Module 10 - Henry's Freedom Box

Levine, E. (2007). Henry's freedom box. New York: Scholastic Press.

Summary:

This book is based on a true story about Henry 'Box' Brown.  He was born a slave, and eventually was separated from his mother.  He worked in a tobacco factory for his new owner.  The book often refers to birds that Henry watches, admiring their freedom.  Henry eventually marries and has children of his own.  One day he is informed that his wife and children are being sold.  Henry runs to the auction and sees his children and wife being taken away.  He goes into a depression which the book describes as a dark time when he could not sing or hum.  One day he sees a bird and decides he wants to be free as well.  He goes to a white man, who believes in freedom, and they think of a plan.  Henry burns his hand with oil of vitriol, which enables him to stay home from work without his master becoming suspicious.  With the help of friends, he packs himself in a wooden crate and mails himself to Philadelphia.  There friends of the white man helping Henry will unpack the crate.  Amazingly, Henry survives the journey and the crate is opened in Philadelphia where he is now a free man. 

My Impression:

This is one of my favorite picture books.  The artwork, by Kadir Nelson, is wonderful and it was a Caldecott Honor Book in 2008.   While the characters in the book are not allowed to share how they are feeling, Nelson shows their feelings in their faces through his art. This book describes the heartbreaking parts of slavery, including family separation and not having a birthday to celebrate.  Henry is presented as a good man, who follows all of the rules, only to be subjected to abuse and sadness.  When the box is opened in Philadelphia, the reader realizes they have been rooting for Henry all along.

Library Usage:

I think this would be a great book to read aloud to students during Black History Month.  Henry Brown is indeed a hero, willing to risk his life to escape slavery.  Younger students (K-2) could be asked to think about what they would put in a box to keep safe.  They could draw what they would want to keep safe, and write a sentence or two about why it is so important to them.  The librarian can help them make the connection between their important thing and the importance of Henry's freedom.

Older children can research to find out more about Henry Brown.  He traveled from Virginia to Philadelphia in 27 hours.  He took with him some water and a few biscuits.  Students could write a narrative passage pretending to be Henry and describe his experience in the box in first person.

Review:

Gr 2-5 --In 1849, after seeing his wife and children sold on the auction block, Henry "Box" Brown had himself shipped North to freedom in a wooden crate. The straightforward, sympathetic text imagines Brown's history while darkly radiant and haunting paintings reflect his emotional pain, determination, and eventual triumph.

Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story. (2007). School Library Journal, 5326.