Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine

Book Genre: Biography

Publisher: Scholastic Press, January 2007

Awards and Nominations:

Notable Children's Books, 2008
Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2007
Top 10 Black History Books for Youth, 2008
Caldecott Honor Books, 2008

Summary:
Young Henry, born a slave, is sold to a new master. Separated from his mother, Henry meets a lovely young woman and establishes his own family. Sadly, his wife and children are sold to a new slave handler. Henry now aimless and desperate schemes up an unthinkable plan to freedom. Mailing himself in a box to Pennsylvania, Henry goes where so many have prayed and dreamed of, to freedom!

Personal Rating, ****Great! What a magnificent and touching piece of literature. The words in the text cause an immediate connection and emotional bond between the reader and Henry. You can feel his grief and triumphs throughout the book.

Reading Level: 3rd grade (A.R. Level 3.0)

Interest Level: K-5 grades

Possible uses of the text in integrated units of study:

Social Studies/Art: Have students work in groups to create their very own freedom box. Display a map of the U.S. and plot the route that Henry took to get to freedom. Reading/Writing: Have students illustrate a "Wanted" poster for Henry. Complete a KWL chart on slavery with your class prior to reading the text. Math: Have students compare the miles that it took Henry to get to Pennsylvania (350 miles) to how many miles it takes them to get from school to home.

Potential Problems or Difficulties: No potential problems.