Henry's Freedom Box
Henry's Freedom Box
Book Title: Henry’s Freedom Box
Book Author: Ellen Levine
Book Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
This book addresses: Slavery
Potentially Tricky Vocabulary:
Tobacco: a plant that would be grown and sold
Vitriol: an acidic liquid
Clerk: a worker (a railroad clerk would keep records, give out tickets, and more)
Questions to ask the student before reading:
What do you know about slavery in the US?
Were families of slaves allowed to stay together?
How did slaves escape slavery?
Historical context to give before reading:
Until the events of the Civil War and Juneteenth, slavery was a common practice in the United States, and it was cruel. Oftentimes, families of slaves were sold apart depending on whatever worked best for the family that owned them. However, some slaves were able to escape to states in the North where slavery was illegal or to other countries. There was a network of people who, together, made up the Underground Railroad. They would work together, hiding and transporting slaves, to bring as many slaves as they could to safety and freedom.
(The questions to ask the student and historical content above are interconnected. The historical context is typically going to be a supplement to what your student might not know. Some students may already be knowledgeable about a subject, others may not know much yet. Pay attention to what your student already knows and share the historical context accordingly.)
While reading:
Keep an eye on your student and check in with them as needed. The honest cruelties of slavery are a heavy, harsh topic. Highlight the accomplishments of Henry’s escape and celebrate his freedom at the end. Don’t shy away from the truths that this story shares, but I don’t recommend that you linger on them either. Acknowledge them and answer any questions your student may have, but keep the focus on Henry’s accomplishments.
After reading:
Check in with your student and see how they’re feeling and what they’re thinking
What did the birdsong represent for Henry?
How did Henry have courage in this story?
Follow up activity (time permitting):
Have your student make a storyboard with Henry’s journey along the Underground Railroad - from what happened to make him decide to try and escape through his arrival in Philadelphia. The storyboard should include illustrations and short captions. Encourage your student to use connecting words (first, then, after that, next, finally).
All definitions were adapted by Karina Connolly from the Merriam Webster online dictionary.