About This Book
Reach for this book when you want to move beyond textbook dates and names to help your teenager understand the human reality of American slavery through primary sources. This Newbery Honor book provides a direct and somber look at history by weaving together the actual words of formerly enslaved people with Julius Lester's insightful historical commentary. It addresses the depth of human suffering while highlighting the incredible resilience required to maintain one's dignity under oppression. While the content is historically accurate and emotionally heavy, it is an essential resource for developing a mature understanding of justice, freedom, and the foundations of systemic racism. Parents should choose this book as a bridge for deep, honest conversations about heritage and the enduring power of the human spirit. It is best suited for middle and high school students who are ready to engage with the unfiltered and often painful truths of the past.
