Liberty or Death: The Surprising Story of Runaway Slaves who Sided with the British During the American Revolution - Hardcover

Blair, Margaret Whitman

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1426305907 ISBN 13: 9781426305900

Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books, 2010

Synopsis

Liberty or Death is the little-known story of the American Revolution told from the perspectives of the African-American slaves who fought on the side of the British Royal Army in exchange for a promise of freedom. Motivated by the 1775 proclamation by Virginia’s Royal Governor that any slaves who took up arms on his behalf would be granted their freedom, these men fought bravely for a losing cause. Many of the volunteers succumbed to battle wounds or smallpox, which ran rampant on the British ships on which they were quartered. After the successful Revolution, they emigrated to Canada and, ultimately to West Africa. Liberty or Death is the inspiring story of the forgotten freedom fighters of America’s Revolutionary War.

About this title

About the Author

Margaret Whitman Blair is the author of several books for young adults, and is active in the Washington Children’s Book Guild. A retired Peace Corps volunteer, she was formerly an international trade and business journalist in Washington D.C. She lives in Rockville, MD.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* In too many American history books for young people, the role of African Americans in the Revolutionary War begins and ends with Crispus Attucks at the Boston Massacre. Blair provides a well-researched account of slaves in Virginia who, beginning in 1775, fled to the British. The royal governor of the colony hoped to put down the rebellion in part by offering freedom to slaves of rebels (but not of loyalists) who would flee their masters and fight for the British side. Foraging, fighting, spying, and working as laborers, they risked their lives for liberty, and many of them died. At the war’s end, the British transported some 3,000 former slaves to Nova Scotia, and later sent nearly half of those to a new settlement in Sierra Leone. Though told in a matter-of-fact tone, the story is often heart-wrenching: the slaves, offered freedom for strategic rather than moral reasons, died in great numbers, and those who survived were promised benefits that never fully materialized. Colorful reproductions of period paintings, prints, and documents illustrate the clearly written text. Back matter includes a time line, source notes, and lists of recommended books, places to visit, and Web sites. A fine and singular addition to American history collections. Grades 5-8. --Carolyn Phelan

Edition details

• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1426305907
• ISBN 13: 9781426305900
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 64