November 4, 2013
In staccato verse, VanHecke (Raggin’ Jazzin’ Rockin’) illuminates an absorbing slice of Civil War history: runaway slaves’ establishment of a settlement in newly seceded Virginia. In 1861, three slaves—Frank Baker, James Townsend, and Shepard Mallory—escape by boat from a Confederate camp, “Away/ from Southern soldiers/ who would/ own them,/ work them,/ beat them,/ sell them,/ keep them slaves forever.” The three men land at a Union camp whose commander declares them “contraband of war” and refuses to return them to the Confederates. They and hundreds of other runaways who subsequently arrive in “Slabtown” work for the Union army and build two camps. Missionaries educate the children under the branches of the tree now known as the Emancipation Oak, where, in the story’s triumphant finish, a boy reads the Emancipation Proclamation. Ladd’s (Oprah: The Little Speaker) evocative and subtly textured acrylic, pastel, and colored pencil art reflects the evolving tenor of the story as uncertainty gives way to hope. An extensive author’s note delves deeper into this immersive true story of courage and grit. Ages 6–9. Illustrator’s agent: Lori Nowicki, Painted Words.
August 1, 2014
Gr 1-4-The Freedom Tree or, as it is now known, Emancipation Oak, is a sprawling oak tree situated on the site of Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia, which was a popular spot for escaped slaves seeking asylum during the Civil War. In what is described as "Rebels Rubble," the inhabitants build the "Grand Contraband Camp," where their lives can begin again "sheltered in the shade of the old oak tree." The impassioned words are touching and do justice to the subject matter. The brief work is followed by a short overview of the historical context and events covered in the narrative. Myra Lucretia Taylor does a wonderful job with her delivery of this emotionally compelling account, told in free verse, of three men's escape from slavery. Highly recommended.-Brian Odom, Huntsville, AL
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