What do you think?
The Escape of Robert Smalls: A Daring Voyage Out of Slavery
The mist in Charleston Inner Harbor was heavy, but not heavy enough to disguise the stolen Confederate steamship, the Planter, from Confederate soldiers. In the early hours of May 13, 1862, in the midst of the deadly U.S. Civil War, an enslaved man named Robert Smalls was about to carry out a perilous plan of escape. Standing at the helm of the ship, Smalls impersonated the captain as he and his crew passed heavily armed Confederate forts to enter Union territory, where escaped slaves were given shelter. The suspenseful escape of the determined crew is celebrated with beautiful artwork and insightful prose, detailing the true account of an unsung American hero.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2019
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 31, 2022
Biography about a man who escapes slavery by impersonating a captain.
August 16, 2019
This picture biography really captures the perilous situation Robert Smalls and his passengers were in when they made their daring escape -- right under the noses of the Confederates. I love the illustrations as they do a wonderful job in depicting details like Smalls resemblance to the boat captain and the route the steamship took to freedom. A more detailed explanation on slavery, the Civil War and the rest of the story for Robert is included at the back of the book. Robert Small is an American hero we all need to know.
Thank you to Capstone and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Capstone and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2019
A book that combine a thrilling story, there is definitely tension in this one, and historical persons and facts. I always find it interesting to get the chance to know ordinary people who «change» or at least let their mark on history by their action. Maybe a bit long for the targeted readers, but a good book about and important period in the US history!
April 3, 2019
I am so happy this book exists! Robert Smalls is an American hero who hasn't gotten nearly as many national holidays and monuments as he deserves.
This story does an excellent job of describing just how dangerous the mission was, and just how brave and clever Mr. Smalls had to have been.
Maybe we can get a sequel? :)
arc received from the publisher
This story does an excellent job of describing just how dangerous the mission was, and just how brave and clever Mr. Smalls had to have been.
Maybe we can get a sequel? :)
arc received from the publisher
February 1, 2020
I received a copy of Jehan Jones-Radgowski's book The Escape of Robert Smalls: A Daring Voyage Out of Slavery from Capstone Editions as a 2020 participant in the Multicultural Children's Book Day and I am grateful to be able to add this to our elementary library collection. It shares the true story of Robert Smalls and his heroic escape from the Confederate south, leading his crew and their families to freedom in 1862. Sailing past heavily armed forts under the cover of night towards a Union fleet in the midst of the U.S. Civil War. It was risky but he was ready.
Robert Smalls's story is one of resilience, patience, and prudent preparation. It was inspiring to see how he grew in his knowledge of the ins and outs of operating the ship he worked on; memorizing the routes and becoming a wheelman. He was able to take what he learned and see his plan through to completion. Now in the North, he'd go on to fight as the first black captain of a U.S. military ship and retire as a U.S. Congressman.
Through Jehan Jones-Radgowski's thorough narrative, the reader will get to meet a brilliant man of courage. This book is recommended for grades 3-6 and would make a great classroom read aloud but it is written in a way that is accessible to the independent reader too because the writing is clear and straightforward. The backmatter includes a glossary and an Afterword that provides more detail about Robert Smalls and his achievements.
Thank you to Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen, the co-founders of Multicultural Children's Book Day, for organizing this year's event and for getting books into the hands of readers.
Robert Smalls's story is one of resilience, patience, and prudent preparation. It was inspiring to see how he grew in his knowledge of the ins and outs of operating the ship he worked on; memorizing the routes and becoming a wheelman. He was able to take what he learned and see his plan through to completion. Now in the North, he'd go on to fight as the first black captain of a U.S. military ship and retire as a U.S. Congressman.
Through Jehan Jones-Radgowski's thorough narrative, the reader will get to meet a brilliant man of courage. This book is recommended for grades 3-6 and would make a great classroom read aloud but it is written in a way that is accessible to the independent reader too because the writing is clear and straightforward. The backmatter includes a glossary and an Afterword that provides more detail about Robert Smalls and his achievements.
Thank you to Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen, the co-founders of Multicultural Children's Book Day, for organizing this year's event and for getting books into the hands of readers.
