Seven Miles to Freedom by Janet Halfmann

Illustrated by Duane Smith. Grades 3-5.

This picture book biography of Robert Smalls, a slave from South Carolina who later became a U. S. Congressman, focuses on his life as a young slave working as a ship's wheelman. Using his knowledge of navigation and the trust of the ship's officers, Smalls executed a plot to commandeer a Confederate ship secretly loaded with the black crew's families and cannons to the North. This factual account reads like a suspense story as Smalls risks the lives of all on board to gain their freedom. The impressionistic art enhances the story and will keep young readers involved. An afterword gives details of Smalls' life through his distinguished career in Congress. A bibliography is also included.

Lincoln Shot: A President’s Life Remembered

This book stands tall literally (12x18 inches) as well as in quality. Designed to look like a yellowed memorial issue of the 19th century “National News” one year after the assassination, this account starts with the shooting and recovery of the assassins. Then it follows Lincoln’s life, starting with his youth, and continues with his marriage, his political career, and the Civil War. Bing’s illustrations are sure to engage young readers. They include period-style advertisements, wood-cut engravings and archival photographs. I am currently planning a 4/5th grade book club using some of the materials that we obtained from an ALA We the People Bookshelf grant relating to Lincoln and the theme “All Men are Created Equal.” This volume will add to what their teacher and I hope will be an authentic experience. I must note, however, that I will proceed with caution to help them understand that this realistic memorial should not be taken literally. One of their teacher’s requests for our study is to help his students understand the passage of time from the Civil War to segregation beacuse he feels that they do not yet think linearly. We’ll see what happens!