Author: Jehan Jones-Radgowski
Illustrator: Poppy Kang
Genre: Picture Book, Children's Non Fiction, History
Publisher: Capstone Editions
Date: September 1, 2019
Length: 40 pages
Review copy from NetGalley
The mist in Charleston Inner Harbor was heavy, but not heavy enough to disguise the stolen Confederate steamship, the Planter, from Confederate soldiers. In the early hours of May 13, 1862, in the midst of the deadly U.S. Civil War, an enslaved man named Robert Smalls was about to carry out a perilous plan of escape. Standing at the helm of the ship, Smalls impersonated the captain as he and his crew passed heavily armed Confederate forts to enter Union territory, where escaped slaves were given shelter. The suspenseful escape of the determined crew is celebrated with beautiful artwork and insightful prose, detailing the true account of an unsung American hero.
Description from NetGalley
I am kicking myself that I have not heard of Robert Smalls before now. Such a great story and a great fit for multiple units in elementary or middle school. Thank you Jehan Jones-Radgowski for bringing this story to my attention.