August 14, 2019
First of all, I have to say just how much I love children's picture books that tell about stories that happened in real life. They bring history alive for kids. All the dates and names and numbers in the history books never worked for me. I needed the stories of the people to help explain what really went on and why it was so important. And that's why I cant praise this book enough.
Jehan Jones Radgowski depicts the heroic acts of Robert Smalls in a simple yet powerful way that even the youngest reader can understand. She wove the history of the slave trade and the civil war into the story, giving us a context without making it sound like a lecture. It was an incredible work of art all on it's own and then we get the illustrations by Poppy Kang too! The art was fantastic, with just the right mixture of realism and cartoon to make the images pop off the page. This really was a fantastic read!
https://auntaddiesbookshelf.wordpress...
Jehan Jones Radgowski depicts the heroic acts of Robert Smalls in a simple yet powerful way that even the youngest reader can understand. She wove the history of the slave trade and the civil war into the story, giving us a context without making it sound like a lecture. It was an incredible work of art all on it's own and then we get the illustrations by Poppy Kang too! The art was fantastic, with just the right mixture of realism and cartoon to make the images pop off the page. This really was a fantastic read!
https://auntaddiesbookshelf.wordpress...
September 24, 2019
Fantastic picture book detailing one particular moment in the incredible life of Robert Smalls. Smalls was born into slavery in South Carolina but went on to become a free man elected to serve in both the South Carolina Legislature and the US House of Representatives. He led an amazing life, but this book focuses on his daring escape from slavery during the Civil War. He was a sailor on a Confederate ship, and one night when the captain and white crew members were off-ship, he and the other enslaved black crew members--and their families!--sailed out of Charleston harbor and off to where the Union warships were based farther up the coast. It was an amazing, daring escape that gave me chills to read about. The illustrations are also beautifully done, and they perfectly capture this incredible moment in the life of Robert Smalls. I would recommend this book to all elementary school librarians and teachers, parents of young children, and anyone who wants to get a glimpse of this inspiring story.
January 24, 2020
I first learned about Robert Smalls during my time living in Charleston.
I remember stopping to read a historic marker placed along the battery that recounted his act of INCREDIBLE bravery, and his story has stuck with me ever since.
If you don't know about Robert Smalls, i encourage you to read this book and then share it with someone else.
I remember stopping to read a historic marker placed along the battery that recounted his act of INCREDIBLE bravery, and his story has stuck with me ever since.
If you don't know about Robert Smalls, i encourage you to read this book and then share it with someone else.
January 22, 2021
4.5 stars. Loved the story and illustrations.
March 13, 2019
The story of how Robert Smalls, a slave during the Civil War, managed to steal Confederate steamship Planter and captain it and a number of escaped slaves to freedom in Union territory is one of those almost-too-good-to-be-true stories. Jehan Jones-Radgowski (writer) and Poppy Kang (illustrator) don’t, I’d say, give the amazing tale its due justice in Robert Smalls: A Daring Voyage Out of Slavery, but they do offer up a solid narrative with its moments of suspense.
The story opens with a nicely atmospheric moment, with crickets chirping, water lapping, the murmuring of men on the docks, and then the “thump, thump, thump of Robert Smalls’ racing heart.” Then there’s some exposition—brief explanations of slavery, the war, how the Planter’s captain Charles Relyea, against policy, left the ship the night of May 12, 1962, in Small’s hands. We then get a quick dive into Smalls’ background, focusing on how he gained his seaman skills, rising in ranks until he attained the position of wheelman. After this bit of personal history, the story moves forward to the beginnings of Small’s plan to steal the ship, how he learned to mimic Captain Relyea’s “look” at the wheel — his stance, his movements, and as well the passcodes to allow the ship safe passage past forts, important information as on the night of the escape they’d have to get past two heavily armed forts on their ten-mile journey to Union territory.
Two of his fellow slave shipmates got cold feet and backed out, leading the rest to worry their plan would be revealed, but they put it into action anyway, moving away from the docks, stopping to pick up their families hiding nearby, then continuing on, past several heart-stopping encounters with a gunship, the first fort, and then Fort Sumter, who realized too late something was amiss, so that by the time they started firing the Planter was out of range. The escapade ends with the ship convincing a hostile Union ship not to fire, though it was a close call. In an afterword, Jones-Radgowski gives some broader history on the institution of American slavery, the war, , the Thirteenth Amendment ending slavery, and then Smalls’ later life as a congressman and Navy captain.
