Henry’s Freedom Box

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Title: Henry’s Freedom Box
Genre: Historical Fiction
Author: Ellen Levine
Major Awards: Caldecott Honor
Age Group: 7 - 11 Year olds


Summary:
Henry's Freedom Box is about a young boy and his life as a slave. Little Henry only knows life as a slave as his mom and father are both slaves for wealthy individuals. One day Henry's fathers master explains to him that times are tough and his wife and kids will be sold at the slave market. The mans wife and kids, including Henrey are sold and sent to Slavery. One day Henry gets the bright idea to ship himself to Pennsylvania where he has family and friends. Some kind men help ship Henry and send him on his way. After a lot of traveling and hardship Henry finally makes it to his destination once and for all. Finally Henry is free and begins to learn about himself, he is finally a free man who is ready to begin his new life.

I would love to use this book in my classroom especially when discussing slavery. It has a great, easy to follow the storyline and takes readers through the life of a slave. It also has easy to read words and sentences as well as beautiful pictures to go along with them. This book is wonderful to help students learn and understand about slavery.

I feel as if this book is great for students in grades 2nd through 5th. The words and sentences are short and easy to comprehend. Also, there are a lot of pictures that help develop the story and allow the reader to see the story unfold. In addition, it is a great representation of slavery and what certain individuals faced during these harsh times of slavery.

I would use this book in my classroom when discussing slavery. This book has a great story about slavery and even takes readers through the life of a slave to help them get a better understanding of what they went through. I would first have them discuss what slavery is and who were slaves. Then, I would have them draw what they believed Henry's box looked like and create their own story about what he endured during his tables. Next, I would have my students continue Henry's story and what may have happened in his new life in Philadelphia.




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