From Slave Ship to Freedom Road

I have used this book for years with middle grade students. It is to be used cautiously, I think with younger readers. It is an effective way to introduce the truly unthinkable aspects of slavery: the middle passage with human excrement falling on helpless captives, being stripped of clothes and dignity, and being owned by another human being. Julius Lester is a master wordsmith and he brings this forth on every page. The book is told from three different voices: The slave master, the slave and the narrator. These voices allow the story to be told so as not to offend, but to enlighten. The illustrations are strong and grounded images of slaves--it is like the ancestral souls have been painted on each page. I highly recommend this book, especially for teachers of US History. It is even useful in high school classrooms--where they can have even deeper discussions about the book.

Don't be fooled by the looks of this book. It isn't for little kids. This powerful narrative asks students to step into the role of a middle passage slave, a master whipping a slave, an abolitionist, and a salve who has just been set free after the Civil War. For classroom use I would send small sections home with CAREFULLY selected students for them to practice reading as a homework assignment. By numbering their entries, students can circle in order to read their parts aloud in order. To be on the safe side, sending permission slips home to parents might be a good idea. This is powerful, expect to see emotions from your students. I would not use it with students any younger than 8th grade, and that might be pushing it.

I am a college student that had this book read to me in one of my literacy classes. I have never seen a "children's" book so powerful. Most elementary social studies books give a less graphic approach to slavery. I think that this is a great book to use in the classroom. Many history books paint a more rosie picture of slavery. This book can open up the eyes of many students. I fear though that parents and administrators may be disapproving of this text. That probably is because they are afraid or ashamed of history. This book would work wonders for a social issues literacy discussion. Students are encouraged to reflect feelings of empathy not sympathy when reading this book. This is a wonderful book and I encourage teachers and parents everywhere to use it when dealing with the topic of slavery. It can open many people's eyes!!!!

Julius Lester has an amazing way with words in this powerful book about the journey to America on the slaveship. The illustrator, Rod Brown, is phenomenal! The two of them together made this book a tool for empowering young people to understand the experiences of Africans coming to America against their will. Although some of the content is tear-jerking and painful, it is necessary reading for all upper elementary and higher grade students. Adults should read it too!

This was a moving book. I was hurt, yet intrigued by the text and pictures of the brutality of slavery. If there are people out there who would not want children to read/see this book, it would be only because they are ashamed of what happened to a race of people by the hands of another people. The truth has been hidden and ignored long enough. Every American needs to know what our ancestors went through. I am still hurt by what I saw and read. A must have for every American.