Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad

Anne Brady

Title: Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad

Author: Ellen Levine

Illustrator: Kadir Nelson

Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary:
Henry's Freedom Box is the story of a slave boy named Henry "Box" Brown. Henry is put to work in a tobacco warehouse and all his life dreams about freedom and wishes he could know how old he is. (slaves are not told their birthdays). Henry grows up and marries another slave and has three children. When Henry's family is sold at the slave market he decides to mail himself in a box to a place with "no slavery" (the North). The book goes on to tell of his long journey in the box on a horse cart, train, and steamboat until he makes it to Philadelphia where he is delivered to the home of the friend of the Doctor that helped him. Henry finally gets to celebrate his first birthday.

Readers Comments:
This book is amazing. I find it hard not to shed a tear when reliving Henry's trip in the box and the horrors of slavery. Books dealing with the Underground Railroad are so important because even though Henry's tale ends in success and freedom it is also so important to remember how many slaves did not make it. This book is beautifully written and the illustrations are amazing. It really gives a child (and adult) a glimpse into a life of injustice and tells an amazing tale of overcoming adversity. The only complaint I have is that the book doesn't say much about Henry's life as a free man or his family. I like to believe they were re-united!

Age Appropriateness: 4-8