As noted, it’s a solid enough retelling. The prose is a bit pedestrian both in language and syntax, and could have benefitted from some more sensual detail. The voice is also a bit distant, and it would have been nice to have had a sharper sense of the people, the stakes, maybe seen some of the story from, say, a child’s point of view or one of the people putting their trust in Smalls, beyond a few times where the story tells us they crouched in fear. The illustrations are lovely in their muted colors, appropriate for the foggy night. Inclusion of a map is a nice touch, and the illustrator makes good use of light, as when its focused on some of the hidden family members or in the windows of Fort Sumter to highlight the vigilant soldiers.
The story of Robert Smalls is so incredible, and so affected these lives, that it just felt that while the book does a decent job of conveying the facts and some suspense, it fell a little short in style, voice, character. A recommended read for its content for sure, but I wouldn’t mind seeing the story tackled in a more effective, and affecting, manner.
The story opens with a nicely atmospheric moment, with crickets chirping, water lapping, the murmuring of men on the docks, and then the “thump, thump, thump of Robert Smalls’ racing heart.” Then there’s some exposition—brief explanations of slavery, the war, how the Planter’s captain Charles Relyea, against policy, left the ship the night of May 12, 1962, in Small’s hands. We then get a quick dive into Smalls’ background, focusing on how he gained his seaman skills, rising in ranks until he attained the position of wheelman. After this bit of personal history, the story moves forward to the beginnings of Small’s plan to steal the ship, how he learned to mimic Captain Relyea’s “look” at the wheel — his stance, his movements, and as well the passcodes to allow the ship safe passage past forts, important information as on the night of the escape they’d have to get past two heavily armed forts on their ten-mile journey to Union territory.
Two of his fellow slave shipmates got cold feet and backed out, leading the rest to worry their plan would be revealed, but they put it into action anyway, moving away from the docks, stopping to pick up their families hiding nearby, then continuing on, past several heart-stopping encounters with a gunship, the first fort, and then Fort Sumter, who realized too late something was amiss, so that by the time they started firing the Planter was out of range. The escapade ends with the ship convincing a hostile Union ship not to fire, though it was a close call. In an afterword, Jones-Radgowski gives some broader history on the institution of American slavery, the war, , the Thirteenth Amendment ending slavery, and then Smalls’ later life as a congressman and Navy captain.
As noted, it’s a solid enough retelling. The prose is a bit pedestrian both in language and syntax, and could have benefitted from some more sensual detail. The voice is also a bit distant, and it would have been nice to have had a sharper sense of the people, the stakes, maybe seen some of the story from, say, a child’s point of view or one of the people putting their trust in Smalls, beyond a few times where the story tells us they crouched in fear. The illustrations are lovely in their muted colors, appropriate for the foggy night. Inclusion of a map is a nice touch, and the illustrator makes good use of light, as when its focused on some of the hidden family members or in the windows of Fort Sumter to highlight the vigilant soldiers.
The story of Robert Smalls is so incredible, and so affected these lives, that it just felt that while the book does a decent job of conveying the facts and some suspense, it fell a little short in style, voice, character. A recommended read for its content for sure, but I wouldn’t mind seeing the story tackled in a more effective, and affecting, manner.
February 13, 2019
What makes this book different is that it can be used as a bedtime story or you can do a full-blown unit study with it! I am a homeschooling mom and I found this book to be jam-packed with a lot of information that I can use in my homeschool. The age range is between nine and ten and the reading grade level is from third to the sixth grades. The story takes place in 1862 in Charleston Harbor. The story is about Robert Smalls a slave who was hired on The Planter a Confederate ship where he was quickly promoted to wheelman. Robert Smalls used his skills and talents to find freedom.
The book is filled with great illustrations, very detailed, full of history and geography. I also appreciate the Afterword that is filled with even more historical information about the main character and a glossary. I highly recommend this book and I would love to read more books on this author.
This title will be released on October 1, 2019, so make sure to preorder your book today!
I just reviewed The Escape of Robert Smalls by Jhan Jones Radgowski. #EscapeOfRobertSmalls #NetGalley
I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions and reviews are my own.
