Raven, M. T. (2006). Night Boat to Freedom. Illus. E.B. Lewis. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.
Brief Annotation: Granny Judith asks Christmas John to perform an important task. Using an old rowboat, he begins to ferry fellow slaves across the Ohio River from Kentucky and to freedom in Ohio. At the end of each fearful journey, Christmas John returns to the cabin he shares with Granny Judith who asks him what color his latest passenger was wearing. She is making a “freedom quilt” and when there are only two squares left, she knows it will be time for her and Christmas John to make the trip across the river themselves. Will Christmas John be able to avoid the slave hunters with their bloodhounds long enough so that he and Granny Judith are able to make the crossing themselves?
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade Level: Grade 2 through 6
Readers who will like this: young readers who enjoy historical fiction picturebooks, young readers studying this important period of American history
Response/Rating (1-4): 4, Based on true accounts, the book informs young readers about an important period of history and chronicles the life of courageous men and women who fought for their freedom. Using detailed watercolor illustrations to capture the spirit of the story, the book would provide a wonderful format for a classroom discussion on the meaning of hope and bravery.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: What does it mean to be courageous?
Great opening question!
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