The Freedom Riddle

It’s Christmas on Master Brown’s plantation and, like Christmas everywhere, that means it’s time for gift giving. There are no ordinary gifts on the plantation, though. Here, there is a special tradition: when two people see each other, the first to say “Christmas gift” receives a special present.

Jim, a slave, seizes the opportunity to ask Master Brown for a gift—the gift of his freedom. There’s just one catch—first Jim has to come up with a riddle that the master cannot answer. Through spring, summer, and fall, Jim struggles to come up with the perfect riddle. By Christmas, he’s ready with the riddle that will win his right to be free forever.

Based on a true story first told to writer William Faulkner, The Freedom Riddle makes an important statement about freedom and history that will resonate with readers of all ages. A perfect book for Black History month that will be enjoyed again at Christmas.

With over 70 books in print, Angela Shelf Medearis is an author who combines a great love for children's literature with a particular attention to the reading needs of young African Americans. "I write the kind of books I always longed to find in the library when I was a child", she says. Books were an essential part of Medearis's own early 1960's childhood, giving her a sense of continuity and identity throughout her family's many moves.

Today, she spends as much time encouraging literacy in all students as she does promoting African-American subjects. Medearis founded and directs Book Boosters, a multicultural program for all grade levels that concentrates on reading, creative writing and drama. She currently works as a reading consultant for the McGraw-Hill Reading Program. Mrs. Medearis lives in Austin, Texas.

John Ward is the award-winning illustrator of thirteen books for children. His awards include an Award of Excellence from the Society of Illustrators, NYC, 40th Annual Exhibition, and the Parent’s Choice award for Poppa’s New Pants. He lives in Freeport, NY with his wife, Olympia, where he is an avid player of West African hand drums.