EBOOK
About
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.
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Reviews
"The heart of the story spotlights the bravery and resourcefulness of Smalls as he plots and carries out his plan. The afterword includes a photo of Smalls, more information about his life, slavery, and the Civil War. . . .The illustrations are well done, often using darker colors to represent the night time and gravity of the voyage. None of the harshest parts of slavery are examined too closely,
School Library Journal
"This treats slavery and the very real threats faced by Robert Smalls and those who escaped with him honestly but without graphic detail. The story is told in an exciting, but not sensationalized manner. It definitely fills a gap in telling the stories of escaped slaves and I would highly recommend it."
Jean Little Library
"The true story of an unsung African American hero who deserves to be remembered. . . .The illustrations, primarily in browns, greens, and blues to evoke the nocturnal and maritime setting, will help readers envision the time and place of Smalls' escape. The informative backmatter, including a photograph of Smalls, offers an overview of his life and later career as a U.S. congressman and a landown
Kirkus Reviews