Freedom in Congo Square facts for kids

Freedom in Congo Square is a special picture book from 2016. It was written and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. The book tells the story of enslaved people in 19th-century New Orleans. It focuses on a unique place called Congo Square. Here, once a week, these people could gather. The book's beautiful pictures earned it a 2017 Caldecott Honor.

About the Book

Freedom in Congo Square is a non-fiction book written in a poetic style. It shares an important part of American history. The story follows the days of the week, building up to Sunday. Sunday was the special day for gathering in Congo Square.

The book shows how enslaved people worked hard all week. They longed for the freedom that Sunday in Congo Square offered. The illustrations are very powerful. They help readers understand the feelings and experiences of the people.

Congo Square: A Place of Hope

Congo Square is a historic place in New Orleans, Louisiana. For many years, it was a rare spot where enslaved African people could gather. This was usually on Sundays. It was a time when they could briefly escape the harsh realities of their lives.

Why Congo Square Was Special

During the 18th and 19th centuries, laws in the United States were very strict for enslaved people. They had almost no rights. They were often forbidden from meeting in groups. However, in New Orleans, there was a unique exception. This was Congo Square.

The Spanish and French rulers of New Orleans allowed these gatherings. They believed it helped keep the peace. This tradition continued even after the United States took control of Louisiana.

What Happened in Congo Square

On Sundays, enslaved people would come to Congo Square. They would bring their own goods to sell or trade. This included food, crafts, and other items. It was a chance to earn a little money.

More importantly, Congo Square was a place for culture. People would play music using drums, banjos, and other instruments. They would sing, dance, and tell stories. This helped them keep their African traditions alive. It was a vital way to connect with their heritage and community.

The gatherings in Congo Square were a powerful symbol of resilience. They showed the strength and spirit of people facing great hardship. It was a small but important taste of freedom and community.

The Author and Illustrator

R. Gregory Christie is an acclaimed American author and illustrator. He is known for his vibrant and expressive artwork. He often illustrates books that highlight African American history and culture.

Christie's unique artistic style brings stories to life. His illustrations for Freedom in Congo Square are particularly praised. They use bold colors and dynamic shapes. This helps convey the emotions and energy of the people in the square. His work helps young readers connect with important historical events.

Awards and Recognition

Freedom in Congo Square received a 2017 Caldecott Honor. The Caldecott Medal is one of the most prestigious awards for children's books in the United States. It is given to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

An "Honor" means the book was recognized as one of the very best. This award highlights the outstanding quality of Christie's illustrations. It shows how his artwork powerfully tells the story. The recognition helps more people discover this important book.