The book is filled with great illustrations, very detailed, full of history and geography. I also appreciate the Afterword that is filled with even more historical information about the main character and a glossary. I highly recommend this book and I would love to read more books on this author.
This title will be released on October 1, 2019, so make sure to preorder your book today!
I just reviewed The Escape of Robert Smalls by Jhan Jones Radgowski. #EscapeOfRobertSmalls #NetGalley
I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions and reviews are my own.
April 23, 2019
n the early morning hours of May 13, 1862, Robert Smalls poses as a Confederate warship captain to lead a crew of slaves on a daring escape. With a ship full of crew and family, they must pass by one of the most highly defended Confederate forts. Will Smalls be able to successfully impersonate the captain and lead the ship to safety? Or will their escape be over before it even starts?
Based on a true story, this book introduces readers ages 9-12 to one of the little known heroes of the Civil War. Before reading The Escape of Robert Smalls, I'd never heard of this unsung hero. But his story, courage, and integrity were so clearly portrayed in this picture book. Due to his clear thinking and nerves of steel, Small changed the fate of his crew and their families. We need more stories like this, holding up men and women of integrity for our kids to admire. As a teacher, I'm happy to share this book with my students as we study the Civil War. If you're looking to learn more about the Civil War or just looking for great examples of strength and character, this picture book is a great place to start.
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Based on a true story, this book introduces readers ages 9-12 to one of the little known heroes of the Civil War. Before reading The Escape of Robert Smalls, I'd never heard of this unsung hero. But his story, courage, and integrity were so clearly portrayed in this picture book. Due to his clear thinking and nerves of steel, Small changed the fate of his crew and their families. We need more stories like this, holding up men and women of integrity for our kids to admire. As a teacher, I'm happy to share this book with my students as we study the Civil War. If you're looking to learn more about the Civil War or just looking for great examples of strength and character, this picture book is a great place to start.
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
August 22, 2019
I had never heard about Robert Smalls, but after reading THE ESCAPE OF ROBERT SMALLS: A DARING VOYAGE OUT OF SLAVERY his story is one I will never forget. Robert was an enslaved black man, born in Beaufort, SC in 1839, who worked on a Confederate Army supply ship, the Planter, in Charleston during the Civil War. He was very clever and observant. By watching the captain day after day, Robert learned how to sail the ship. Then one night, he hatched a plan to steal the ship and turn it over to the Union Army. He enlisted the help of his fellow enslaved shipmates, and one night while the captain was enjoying some time on shore with his family, Robert and the crew steered the ship past strongly guarded forts in Confederate territory to Union controlled waters.
Jehan Jones-Radgowski’s words combined with Poppy Kang’s beautiful illustrations bring Robert Small’s story to life in striking detail. The author establishes the difficulty and danger of Robert’s actions as well as his bravery. The end papers are not to be missed as we learn even more about this American hero.
Thank you to Capstone Editions and Netgalley for providing me with a review copy.
More here: https://thewingedpen.com/2019/08/22/f...
Jehan Jones-Radgowski’s words combined with Poppy Kang’s beautiful illustrations bring Robert Small’s story to life in striking detail. The author establishes the difficulty and danger of Robert’s actions as well as his bravery. The end papers are not to be missed as we learn even more about this American hero.
Thank you to Capstone Editions and Netgalley for providing me with a review copy.
More here: https://thewingedpen.com/2019/08/22/f...
April 28, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
I enjoyed this book so much. I love learning about historical people who made a difference, and I’m so glad that this book is out there to teach children about Robert Smalls. The story does a great job in being approachable while also highlighting the danger and careful planning that had to be done in order for Smalls to make his escape. The suspense was beautifully built and kept me engaged and at the edge of my seat. It was incredibly informative as well while also being appropriate for a children’s book. I appreciated the glossary at the back for some of the more challenging words–definitely could build a vocabulary list from this! The illustrations were absolutely delightful and do a lot to enhance the story.
This would be an incredible addition to a classroom library and a great resource for children learning/researching about the Civil War. I definitely recommend this!
