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Young Palmetto Books
The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls
The true story of an enslaved African American man who escaped to freedom and became a military and political leader
Robert Smalls, born a slave in 1839 in Beaufort, South Carolina, gained fame as an African American hero of the American Civil War. The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls tells the inspirational story of Small's life as a slave, his boyhood dream of freedom, and his bold and daring plan as a young man to commandeer a Confederate gunboat from Charleston Harbor and escape with fifteen fellow slaves and family members. Smalls joined the Union Navy and rose to the rank of captain and became the first African American to command a U.S. service ship. After the war Smalls returned to Beaufort, bought the home of his former master, and began a long career in state and national politics.
This new edition of The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls , originally published in 1971, features Louise Meriwether's original narrative, now illustrated by the colorful paintings of renowned Southern artist Jonathan Green.
Robert Smalls, born a slave in 1839 in Beaufort, South Carolina, gained fame as an African American hero of the American Civil War. The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls tells the inspirational story of Small's life as a slave, his boyhood dream of freedom, and his bold and daring plan as a young man to commandeer a Confederate gunboat from Charleston Harbor and escape with fifteen fellow slaves and family members. Smalls joined the Union Navy and rose to the rank of captain and became the first African American to command a U.S. service ship. After the war Smalls returned to Beaufort, bought the home of his former master, and began a long career in state and national politics.
This new edition of The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls , originally published in 1971, features Louise Meriwether's original narrative, now illustrated by the colorful paintings of renowned Southern artist Jonathan Green.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 1971
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About the author
Louise Meriwether
10 books62 followersLouise Meriwether was an American novelist, essayist, journalist and activist, as well as a writer of biographies of historically important African Americans for children.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 17, 2018
The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls by Louise Meriwether is an engaging story that will educate children about American history. Not only do readers get a glimpse of the emotions experienced by African Americans during the time of slavery, but they are also introduced to an unsung hero from that period. After his escape from slavery, Robert Smalls became a navy captain as well as an influential Congressman. His story inspires others to persevere through hardship and dream of greatness. The colorful illustrations by Jonathan Green bring history to life in a way that will delight children. This book would make a wonderful addition to any library. (reviewed by V.Andrews)
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of each book from the Univeresity of South Carolina Press to facilitate this review. Opinions are those of the reviewer and are freely given.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of each book from the Univeresity of South Carolina Press to facilitate this review. Opinions are those of the reviewer and are freely given.
April 18, 2018
Robert Smalls is born as a slave, but the chaos of the American Civil War gives him a one-in-a-million chance to escape to freedom with his family. A moving true story of how one man had the ingenuity and determination that inspired others to join him in a desperate flight towards a free life.
I loved this story! Robert Smalls was so brave and smart. He persevered through many obstacles to protect his family and friends and help them escape together. I was captivated by his touching story!
But I found a few typos in the writing. These might be changed as newer editions are published. And sometimes the writing felt flat and simplified for a very young audience. I think the story could have been told for a slightly older reader, and would have been more engaging with a little more depth to the story, and more historical details.
I also did not like the illustrations. They’re done in a mushy kind of style that’s a little blurry. The colors are garish and blend together, so that I had to stare at the page for a bit to figure out what I was seeing. There aren’t many clear lines, and it makes some of the aspects of the scene confusing. Is that a tree limb hanging OVER the water, or a fallen log floating IN the water? I don’t know. It’s too blurry to tell.
Is that the person’s mouth? No, wait that’s their beard. I think? 🤔
Also several of the illustrations do not line up with the subject of the writing on the same page. The writing says all the people are on a boat, but the adjacent illustration shows a woman running through an orchard. ??? Where did SHE come from? Why isn’t there a picture of them all on the boat?
Three or four of the illustrations look almost the same too. Showing the same scene from slightly different angles. Why am I looking at the exact same boat again? Why can’t I see inside the boat? Or inside the fort? Or a picture of the sentries? Or a picture of the slaves hiding below? Out of all the possible scenes to paint, you had to show me the same one four times?? Lazy.
The story itself is wonderful! The writing is just okay, not great. The illustrations are disappointing and confusing.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my owntrue thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I loved this story! Robert Smalls was so brave and smart. He persevered through many obstacles to protect his family and friends and help them escape together. I was captivated by his touching story!
But I found a few typos in the writing. These might be changed as newer editions are published. And sometimes the writing felt flat and simplified for a very young audience. I think the story could have been told for a slightly older reader, and would have been more engaging with a little more depth to the story, and more historical details.
I also did not like the illustrations. They’re done in a mushy kind of style that’s a little blurry. The colors are garish and blend together, so that I had to stare at the page for a bit to figure out what I was seeing. There aren’t many clear lines, and it makes some of the aspects of the scene confusing. Is that a tree limb hanging OVER the water, or a fallen log floating IN the water? I don’t know. It’s too blurry to tell.
Is that the person’s mouth? No, wait that’s their beard. I think? 🤔
Also several of the illustrations do not line up with the subject of the writing on the same page. The writing says all the people are on a boat, but the adjacent illustration shows a woman running through an orchard. ??? Where did SHE come from? Why isn’t there a picture of them all on the boat?
Three or four of the illustrations look almost the same too. Showing the same scene from slightly different angles. Why am I looking at the exact same boat again? Why can’t I see inside the boat? Or inside the fort? Or a picture of the sentries? Or a picture of the slaves hiding below? Out of all the possible scenes to paint, you had to show me the same one four times?? Lazy.
The story itself is wonderful! The writing is just okay, not great. The illustrations are disappointing and confusing.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my owntrue thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
June 13, 2020
Inspirational history! Robert Smalls was born into slavery and as an adolescent was sent away from the Beaufort, South Carolina cotton plantation to Charleston, to work various jobs for his slave owner. He married an enslaved hotel maid, Hannah Jones and worked as a wheelman on the Confederate Navy ship, the Planter.
On May 13th, 1862, he carried-out a bold plan along with the slave crew to liberate themselves and their families from the cruel chains of human bondage. This book has an inspirational story-line and an abundance of blue hues in the illustrations. A great read!
On May 13th, 1862, he carried-out a bold plan along with the slave crew to liberate themselves and their families from the cruel chains of human bondage. This book has an inspirational story-line and an abundance of blue hues in the illustrations. A great read!
September 18, 2018
An excellent picture book biography for secondary students. From escaped slave from Beaufort, SC to the US House of Representatives (5 terms). The beautiful illustrations are done by my favorite artist, Mr. Jonathan Green from South Carolina, who is known for his Gullah paintings. Whenever in Charleston, SC make sure to read all the plaques dedicated to Captain Robert Smalls along the Battery. There is a proposal to create a statue of Robert Smalls to be installed at the South Carolina State House.
June 29, 2020
The story is tight and the illustrations are as beautiful as you’d expect from Jonathan Green.
February 9, 2023
A good story, but the impact of the huge risk Captain Smalls was very underplayed.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews