Henry's Freedom Box- A True Story from the Underground Railroad
Author: Ellen Levine Illustrator: Kadir Nelson Publisher: Scholastic Press Year of Publication: 2007 Genre: Historical- Fiction, Slavery-Underground Railroad Horn Book or Kirkus Reviews rating: Rated a 2 on Horn Book Summary: Henry dreams of one day being freed from slavery and discovers the most important things in life is fighting for what you believe in. After his family got taken away, he decides to ride in a box all the way to freedom. Summary of Professional Reviews: Henry's Freedom Box was rated a 2 on Horn Book Reviews. The review states that the story is told through direct, simple language. Nelson's use of pencil, oil paint and watercolors demonstrates beauty and sorrow. The overall story is moving and satisfying.
Review by Alicia Watson: Henry's Freedom Box is a touching story which helps the reader understand the strong impact the Underground Railroad had on several African American individuals. The photographs are very touching through the use of color and detail which shows pure emotion of the characters. Although the story is fairly short, Levine provides the reader with emotions and detail which helps them truly understand Henry's character. The mood of the story changes throughout the story. Levine and Nelson connects the illustrations and written text together in order help the reader truly understand the meaning of the text.
This book would be useful when teaching…
Henry's Freedom Box can be used during a history lesson of the African American culture and while studying the Underground Railroad. This book can be read aloud to the students in order to introduce the topic of Slavery and this time period.