Henry's Freedom Box is a great historical fiction piece to use in the classroom while studying the Underground Railroad. I thought it was a very touching story and incredible how Henry endured so much in his life and to eventually gain the freedom he so desired and deserved. While reading this story I found myself so wrapped up in the story. I was so sad when he lost his family, and I was praying that he would make it safely to Philadelphia. I think it is important when writing historical fiction pieces like this one that the reader does feel empathy with the characters. Ellen Levine does a fantastic job in telling Henry's story. It's like you are almost there with him in that box as he is traveling to Philadelphia and getting turned upside down and every which way. I was so happy when he finally made it to Philadelphia safely and was able to get out of the cramped little space of the box.
Kadir Nelson did a great job illustrating this book. As the reader you actually feel as if you are in the box with Henry as he is being turned upside down and every which way. The Underground Railroad is such an important part in history and shows how hard slaves had to fight to gain the freedom that they deserved. This is a great book to use to show students how things were back then and how hard the fight for freedom was. The book takes the reader on a journey from the beginning of Henry's life through many trials that he faces, to the freedom that he eventually gained that cost him so much along the way.
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