Freewater

De: Amina Luqman-Dawson

Narrado por: Cary Hite, Sisi Aisha Johnson

Debut author Amina Luqman-Dawson pens a lyrical, accessible historical middle-grade novel about two enslaved children’s escape from a plantation and the many ways they find freedom.

Under the cover of night, twelve-year-old Homer flees Southerland Plantation with his little sister Ada, unwillingly leaving their beloved mother behind. Much as he adores her and fears for her life, Homer knows there’s no turning back, not with the overseer on their trail. Through tangled vines, secret doorways, and over a sky bridge, the two find a secret community called Freewater, deep in the swamp.

In this society created by formerly enslaved people and some freeborn children, Homer finds new friends, almost forgetting where he came from. But when he learns of a threat that could destroy Freewater, he crafts a plan to find his mother and help his new home.

Deeply inspiring and loosely based on the history of maroon communities in the South, this is a striking tale of survival, adventure, friendship, and courage.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“In Freewater, Amina Luqman Dawson shines a bright light on a little-known piece of history. Set against a forbidding landscape, the bright promise of freedom is illuminated in all its myriad shapes and forms. And it couldn’t be more timely. Solidly researched and beautifully written, this is storytelling at its finest. Dawson’s voice and the voices of her cast will linger long after the last page is closed.”
—Kathi Appelt, National Book Award Finalist and Newbery Honor Winner

"A compelling, gripping story told in an imaginative and lyrical way, Freewater is a moving, powerful homage to the men, women, and children who rejected slavery and dared invent a free life in the American wilderness."—Dr. Sylviane A. Diouf, author of Slavery's Exiles: The Story of the American Maroons

"What a gorgeously told, thrilling, and deeply empowering story. Amina brings to life so vividly this important but overlooked chapter in history, in a way that all readers can relate to — and through the eyes of young characters so compelling you'll miss them when you put the book down. Not that you'll want to put it down, even for a second."
—Meena Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“With both stirring emotion and apparently effortless skill, Dawson braids the many compelling strands of this story into a stunning conclusion. A remarkable accomplishment—a sheer triumph of a book.”
—Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medal winner and New York Times bestselling author

"This is detailed and well-researched historical fiction. The characters are varied, complex, and fully realized. . . .The page-turning action will engage readers as the story reaches a satisfying conclusion. An exceptional addition to the resistance stories of enslaved people."

—Kirkus, starred review

Eye Opening Perspective

The narrator was very, very good. The story is fascinating, and we learned about a facet of history we hadn't known before. The story did seem a bit choppy at times.

Clear your calendar

Once you start listening to this phenomenal story, you won’t be able to stop. Very original and extremely satisfying. Great narrators, too.

Adventurous reimagining of resistance

I enjoyed Ada and her naïveté while understanding how terrifying this era in history was. I listened to audio but picked up the book to help me keep track of the characters. The ending had me rooting for the kids and crying happy tears.

PHENOMENAL BOOK!

This book is an exhilarating emotional rollercoaster and excellent entry point for discussing lesser known histories, heroines, heroes and freedom fighters involved in Americas complicated, heartbreaking slave trade.

Great Red

Thank you Lurie Daniels-Favors for he recommendation. Loved the story and the concept of freedom ❤️