About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts asking questions about the meaning of freedom or when you want to introduce the history of the Civil War through a lens of agency and bravery. It is a powerful choice for families looking to honor African American heritage through a true story that emphasizes the bonds of family and the courage required to change one's destiny. The story follows Samuel and his family as they escape slavery aboard the gunboat Planter. While it deals with the heavy reality of the Confederacy and enslavement, it does so with a focus on the ingenuity of Robert Smalls and the collective hope of those seeking the Union line. It is best suited for children ages 6 to 10, providing a suspenseful yet age-appropriate entry point into a vital historical narrative.
