Sound the Jubilee - Softcover

Forrester, Sandra

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140379304 ISBN 13: 9780140379303

Publisher: Puffin Books, 1997

Synopsis

During the Civil War, Maddie, a young slave girl, and her family escape to freedom on Roanoke Island, where they and three thousand other former slaves develop an experimental community that ekes out a harsh existence as an island colony.

About this title

About the Author

Sandra Forrester is the author of several historical fiction novels, including Wheel of the Moon, My Home Is over Jordan, Sound the Jubilee, and Dust from Old Bones. She is also the author of the Beatrice Bailey series. She has a master’s degree in library and information studies and lives in Alabama.

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9-Growing up on a plantation in North Carolina, Maddie is owned by the McCarthas. She works in the Big House with her mother and sister, while her father, Titus, is foreman of the field hands. Her family's opportunity for freedom comes unexpectedly. Fearing the approach of Yankee troops, Mrs. McCartha retreats to her summer home on Nags Head, an island off the coast, taking Maddie's family with her. That move puts them directly in the path of the invading army, and they are able to escape to the "contraband" camp on nearby Roanoke Island. There they are given their freedom, as well as land and jobs. Although living at first in unhealthy conditions and at the mercy of the Yankee army, they are sheltered from the worst of the war years. Forrester has created a feisty, intelligent character in Maddie; she's someone readers will enjoy getting to know. The author's use of a modified dialect adds substance to her characterizations. The story moves along smoothly and quickly and involves readers; it will help them better understand the Civil War era and the complicated issues of the time. A great deal of detail is incorporated into the narrative about the community on Roanoke Island. Sure to be popular with history buffs and fans of historical novels.
Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0140379304
• ISBN 13: 9780140379303
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 192