might be a good idea. This is powerful, expect to see emotions from your students. I would not use it with students any younger than 8th grade, and that might be pushing it.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing is not strong enough
Review: I am a college student that had this book read to me in one of my literacy classes. I have never seen a "children's" book so powerful. Most elementary social studies books give a less graphic approach to slavery. I think that this is a great book to use in the classroom. Many history books paint a more rosie picture of slavery. This book can open up the eyes of many students. I fear though that parents and administrators may be disapproving of this text. That probably is because they are afraid or ashamed of history. This book would work wonders for a social issues literacy discussion. Students are encouraged to reflect feelings of empathy not sympathy when reading this book. This is a wonderful book and I encourage teachers and parents everywhere to use it when dealing with the topic of slavery. It can open many people's eyes!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Amazing is not strong enough
Review: I am a college student that had this book read to me in one of my literacy classes. I have never seen a "children's" book so powerful. Most elementary social studies books give a less graphic approach to slavery. I think that this is a great book to use in the classroom. Many history books paint a more rosie picture of slavery. This book can open up the eyes of many students. I fear though that parents and administrators may be disapproving of this text. That probably is because they are afraid or ashamed of history. This book would work wonders for a social issues literacy discussion. Students are encouraged to reflect feelings of empathy not sympathy when reading this book. This is a wonderful book and I encourage teachers and parents everywhere to use it when dealing with the topic of slavery. It can open many people's eyes!!!!