Solomon Northup's Twelve Years a Slave: 1841-1853 re-written version for young readers

by Sue Eakin (Adapter), Solomon Northup

The best firsthand account of the slavery experience, this autobiographical story, originally published in 1853, has been rewritten to make it accessible to younger readers. Northup, a family man and hack driver in upstate New York, was kidnapped, whisked away from his home, and sold into slavery.

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1998

About the author

Myrtle Sue Lyles Eakin, known as Sue Eakin, was an American historian, professor and journalist from Bunkie, Louisiana. She specialized in Louisiana history, particularly the Old South plantation system. Eakin is best known for documenting, annotating, and reviving interest in the 1853 Twelve Years a Slave, a slave narrative by Solomon Northup, a free man from New York who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841.

Reviews

[Nedra Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book itself deserves a higher rating. I know the author dedicated her life to researching and verifying the original book, however, there is just too much information, much of it duplications.

[Shandale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most awesome books I have ever read. It is a must read! This book gives such visual effects it makes you feel like you are there. I could not put it down I read the entire book in 1 day.

[Glenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Bought if after finally viewing the movie on cable and now understand all the Oscars. But the book was, as usually is, much better, particularly with Sue Eakin's notes. She tracked down every name, every location, every fact, with the sad exception that even with a lifetime's work bringing this book into the public eye, she never could document how and when Solomon died after returning home.

[Angie Riddick · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book. true accounts of the trials of a slave. I saw the movie , some aspects of the book was in the movie. the author did a good research in the accountability of some of the history of Solomon Northups journey

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book in college. Of course, I read the adult version by the LSU press. LOVED IT! It is the life story of a slave who eventually becomes free.

[Soulshine Searles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the original version of this book (not the version for young readers) but it's not listed on the site.......It was a REALLY good book!

[Aimée · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the kids' version because that's what our 8th graders are reading. The juniors are reading the real version. I think I'm going to wait a bit and then read the real one.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though the movie was very good, the book has more detail. Duh.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While a look at history, was not a page turner. I'm sure the movie is better.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gripping autobiography of a free black man living in the 1850's in the North, who was kidnapped and sold, laboring as a slave for twelve years. Such things happened.