Henry's Freedom Box by Kadir Nelson

Book Genre: Non-fiction

Publishing Info: Scholastic Inc., 40 pages

Awards or honors received: Caldecott Honor Book

Summary: This book is a true story, about a boy named Henry, who was a slave. Henry’s life as a slave is described in the beginning of the book, about his marriage and his children who were sold as slaves. He made a brave decision to put himself in a box and mail himself to Philadelphia, so he could be free. His journal across the country is described as he was thrown around in a box.

He was delieved and the box was open and he was in Philadelphia, and he was free!
Personal rating and reason for rating: **** Great! – This book is an awesome story about bravery and freedom. The author portrays feelings and emotions. He does his best to let the reader really understand what it was like to be in slavery, and the true dedication and emotion that was associated with freedom.

Reading level: 3.0

Interest level: 1-4Possible uses of the text in integrated units of study (reading and writing across the curriculum): This book is a great story to use in a social studies unit on slavery. Also could be used for black history month.

Potential Problems or Difficulties: Just very deep, and a lot of emotion for younger grades and ages.