Journal: Henry's Freedom Box

Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

I felt that this was a very strong story, and helped me to understand one of the many horrible things that happened during slavery. I thought this book was interesting, because I have not been exposed to much children literature that is historically accurate. I think it is great the Levine made a book that was easy for children to understand and want to ready, and still tells a story that is true and helps us learn about that time in our country. I really liked how the illustrations helped to show how time was progressing through the story. I also think that the illustrations were a powerful tool in helping the reader understand the emotions that the character was feeling. I feel that this book could be a good tool to have in the classroom when you are trying to explain slavery to children. I think it will help them understand what slavery did to families, and maybe help them to be grateful that we live in a time and country where families are not torn apart like they were in this book. I probably would not read the book to very young children, because their knowledge of slavery is very limited. I would probably read it to older grades like fifth and sixth graders to give them something besides the general textbook material to help them understand slavery.