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Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad



Genre: Historical Fiction

Title: Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad

Author: Ellen Levine

Illustrator: Kadir Nelson

Awards: Caldecott Honor

Age Range: 6-10 years old


Summary: Henry was just a boy when his master was dying. Rather than setting Henry and his mom free, he sent Henry to work for his son. While working one day, he met a lady who would soon be his wife, Nancy. Unfortunately, Henry was separated from his wife and children because they were sold by their owner. Losing his family completely destroyed Henry, and he was no longer happy as he once was. This is what led Henry to want to mail himself to a place where slavery was not allowed. Henry mailed himself to Philadelphia, PA. He had a tough time at first because they placed his box upside down. However, Henry survived the mailing process and made it successfully to Philadelphia. 

Evaluation: This book would be best for students in grades 2nd, 3rd and, 4th. It may be used for older students too, but I think the grade previously stated would be best. The story should not be read to students too young because they may try to ship themselves because they think it sounds fun. I would read this book before a social studies lesson on slavery in the U.S. because it would get the students interested. One activity I would do with the class is to have them write a paragraph on where they would want to ship themselves and why. Then, I would have the students share out with the class. I really liked the book because it was a story I have never heard before and it was interesting to learn that some people did try to do this because their life was so hard. 






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