The Escape of Robert Smalls by Jehan Jones-Radgowski

Title: The Escape of Robert Smalls
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.

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Leave a Comment 4.0, Children's Non Fiction, History, Picture Book, Read Aloud

Strange Fruit: Billie Holiday and the Power of a Protest Song by Gary Golio

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Title: Strange Fruit: Billie Holiday and the Power of a Protest Song
Author: Gary Golio
Illustrator: Charlotte Riley-Webb
Genre: Children's Non Fiction, Picture Book
Publisher: Millbrook Press
Date: February 1, 2017
Length: 40 pages

This book was free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This picture book for older readers tells the story of how the racism protest song "Strange Fruit" came into being in 1939. This is also the story of two outsiders - Billie Holiday, a young black woman raised in poverty, and Abel Meeropol, the son of Jewish immigrants - whose combined talents created a truly unforgettable song.

Description from Goodreads

Several years ago I purchased the song "Strange Fruit" without knowing anything about it. I don't listen to it a lot, but I have loaned it to high school teachers to use in class. It' a haunting and beautiful song about horrible and terrifying crime that was normalized in the South at that time. I jumped at the chance to read this book, I had high hopes for it as a fit in the school library. Unfortunately it fell short of my expectations.

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Leave a Comment #DiverseReads, 2.5, Children's Books, Children's Non Fiction, Gary Golio, History, Picture Book, Review