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
I enjoyed this book so much. I love learning about historical people who made a difference, and I’m so glad that this book is out there to teach children about Robert Smalls. The story does a great job in being approachable while also highlighting the danger and careful planning that had to be done in order for Smalls to make his escape. The suspense was beautifully built and kept me engaged and at the edge of my seat. It was incredibly informative as well while also being appropriate for a children’s book. I appreciated the glossary at the back for some of the more challenging words–definitely could build a vocabulary list from this! The illustrations were absolutely delightful and do a lot to enhance the story.
This would be an incredible addition to a classroom library and a great resource for children learning/researching about the Civil War. I definitely recommend this!
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
February 12, 2019
I loved this story of bravery and courage in the face of extreme danger, and I cannot wait to add it to my classroom library! In addition to telling a riveting story in an easy to read way, I loved that it didn’t try to sugarcoat the institution of slavery- calling out “brutal conditions,” whippings, and the horrifying reality of trying to buy back ones family- when many books try to add in asides about happy, singing, smiling enslaved people. I also appreciate the use of “enslaved people” rather than “slaves.” It reinforces the shift I am trying to make in my own teaching practice and life.
The well researched and sourced facts and information at the end make this picture book equally usable in a middle school classroom to support nonfiction text studies. I personally was thrilled when I read that Mr, Smalls went back and purchased his former master’s house after the war. I know my kids will too when I share it with them. This book features enslaved people willing to risk their lives for freedom, and is a powerful tale I will love to share with my students.
The well researched and sourced facts and information at the end make this picture book equally usable in a middle school classroom to support nonfiction text studies. I personally was thrilled when I read that Mr, Smalls went back and purchased his former master’s house after the war. I know my kids will too when I share it with them. This book features enslaved people willing to risk their lives for freedom, and is a powerful tale I will love to share with my students.
September 6, 2019
I am so impressed with the book, The Escape of Robert Smalls by Jehan Jones Radgowski. I thought from the description that it would be a longer read geared towards fourth grade and up. I am sure that they would enjoy this story too but it is just right for a second grade reader. Wonderful, authentic, meaning text that developing reader can learn from as well as enjoy reading. Not too long, not too short; a clear concise narrative of the escape with interesting illustrations to go along it The Afterword concerning background of the times and his further endeavors is an excellent bonus..
I live in the South but sadly had never heard of Robert Smalls so I found him to be inspiringly remarkable. Even so I was glad to see this was a man who never stopped doing what many would have thought impossible during his lifetime. Certainly children need to learn about this individual. This book brings his thinking-in-the-moment bravery to exciting life.
The publisher through Net Galley provided an ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
I live in the South but sadly had never heard of Robert Smalls so I found him to be inspiringly remarkable. Even so I was glad to see this was a man who never stopped doing what many would have thought impossible during his lifetime. Certainly children need to learn about this individual. This book brings his thinking-in-the-moment bravery to exciting life.
The publisher through Net Galley provided an ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
August 1, 2019
Robert Smalls was a slave during the Civil War, and he had a job on a Confederate warship which enabled him to get close to the captain. Since the captain broke protocol and left the ship in Robert's control in order to visit family, Robert was able to escape from slavery with his family, the crew, and their families because of his quick wits, careful planning, and bravery in the face of danger.
This book is well written, tells historical events in a simple, comprehensible way, and has beautifully painted artwork. There is a historical note in the back as well as a glossary of terms. I believe this book would be a great resource for upper elementary school classes, and I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This book is well written, tells historical events in a simple, comprehensible way, and has beautifully painted artwork. There is a historical note in the back as well as a glossary of terms. I believe this book would be a great resource for upper elementary school classes, and I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
October 18, 2019
The Escape of Robert Smalls is a children’s read aloud book with fabulous illustrations by Poppy Kang and written by Jehan Jones-Radgowski. The book shares a story of a man determined to be free at a time when being free was not an easy option for a black man.
Robert Smalls was a slave born in South Carolina. He was born at a time when slavery was allowed in the Southern states, but not in the Northern States. Many slaves wanted to escape to freedom, but the treacherous journey, as well as the Fugitive Slave Laws kept many from trying. Robert Smalls and a few friends had come up with a bold escape plan, but would it work?
I liked how the book didn’t presume prior knowledge of slavery. The story was just tense enough to keep youngsters guessing and hoping for the best. The Escape of Robert Smalls was a good read aloud!
