Stolen into Slavery: The True Story of Solomon Northup

By Judith and Dennis Fradin

     A captivating true story of a free black man and how he was sold into slavery and his hard fought twelve years to freedom.  Solomon awakens in a slave pen in Washington D.C. and tries to explain that this is a mistake and he is a free man.  But all of his papers and money have been stolen and he is beaten.  He looses his name and his identity as he is moved further into the South.  His first name becomes Platt and his last name changes every time he gets a new owner.  

     Solomon is a skilled individual, a carpenter and an accomplished violin player.  Due to the economy in the south, he changes hands several times, going further from home with each transfer.  Eventually, he lands at he Epp Plantation in the backwaters of Alabama.  His first attempt of contacting his family to the North, becomes a near miss and he learns to be weary of those around him.  He needs to find somebody who is willing to risk aiding him.  Finally, a travelling carpenter comes to help build a new house, and Epps has Solomon help build the homestead.  As they work, Solomon comes to believe that he has finally found somebody that would be sympathetic to his plight.  Letters are sent back to New York in hopes that somebody will somehow prove that he is free and help set him free.  

     This historical book is a true story of Solomon Northrup and his quest for freedom.  I am not going to tell you the ending, kinda makes reading it necessary.  This is a shortened version of Solomon's own autobiography, "Twelve Years a Slave"  and as such skims over many of the details.  Which is why I am only giving this book a 3 out of 5 stars.  I found it a trifle young and believe it would be appropriate for students fourth grade and up.  I do believe older students would read and enjoy the actual original transcript.  

Links 

Slavery in America

Author : Judith Fradin

Forge

                                                                                                   By Laurie Halse Anderson 

     A young escaped slave, Curzon, aids a young rebel in defeating a red coat.  This one act cements a friendship among the young men.  Curzon ends up re-enlisting in the American Army and marches with the rest of his troop to the winter encampment, Valley Forge.  He is just another soldier, freezing and starving in the bleak valley, until his old master, Mr. Bellingham finds him and he is forced to return to serving at Moore Hall.  Although, he is warm and fed, he would rather return to his compatriots in their hut, because he was a free man.
     Serving Mr. Bellingham and the household at Moore Hall would have been horrible if Curzon had not been reunited with his friend Isabel.  Isabel had helped Curzon escape, and then they had separated due to a misunderstanding.  As soon as he was able Curzon tried to encourage Isabel to escape with him again.  It was only then that she showed him that she wore a metal collar, signifying her slave status.  If she attempted to run, she would be recognized and return to Bellingham immediately.  Curzon decides to leave with out her, until Bellingham informs him that any misdeeds that Curzon does, the punishment will be awarded to Isabel.  Now, they must endeavor to flee together!
     The two bide their time, waiting, listening and learning as much as possible.

     I refuse to tell you of their escape, whether it is successful or not, you have to read this book.  I am giving this book a 5 out of 5 stars, It is an incredible representation of a historical fiction, told from a forgotten voice in our quest for independence.  The details that Anderson utilizes in her description of the huts and the lack of food for the soldiers are incredible.  Too often we romanticize wars and soldiers when the deplorable conditions and actions of soldiers are not so pretty.  This book is great for anybody over fourth grade!

Links 

Valley Forge

Historic Valley Forge

Slavery and the American Revolutionary War

General Washington at Valley Forge