Give Me Liberty (Cover-To-Cover Chapter Books: American Revolution) - Hardcover

Helmer, Diana Star

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0780790421 ISBN 13: 9780780790421

Publisher: Perfection Learning

Synopsis

Moses, an African-American slave boy, tells the story of his friendship with the son of the farm's master during the Revolutionary War.

About this title

Reviews

Grade 3-6-In 1773 in Virginia, two 15-year-old boys, Moses and Will, are "almost" friends. One is black and one is white; one is slave and one the master's son. Master Stone, Will's father, is threatened when he learns that Moses knows how to shoot a gun and sends the slave off to war, thus fulfilling his family's obligation to provide a soldier to the Sons of Liberty. The irony of being asked to fight for freedom in a land that still condones slavery causes Moses to question his friendship with Will, who sees nothing wrong with owning slaves. Nonetheless, not very bright and heavily dependent on his friend, Will fears life without him. Both boys struggle with the issue of slavery and the excuses used to perpetuate it. In the end, Moses convinces his companion to rethink his attitudes and prejudices. Frequent black-and-white and a few full-color illustrations and reproductions of historic documents and artwork add to the context. The large print is easy to read and will appeal to reluctant readers. The final chapter gives a summary of slavery in America. While Helmer's writing is frequently awkward, her message is powerful and informative. A good introduction to slavery-related issues.
Rosie Peasley, Empire Union School District, Modesto, CA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Perfection Learning
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0780790421
• ISBN 13: 9780780790421
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Aspengren Michael A., Hatala Dan
• Number of pages: 56