About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is searching for stories of empowerment and agency within history, or when they are questioning how marginalized people found dignity in difficult eras. This narrative nonfiction work explores the 18th and 19th-century whaling industry as a unique space where Black mariners found a level of meritocracy and freedom rarely available on land. Through the lives of figures like Paul Cuffee and Frederick Douglass, the authors highlight themes of resilience, economic independence, and the pursuit of justice. It is an excellent choice for middle-grade readers who are ready to engage with the complexities of the abolitionist movement and the grueling reality of maritime life. This book offers a vital perspective on African American heritage, showing how the sea served as both a workplace and a pathway to liberty.
