Fradin, Judith and Dennis. Stolen Into Slavery: The True Story of Solomon Northup, Free Black Man.

Washington D. C.: National Geographic, 2012.

I have had to take a break from reading some of the newer stuff to prepare for a book talk. I like to highlight some of the Pennsylvania Readers’ Choice Award nominees in my first talk with the seventh graders. I generally read the National Geographic nonfictions very quickly, so it surprised me that I hadn’t picked up this title more quickly. This biography did not disappoint! I like when nonfiction reads like fiction, and this narrative is beautifully told.

I have not yet seen Twelve Years a Slave, so I was not familiar with the story of Solomon Northup. Born a free man in New York State, he was captured and sold into slavery. He was separated from his wife and three small children, and for 12 years served a series of masters in the Deep South. Always, I am uncomfortable reading the details of how slaves were treated in our early United States history. However, these authors shared the reality of the life of a slave in a way that is appropriate for the junior high readers to whom I am selling it. And while an understanding of these struggles is certainly important to these students, I will be happy to highlight all of the people in Northup’s journey who risk their lives and reputations to find a way to help free him.

Students can learn from Northup’s determination to gain his freedom as well as the patience he must continually show along the way. Some of our kids have to fight quite a few battles of their own. Any positive role model is a great thing. They can also learn from the folks who help him. Kids cannot be reminded too many times to help those around them who maybe need protection from a bully or a leg up. I look forward to talking it next week!

Ties to the common core and classroom activities can be found here.