Families who loved Anthony Burns: The Defeat and Triumph of a Fugitive Slave by Virginia Hamilton often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is beginning to ask deep questions about the tension between what is legal and what is right. This narrative biography serves as a vital tool for families navigating the difficult history of American slavery, providing a human face to the systemic injustices of the 19th century through the life of Anthony Burns. By following Burns from his escape to his high profile trial in Boston, the book explores profound themes of personal agency, the weight of the law, and the communal effort required to fight for justice. Written with Virginia Hamilton's signature historical precision, the story is both an educational resource and an emotional journey. It is best suited for children aged 10 to 14 who are ready to process realistic depictions of the Fugitive Slave Act and the intense social unrest that preceded the Civil War. Parents will appreciate how Hamilton balances the harsh realities of the era with the inspiring resilience of a man who refused to let his spirit be broken by chains.
