Henry's Freedom Box

 Henry's Freedom Box

    Henry's Freedom Box is a book written by Ellen Levine. This book won the Caldecott Award in 2008. I had seen this book in my district provided read alouds that we can cover throughout the year. When I saw the cover on it last year, I was immediately intrigued by the cover of the book and the solemn look the boy has in its face. Obviously, due to how to busy a teacher truly is, I never had the chance to read the book. I wasn't surprised to see that this book won a Caldecott award. In short, this is truly a warm-heartfelt book. 

    This books deals about a boy who was separated from his family when he was young. He ended up falling in love with another slave and married her. They ended up having kids and were able to live together, even though they had different owners. Abruptly one day Henry's family is sold they are taken away from him. This causes great sadness to Henry for a long time, but it ends up driving him to want to become free. Along with a doctor, they help him escape and go to Pennsylvania. At the end of the story, he is able to reach Pennsylvania and become free.

    This beautiful story uncovers the truth of many issues and struggles that many African-Americans were true. At the end, I enjoy the cliffhanger that the author left, because he gives hope to infer that may be he was able to reunite with his family at some point. Ultimately, we could see how hope surpasses all things during this time of hardships.