Freedom Stone - Hardcover

Kluger, Jeffrey

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0399252142 ISBN 13: 9780399252143

Publisher: Philomel Books, 2011

Synopsis

Lillie's papa believed in freedom-for him, his family, and all the slaves on the Greenfog plantation. So when the Confederate Army promised freedom to the family of every slave who served in the Civil War-whether they came home or not-Lillie's papa decided he had to take the chance.

But when Lillie's family got the news that her papa was killed, they weren't freed. The army claimed that Lillie's papa was a thief. Lillie knew that couldn't be true! Even worse, the master started making plans to sell off Lillie's little brother, Plato. With the help of an old slave, Bett, who bakes bread that bends time, Lillie travels to the battle during which her father died to find out the true story. Using a little magic of her own, Lillie rights a few wrongs and buys her family their freedom. This is a beautiful tale filled with magic and hope and love.

About this title

About the Author:

Jeffrey Klugeris a senior writer at Time. Coauthor of Lost Moon: The Perilous Voyage of Apollo 13, which was the basis for the movie Apollo 13, he is also the author of Moon Hunters: NASA's Remarkable Expeditions to the Ends of the Solar System.

From Booklist:

*Starred Review* Lillie, her little brother, Plato, and her mother are slaves on a South Carolina plantation. Their father took a chance and joined the Confederate army, with the promise that he and his family would be freed after the conflict. Papas been killed, but Mama and the children were expecting their freedom until word came that a bag of gold was found on Papas body. Presuming it was stolen, freedom has been denied. When it becomes obvious that Plato may soon be sold away, Lillie is determined to prove that her father was not a thief and that the freedom promise should be honored. Kluger presents a story with what should be an impossible task, adds a dollop of fantasy, and brings it full circle in a smart, compelling way. Though its the quest that keeps the pages turning, what anchors the tale is the in-depth historical research, which makes readers feel what its like to live as a slave while the Civil War rages on. Juxtaposed against the realism is the fantasy element of the story, and Kluger wisely uses the Ibo heritage of some of the slaves as a way in, making it more believable than it otherwise might be. A finely crafted tale. Grades 5-7. --Ilene Cooper

About this edition

• Publisher: Philomel Books
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0399252142
• ISBN 13: 9780399252143
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320