Freedom on The Sea- A true story of the Civil war Hero Robert Smalls and the daring escape to freedom. A piece of American history, with vivid illustrations is told like never before to your children. Families are going to want this for their libraries and inspiration of someone who never gave up.
What’s It About
Robert Smalls is an enslaved person in the South. When he was twelve and brought to Charleston, he had no idea that his life was going to change forever. Robert was naturally skilled working on fishing boats and when the Civil War broke out, a young Robert, married with two little ones of his own, Robert yearned to be free. He wanted to buy his families freedom.
He saved money every week and negotiated with Mr. Kingman, the person who claimed ownership of his family. Robert began paying for his freedom in installments. Knowing to pay this off would take years, Robert was ready to risk it all, though the idea was extremely dangerous and time sensitive. With his diverse skill set on boats, Robert planned to take his family and other enslaved people on this boat and set north for freedom. The Planter was a boat he studied and knew well. Would Robert be able to successfully navigate around the guards and constant stop posts along this daring path?
This Book In Your Library
Author Michael Boulware Moore tells each detail of Robert Smalls’ life with intricate detail that the whole family will be hooked. This true story is thrilling, adventurous but also scary as the Smalls family risk it all for freedom. This story comes from the heart as Moore is Smalls’ great-great grandson. Illustrator Bryan Collier’s pictures are so vivid that you feel like you are transported right into the Civil War, watching this all unfold. All in all, his work is award winning. this duo created a book that will never be forgotten. To sum up, this is a part of American history and speaks for the world and the strength of enslaved people ready to risk it all for the freedom that they deserve.
Extra Credit
Have your children put themselves in the shoes of Robert Smalls. Would they risk it all for freedom? Have them tell you why the world must irradicate slavery around the world once and for all.
