Henry's Freedom Box

Levine, E.  (2007).  Henry’s freedom box.  New York:  Scholastic Press.

How would you feel if you lived in a place without any freedom?  Henry’s Freedom Box, by Ellen Levine, is a historical fiction book about Henry Brown, a young black boy, who is born into slavery.  Even at an early age, Henry can see that something in his life is missing—freedom.  “…Henry watched a bird soar high above the trees.  Free bird!  Happy bird!  Henry thought.” (pg. 8).  Through slavery, his family is torn apart, he works tirelessly without pay, and he lives under his master’s rule.  One day while working for his master, Henry meets an attractive, young lady named Nancy.  They fall in love and have three children together.  When Henry learns that Nancy and the children have been sold at the slave market, he decides to create a freedom box.  How will this box help Henry escape his life of slavery?  Will Henry find his wife and children?  Check out Henry’s Freedom Box to find out what happens in this story about Henry and his fight for freedom.