Module 10: Historical Fiction

Module 10/SLIS5420

Henry’s Freedom Box

By  Ellen Levine and Kadir Nelson

Summary:

Henry’s Freedom Box is a fictionalized story of a historical slave named Henry Brown.  It follows Henry from a young age, where he was separated from his family when he was sold.  Years go by and he dreams and he sings and he gets married. However, things quickly change when his wife and children are sold and he is left alone never to see them again.  Thanks to a bird and a friend he chooses freedom with the idea of mailing himself to a state where slavery is not allowed.  So this book ends with Henry’s freedom and his new name “Henry Box Brown”

Citation:

Levine, E., & Nelson, K. (2007). Henry's freedom box. New York: Scholastic Press.

Beyond and Between:

This is a poignant picture book that accurately shares the story of Henry Brown.  The illustrator uses deep colors oil painted colors to share the picture story while Levine does a wonderful job of narrating the story. Each page is filled with large illustrations and one to two paragraphs of text.  However, because of the historical nature of the text the reading level is higher than the picture book may suggest.  The neatest thing about this book is the historical tie in at the end explaining where the historical figure “Henry Box Brown” came from.  This also gives older readers a place to start researching if this book was read for a school project.

Reviews:

Booklist

In a true story that is both heartbreaking and joyful, Levine recounts the history of Henry “Box” Brown, born into slavery. Henry works in a tobacco factory, marries another slave, and fathers three children; but then his family is sold, and Henry realizes he will never see them again. With nothing to lose, Henry persuades his friend James and a sympathetic white man to mail him in a wooden box to Philadelphia and freedom. Levine maintains a dignified, measured tone, telling her powerful story through direct, simple language. A note at the end explains the historical basis for the fictionalized story. Accompanying Levine’s fine, controlled telling are pencil, watercolor, and oil paint illustrations by Kadir Nelson that resonate with beauty and sorrow. When Henry’s mother holds him as a child on her lap, they gaze out at bright autumn leaves, and the tenderness is palpable, even as she calls to his attention the leaves that “are torn from the trees like slave children are torn from their families.” There is no sugarcoating here, and Henry is not miraculously reunited with his wife and children; however, the conclusion, as Henry celebrates his new freedom, is moving and satisfying. S.D.L.

  

Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story From the Underground Railroad. (2008). Booklist, 104(13), 18.

Booklist Review

Artful iconography showcases Kadir Nelson’s outstanding illustrations in this 2008 Caldecott Honor book that tells the story of runaway slave Henry Brown. The camera focuses on soulful facial expressions as emotionally laden music provides a backdrop. After his family is sold, Henry’s despair lifts when he realizes a crate might be his vehicle to freedom. The clever slave is packed into a box and mailed to Philadelphia. Animated birds fly above the trees, tracing Henry’s uncomfortable and dangerous voyage by train and steamboat. When the parcel arrives, those welcoming the crate politely knock before jubilant singing reflects Henry’s wondrous and happy emergence. This captivating production combines Nelson’s textural drawings, Jerry Dixon’s poignant narration, and composer David Mansfield’s atmospheric mood music. Includes an interview with author Ellen Levine and a “read-along” feature that captions the text. Also available as a book and CD package ($29.95) and CD ($12.95). —Nancy McCray

McCray, N. (2009). Henry's Freedom Box. Booklist, 105(19/20), 91.

Suggested Uses:

Historical books always beg for reality tie ins, especially for younger readers. It allows for higher level grades to use the book and yet apply it to everyday homework.  For this book I like the idea of a Timeline type book display, following the beginning of the historical person to other library sources and eventually this fiction book itself.  Maybe involving a history class to create the display for an extra credit assignment.  Thus not only displaying the book, but also engaging the readers.