Freedom Over Me facts for kids
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| Author | Ashley Bryan |
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| Illustrator | Ashley Bryan |
| Language | English |
| Set in | 1828, southern United States |
| Publisher | Atheneum Books |
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Publication date
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September 2016 |
| Pages | 56 |
| Awards | 2017 Newbery Honor |
| ISBN | 9781481456906 |
Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan is a special picture book for young adults. It was written and illustrated by Ashley Bryan and came out in 2016. The story takes place in 1828 in a part of the southern United States where slavery was common. It shares the hopes and dreams of eleven enslaved people who are about to be sold. This powerful book was recognized as a Newbery Honor book in 2017.
The Story of Freedom Over Me
The book begins with a poem from the perspective of Mrs. Mary Fairchilds. Her husband, Cado, has passed away. She decides to sell her "property," which sadly includes the enslaved people she owns. After the sale, she plans to move back to England.
The Lives of Eleven Enslaved People
The book then introduces each of the eleven enslaved people. It lists their names and how much they were "valued" by Mrs. Fairchilds. This "value" was a terrible way to describe people, as if they were objects. For each person, there are two poems. One poem describes their daily work and struggles. The other poem reveals their secret hopes and dreams for a better life.
Meet the Individuals and Their Dreams
Here are some of the people featured in the book:
- Peggy (48 years old): She works as a cook. Her original name is Mariama.
- Stephen (32 years old): He is a carpenter. His original name is Yerodin, and he came from Central Africa. He dreams of building a free life.
- Jane (28 years old): She is a seamstress. Her original name is Serwaa, and she came from West Africa. She dreams of sewing clothes for her own family, not for others.
- John (16 years old): He is a child. His original name is Osere, and he was born in America. He dreams of learning and growing up free.
- Athelia (42 years old): She works as a laundress. Her original name is Adero.
- Charlotte (30 years old): She is a skilled basketmaker. Her original name is Bisa. She dreams of creating beautiful things for herself.
- Dora (8 years old): She is a child. Her original name is Akua, and she was born in America. She dreams of playing freely and being a child.
- Bacus (34 years old): He is a blacksmith. His original name is Abena. He dreams of forging his own path to freedom.
- Qush (60 years old): He works as a herdsman and laborer. His original name is Kayode, and he is from the Yoruba people.
- Mulvina (60 years old): She works in the fields. Her original name is Niami.
- Betty (36 years old): She is a flower gardener. Her original name is Temitope, and she is also from the Yoruba people. She dreams of planting seeds of hope for her future.
This book helps readers understand the strength and spirit of people who were enslaved. It shows that even in the hardest times, people held onto their dreams and hopes for freedom.
