The Kidnapped Prince: The Life of Olaudah Equiano

"The Kidnapped Prince is set in the triangle of trade. It is about a boy who was seperated from his family and sold into slavery. Three character traits Olaudah had are honest, cunngness, and in telligence. I liked everything about him!"

The following reviews are excerpted from book reports written by a 5th grade class in Oakland, CA. Jamar: This book is really good and interesting, but sometimes is difficult to understand. I admire Olaudah because he was extremely hardworking and brave. I would like to read this book again because it is very authentic. Edwin: Olaudah learned many things. He learned to speak English well and he learned to read and to write. He also learned to fire the gun on the ship and he learned navigation. Olaudah helped his master a lot. That's why he won his freedom at 21. Da'Quan: The main characters are Olaudah Equiano and the slave masters. The main idea is about an 11 year old boy who was kidnapped and taken into slavery in 1755 and who won won his freedom when he was 21 years old. I admire him because he he is spiritual and hardworking. Rattana: Olaudah is an example to others because he is smart and loyal. This is what led him to what everyone, of any race wants: FREEDOM. Rudy: I really liked this book because it actually felt like I could picture what was happening at times. The book seemed like an action/adventure kind of book. DeSean: I liked this book because it showed real events going on in the 1700's. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in adventure books and books about slavery. Mayloni: Olaudah is brave because he stood up for himself in some places. He is strong and hardworking. He is honest because he has never tried to run away from his masters. Tyler: Even though he was a slave, Olaudah worked hard for his masters. He worked harder than the free white men who got paid for their work. Clayneisha: This story started in 1755 when Olaudah and his sister were kidnapped from their home in Africa. But early in the morning he was separated from his sister and Olaudah cried and cried. Olaudah was scared. People stole his fruit and stuff and he wondered why they would do that. And he wondered about his sister. After awhile he learned not to be scared and he was always honest and hardworking for his masters. Robert: In conclusion, Olaudah Equiano is a good man. Throughout all his travels he still was strong. His sprituality did not fade but got stronger. Olaudah is my hero. I love him as a friend. Carla: Oluadah bought his freedom by buying and selling goods. He was also hardworking, honest and persistent. These are the reasons he was able to gain his freedom when he was 21 years old. Mercedes: Olaudah Euiano was smart and honest and his masters liked him so he bought his freedom. I liked this book a lot because I learned a lot about slaveery.

"The Kidnapped Prince" is about Olaudah Equiano, an African prince who was kidnapped into slavery in 1755. Equiano was caring, honest and brave, and that is why I admire him a lot. These qualities helped him become a free man. What I learned from his story is to be more brave, more honest and more caring. These things could help me have a better life. I recommend this book to people because I want people to read it. It is a good story. Leo, 5th grade.

The Kidnapped Prince is a great book for people of all ages. The story about Olaudah Equiano is amazing; there were so many difficulties and so many adventures he faced. There were some sad moments and funny moments. For instance, when Olaudah and his sister got separated, I felt sad because I knew they wouldn't see each other again. This story is also educational. I learned how horrible slavery was. -Reviewed by JR

As a parent doing research about a slave ship called the Henrietta Marie, I discovered the book The Kidnapped Prince: The Life of Olaudah Equiano. I was very moved by this book as well as my eight-year-old daughter. Olaudah Equiano expressed his view of slavery and the very essence of life as a slave very eloquently in his book. His constant eternal struggles to stay true to his self and survive as a slave make me applaud him with all my heart. The message Olaudah Equiano reinforces in his book, which will never grow old. "Education is the key to a successful life". Which is a meaningful message for today's African American children. Nevertheless, to achieve freedom before the age of 25 truly define him as a Prince and a leader. Ann Cameron did a supreme job with the translation of old English to Modern English. I highly recommend this book for all ages.