Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine
Appropriate Age Range: 5-8 years
What this book is all about:
Henry's Freedom Box is a true story of Henry Brown, a slave who dreamed of freedom although it seemed far away as he was torn from his family. Then one day while working at the warehouse Henry decides to risk everything for what is right and mails himself to freedom.
Why you might want to read it:
This true story is powerful, thought provoking and shares the injustices of slavery.
5 questions for you to ask your children after reading it:
Look at the pictures in the book, how do you think Henry was feeling? How did you know?
Henry did not have the same rights as his masters. What rights do you think everyone should have?
Who could have stood up for Henry and for all other black people but chose not to?
What do you think makes people advocate for something they believe in? Why do you think people choose not to stand up for important things?
What is something you believe in? How can you stand up for that? Do you think it will be easy or hard?