Robert Smalls was a slave born in South Carolina. He was born at a time when slavery was allowed in the Southern states, but not in the Northern States. Many slaves wanted to escape to freedom, but the treacherous journey, as well as the Fugitive Slave Laws kept many from trying. Robert Smalls and a few friends had come up with a bold escape plan, but would it work?
I liked how the book didn’t presume prior knowledge of slavery. The story was just tense enough to keep youngsters guessing and hoping for the best. The Escape of Robert Smalls was a good read aloud!
February 16, 2019
This is a well done illustrated book focusing on Robert Smalls who planned and executed an escape from slavery during the Civil War. The simplicity of the language allows younger readers to understand the history, although some vocabulary is challenging but appropriate. The author provides both an afterward and glossary, enhancing the historical value of using this book in the classroom or teaching. Enticing young readers or young listeners, the author artfully employs tension to move the story along and the simple, authentic illustrations help readers understand what is happening. This book is an excellent addition to a unit on the Civil War, Black History, or courage. It is appropriate for ages 9-12.
I received an advanced copy from Capstone via NetGalley.
I received an advanced copy from Capstone via NetGalley.
January 30, 2019
Excellent, easy, fun way to learn history! The title captures the whole story. The wording/written text is very good, compelling, interesting....& the illustrations that go along with it are wonderful, portraying the whole event very well to the reader. The target audience is said to be 9-12 y/o, but this adult also found it a very good read. I thoroughly enjoyed every page, including the 'Afterword' at the end...explaining some US history, & about the real Robert Smalls life. Very well done!
I received a free e-ARC of this book from Capstone, via NetGalley, in return for reading it & offering my own fair/honest review.
I received a free e-ARC of this book from Capstone, via NetGalley, in return for reading it & offering my own fair/honest review.
February 4, 2019
The Escape of Robert Smalls: A Daring Voyage Out of Slavery (Hardcover)
by Jehan Jones-Radgowski
Robert Smalls and his fellow sailors do a daring escape for freedom, past two forts and into the enemy territory. Having lived his life as a slave, Robert Smalls learned to understand the parts and processes of a steam ship. His daring plan to help his family may just cost them all their lives. The book focuses on the historical and political problems with slavery, and the battle of the union.
A great book for showing personal struggle and danger that slaves faced in their bid for freedom. This is a great instructive book for young students to understand black history.
by Jehan Jones-Radgowski
Robert Smalls and his fellow sailors do a daring escape for freedom, past two forts and into the enemy territory. Having lived his life as a slave, Robert Smalls learned to understand the parts and processes of a steam ship. His daring plan to help his family may just cost them all their lives. The book focuses on the historical and political problems with slavery, and the battle of the union.
A great book for showing personal struggle and danger that slaves faced in their bid for freedom. This is a great instructive book for young students to understand black history.
February 8, 2019
An exceptional picture book for older readers. This book tells the true story of an enslaved person who figures out a way to escape during the Civil War. The story of Robert Smalls was one I didn't know, and I was very glad to read the tale. The images and text were well done. The pictures reminded me of early American paintings in their sparse simplicity. The story is told with care but with honesty. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a non-fiction book for their child, particularly a fourth or fifth grader studying American history. This would make a nice addition to a curriculum as well.
Thank you to NetGalley who passed on an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley who passed on an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2019
What an exciting story! I've actually heard about this escape, but this book brings it to life quite nicely. It mixes the right amount of tension with historical information. I'd highly recommend this story of bravery and adventure.
I really enjoyed the illustrations as well. Love the one that compares the Confederate captain of the boat to Robert Smalls!
Note: This is a picture book meant for older children. (Not that younger kids couldn't read it. But the word count is fairly high for a picture book.)
**I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
I really enjoyed the illustrations as well. Love the one that compares the Confederate captain of the boat to Robert Smalls!
Note: This is a picture book meant for older children. (Not that younger kids couldn't read it. But the word count is fairly high for a picture book.)
**I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
March 12, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and this publisher for allowing an advanced viewing of this book.
It is important that children find role models in whom they can see similarities and likeness to themselves.
The fact that this man looked much like his caucasian counterpart is wonderful. We have so few differences. I love when the similarities are the focus.
