Henrys Freedom Box: A True Story From The Underground Railroad
Henry's Freedom Box is a children's book written by Ellen Levine and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The book tells the true story of Henry Brown, a slave who mailed himself to freedom in a wooden box. The story is set in the 1840s when slavery was legal in the United States, and the Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom.
The Story of Henry Brown
Henry Brown was born into slavery in Virginia in 1815. He lived with his mother and siblings on a plantation owned by a man named John Barret. At the age of 15, Henry was sent to work in a tobacco factory in Richmond, where he met a free black man named James Smith. James told Henry about life outside of slavery and encouraged him to escape.
Henry married a slave named Nancy, and they had three children. In 1848, Nancy and their children were sold to a slave trader and taken away from Henry. Devastated by the loss of his family, Henry decided to escape from slavery. He asked James Smith for help and was introduced to a man named Samuel Smith, who was a member of the Underground Railroad.
Samuel Smith arranged for Henry to be transported to Philadelphia in a wooden box. Henry was packed inside the box with some food, water, and a small hole for air. The box was labeled "dry goods," and Henry was shipped by train and wagon to the office of the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society in Philadelphia.
The Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom in the North or Canada. The network was operated by abolitionists and other sympathetic people who were willing to risk their lives to help slaves escape from bondage.
The routes of the Underground Railroad were not fixed, and the network was always changing to avoid detection by slave catchers and other authorities. Most escaped slaves traveled at night and were guided by conductors who knew the safe routes and the locations of the safe houses.
The Legacy of Henry Brown
Henry Brown's story became famous after he was freed from slavery. He wrote a book about his escape called Narrative of the Life of Henry Box Brown, which was published in 1851. He also became a speaker for the abolitionist movement and traveled throughout the United States and Europe, telling his story and advocating for the end of slavery.
Henry's Freedom Box is a powerful and inspiring story about the courage and determination of one man who refused to accept the injustices of slavery. The book is a reminder of the dark history of slavery in the United States and the importance of standing up for freedom and equality.
Conclusion
Henry's Freedom Box is a must-read book for children and adults who are interested in the history of slavery and the Underground Railroad. The book is beautifully illustrated and tells the story of a remarkable man who overcame incredible obstacles to gain his freedom. Henry's story is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and it is a reminder that we must always fight for what is right and just.