This is the thrilling story of Robert Smalls and the Confederate ship that he used to liberate himself, his family, and over a dozen others from enslavement.
On the night of May 13th, 1862, as the Civil War raged on in the United States, 16 enslaved people decided they would reach freedom or die trying. Filled to the brim with suspense, this true story details how Robert Smalls commandeered a confederate ship through the Charleston harbor toward liberation at the Union blockade.
Experience both determination and triumph with this picture book written by Robert Small's great great grandson, Michael Boulware Moore, with illustrations by the award winning artist Bryan Collier.
I’ve read a middle grade biography of Robert Smalls and another picture book, but this one has a little something extra-it’s written by a direct descendant of the brave man who sailed himself and 15 others from enslavement in Charleston to freedom behind the Union blockade. Smalls’ story is one of bravery and determination that should be read and then read again and Michael Moore’s clear text with Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award winner Bryan Collier’s illustrations produces a beautiful way to be inspired once more.
Thanks for the print arc, Texas Library Association annual conference and Godwin Books/Henry Holt & Co.
Well written children's/picture book biography of Robert Smalls - an enslaved man who commandeered a Confederate ship and delivered its 16 black men, women and children passengers from slavery to freedom in the Charleston harbor, right past Confederate held Fort Sumter into Union hands. There is a nice letter to readers at the end by the author & great-great grandson of Smalls. Robert Smalls went on to have an interesting & impactful life - I wish the author had included an extended bio-essay or bibliography at the end to let readers know that after this brave & daring act - he went on to serve in the Union navy and as a US Congressman.