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Title details for Friend on Freedom River by Gloria Whelan - Available

Friend on Freedom River

by Gloria Whelan
Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen
ebook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available
In 1850 the Detroit River was a major track along the Underground Railroad — the last step to freedom. The journey across the river was dangerous, especially in winter and especially for a 12-year-old boy. When Louis's father left him in charge of the farm he offered his son this advice, "If you don't know what to do, just do what you think I would have done." Louis relies upon his father's words of wisdom when a runaway slave and her two children come looking for safe passage. In the second title in our Tales of Young Americans series Gloria Whelan — author of National Book Award winning Homeless Bird — beautifully creates a suspenseful coming-of-age story while illuminating a difficult time in America's past. Ms. Whelan's narrative again shows the human spirit will forever shine brightly in dark times. Freedom River - part of our Young Americans series - will quickly become a favorite for its important message and look at history from a youngster's eye. Artist Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen - a Sleeping Bear Press favorite - treats the material as only he can. Each illustrated page demonstrates the same mastery and devotion to his craft as the young heroes he brings to life.

  • Creators

  • Series

    Tales of Young Americans

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    August 2, 2011

  • Formats

    • Kindle Book

    • OverDrive Read

      • ISBN: 9781133694083

    • EPUB ebook

      • ISBN: 9781133694083
      • File size: 3167 KB

  • Languages

    • English

  • Levels

    • ATOS Level: 3.6
    • Lexile® Measure: 630
    • Interest Level: K-3(LG)
    • Text Difficulty: 2-3

  • Reviews

    • School Library Journal

      June 1, 2005
      Gr 3-5 -As he departs for a trip up North to work in the logging camps, Louis's father imparts this advice to his son: -If you don't know what to do, just do what you think I would have done. - The boy must rely on these words as he helps his mother prepare for the coming winter along the Detroit River. The year is 1850, and on a cold December night, Louis hears a familiar whispered question of code coming from the bushes, -Are you a friend? - He replies as his father had taught him to, and a family of runaway slaves asks him to ferry them across the icy waters to freedom in Canada. The text reflects the apprehension and danger of this task for all involved. Meticulous detail is given to facial expressions that reflect character and emotion, to the physical environment, and to the body language of each figure. The compelling text and the beautiful, atmospheric paintings come together well to reflect these historical events with great compassion. Listeners or readers will be thoroughly engaged. - "Wanda Meyers-Hines, Ridgecrest Elementary School, Huntsville, AL"

      Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

    • The Horn Book

      July 1, 2005
      Two boys, one white, the other a young African-American slave, team up to guide the slave's family across the treacherous Detroit River. The book is marred by gaps in the story and overly purposeful dialogue ("We got to hurry across this river to Canada where a slave is free forever"). Dramatic full-page illustrations capture the tension of the dangerous mission.

      (Copyright 2005 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

subjects

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • ATOS Level:3.6
  • Lexile® Measure:630
  • Interest Level:K-3(LG)
  • Text Difficulty:2-3

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