Traveling the Freedom Road: From Slavery and the Civil War Through Reconstruction
Starred Review. Grade 6 Up—The past is brought to life through this exceptional work, replete with fascinating stories, fluid and expressive writing, wrenching personal accounts, and stirring visuals from the Library of Congress collection. The highly readable text documents the journey of a country built on the precept of freedom yet divided by the immorality of slavery. Diaries and interviews turn the facts of slavery into a living, breathing account of painful family separations, the lash of the whip, and the desperation to escape at any cost. The letters and personal essays of children, escaped slaves, abolitionists, and black soldiers, as well as others, lend authenticity to the brave words spoken and deeds accomplished so long ago. News accounts of slave auctions and antislavery almanacs signify the reality of the times. The Black Codes, the Fugitive Slave Law, as well as other legislation, court cases, and amendments are clearly explained, not just for their legal importance but also within the context of the effects they had on those who were enslaved. The inspired text is enhanced by the accompanying high-quality photographs, prints, and drawings. A must-have for all collections.—Margaret Auguste, Franklin Middle School, Somerset, NJCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.