I think students will be encouraged by this book. They will feel a sense of adventure as the crew and their families pass each point in their journey and root for their success. We need more instances when we root for each other. Thank you for providing one.
It is important that children find role models in whom they can see similarities and likeness to themselves.
The fact that this man looked much like his caucasian counterpart is wonderful. We have so few differences. I love when the similarities are the focus.
I think students will be encouraged by this book. They will feel a sense of adventure as the crew and their families pass each point in their journey and root for their success. We need more instances when we root for each other. Thank you for providing one.
July 4, 2019
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley. Thank You so much to Jhan Jones Radgowski for writing this book! The Escape of Robert Smalls will give children and grade schoolers a terrific insight into the Civil War and what it was all about. The pictures were nicely illustrated and depicted the events of the story well. There was also a short one page history of Robert Smalls and the Civil war in the back as well as a page of glossary terms. Both of these items will be able to help readers continue searching for information about topics discussed in the book. I would give this book 5 star for excellent storytelling, illustrations, and information.
February 28, 2019
The Escape of Robert Smalls is a very informative book about how Robert Smalls and a small crew of enslaved men, along with their families, were able to escape the South aboard a Confederate ship to find their freedom in the North.
The story is engaging and well written for it's intended audience (9 - 12 year old children). The wonderful illustrations that accompanied the text helped tell the story and will be appealing to any student who picks this book up. I think that will be a great read-aloud to 3rd - 5th grade students.
The story is engaging and well written for it's intended audience (9 - 12 year old children). The wonderful illustrations that accompanied the text helped tell the story and will be appealing to any student who picks this book up. I think that will be a great read-aloud to 3rd - 5th grade students.
March 13, 2019
When it comes to freedom, one is willing to risk anything. Robert Smalls was no exception, and he was not only thinking of himself. He took a total of 16 people to freedom, after stealing a confederate steamboat.
This amazing story is great for kids who are learning the history of the United States. Not only was Robert Smalls a slave, but he ended up serving the United States government in the house of Representatives.
This is one amazing story and it deserves to be shared! Get this and read it to your kids now!
This amazing story is great for kids who are learning the history of the United States. Not only was Robert Smalls a slave, but he ended up serving the United States government in the house of Representatives.
This is one amazing story and it deserves to be shared! Get this and read it to your kids now!
April 2, 2019
Thank you to Capstone Publishing for sharing an advanced copy of this one with our #bookexpedition group.
The Escape of Robert Smalls tells the narrative of an enslaved man impersonating the captain of The Planter as he passed the ship through Confederate forts & entered Union territory. After his daring escape, Smalls joined the Navy & later on became the first black captain of a U.S. military ship, fighting in 17 battles. After the war, Smalls became a politician, serving as a U.S. congressman. Excellent back matter and must read story of courage & determination. Publishes 9/1/19.
The Escape of Robert Smalls tells the narrative of an enslaved man impersonating the captain of The Planter as he passed the ship through Confederate forts & entered Union territory. After his daring escape, Smalls joined the Navy & later on became the first black captain of a U.S. military ship, fighting in 17 battles. After the war, Smalls became a politician, serving as a U.S. congressman. Excellent back matter and must read story of courage & determination. Publishes 9/1/19.
November 22, 2019
The illustrations here are bold in a way that really conveys the tension and danger of the escape that Smalls and the others on the ship made.
The text is always clear that there is a lot of danger, but it's not always clear in the moment what the danger is (how/why they would get caught going past the forts). But by the end, the amount of care, preparation, work, and courage that went into the escape comes through.
The story ends with the group being welcomed onto the Union ship; the back matter talks about Smalls fighting for the Union and going on to have a career in politics.
The text is always clear that there is a lot of danger, but it's not always clear in the moment what the danger is (how/why they would get caught going past the forts). But by the end, the amount of care, preparation, work, and courage that went into the escape comes through.
The story ends with the group being welcomed onto the Union ship; the back matter talks about Smalls fighting for the Union and going on to have a career in politics.
February 18, 2019
This was a fantastic book depicting the heroic acts of Robert Smalls. The graphics in this book are appropriate for children of all ages and the story follows traditional tales of this story. This book is well put together and definitely a great book for students to use to gain information or it would also make a great read-aloud for a classroom teacher during a civil war or black history lesson. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews