Henry's Freedom Box

Henry’s Freedom Box

Henry’s Freedom Box

Written by: Ellen Levine

Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson

Scholastic Press, 2007

38 pages

Historical Fiction

This historical fiction book is about a slave, Henry Brown, who was taken away from his family to work in a factory. He met Nancy who soon became his wife. They had two children and worked hard for their money. Henry found out his wife and children were sold at the slave market and his heart was broken. He decided to mail himself to a place where there were no slaves. He climbed into a box and was sent off to Philadelphia. There he was given the name Henry “Box” Brown.

The illustrations in this book were done using pencil, watercolor, and oil. The font is set in 16 point B Cochin Bold. I love how Kadir Nelson illustrates the emotions on each person’s face in the book.

This book would be useful when teaching about slavery and the Underground Railroad. Henry “Box” Brown was one of the most famous runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad. I will definitely use this book in my classroom someday.

Henry's Freedom Box is a 2008 Caldecott Honor Book.