About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is asking big questions about fairness or when they need to see how one person's quick thinking can overcome a seemingly impossible situation. This true story follows Robert Smalls, a man born into slavery who used his skills as a sailor to engineer a daring escape for himself and his family. It is a powerful tool for discussing justice, the weight of history, and the courage required to claim one's own freedom. While it deals with the heavy reality of the Civil War and slavery, it focuses on Smalls' brilliance and agency, making it an empowering read for elementary-aged children. Parents will appreciate how it turns a complex historical moment into an accessible narrative about resilience and love for one's family.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book depicts Robert Smalls and other enslaved people being forced to work without pay and being separated from their families. It focuses on the injustice of enslavement and Smalls's determination to be free, rather than dwelling on physical violence. The resolution is hopeful and historical, showing the direct link between Smalls' actions and the changing of laws.
