Almost to Freedom by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and Illustrated by Colin Bootman
This Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book is the story of a young slave girl named Lindy and her rag doll Sally who goes with her everywhere. This story is told by Lindy's rag doll Sally.
"Lindy hugs me hard an says, "Your name be Sally. We gonna be best friends." From that first day, when Lindy be somewheres, I be there with her."
"When Lindy and Miz Rachel pic cotton, I be there too..."
One day Lindy's father is taken in chains and sold to another plantation because of his talks of freedom and later she is beaten for asking Massa's son how to spell her name.
Lindy, her mother, father, and her doll Sally attempt to escape from their horrible slave conditions. They are housed in a white abolitionist's basement until the time comes for them to escape to freedom. When they leave, Lindy leaves her doll Sally behind.
Sally is later adopted by another young slave girl escaping to freedom. Sally's name becomes Belinda.
Sally is later adopted by another young slave girl escaping to freedom. Sally's name becomes Belinda.
This well written story truly depicts the dire conditions and the mental and physical anguish that Blacks suffered during slavery in this country.
The colors depicted in this story are light in the very beginning and then become very dark and foreboding throughout. However, there is always a bit of light that shines through. I suspect to indicate that even though conditions were bad... There was always a ray of hope or a light at the end of the tunnel!
The colors depicted in this story are light in the very beginning and then become very dark and foreboding throughout. However, there is always a bit of light that shines through. I suspect to indicate that even though conditions were bad... There was always a ray of hope or a light at the end of the tunnel!
This is a must read for children of all races and socioeconomic groups as long as there are discussions during and after the story is read.
I am so very happy that I read this book. We should all remember our past because it does shape our future!
I am so very happy that I read this book. We should all remember our past because it does shape our future!
Here is the link to "Almost to Freedom" on Amazon.com:
Here are links to Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Review, Lesson Plans, Web Sites, Activity
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Colin Bootman's web site
Here is the link to his books:
http://www.colinbootman.net/cb_books.htm
Until the next time!
Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A children's book a day, keeps the scary monster away!
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