This book has been in my library for years. I always wanted to read it, but never got around to it. I am so happy that I brought it home with me when schools closed so that I could.
There are many books about enslaved people, but a lot of them take place during the Civil War. This one and its companions take place during the American Revolution. Since I teach 5th grade, which is a US History year, this is a perfect book for my students.
Learning about Isabel and her struggles was heartbreaking. I have heard throughout my life how enslaved people were treated, but hearing it described about a young child broke my heart. Her fierceness through it all was inspiring. She did not let her treatment break her down. She did not give in. I wish I had the other books in the series, but will have to wait until I can get them to see how her story ends.
We have to show our students what life was really like. We can't sugar coat things. I have heard about text books that explain how enslaved people didn't have it that bad and sang and danced and had a good time. This is not true. Our students deserve to know the truth and the memory of the enslaved people needs to be honored. Thank you Laurie Halse Anderson for this book.
