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The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls
This exciting entry in Lee & Low's "Story of" line of chapter-book biographies introduces readers to Robert Smalls, an enslaved steamboat wheelman who commandeered a Confederate ship during the Civil War and escaped with his family and crew to freedom.
Growing up a slave in South Carolina, Robert Smalls always dreamed of the moment freedom would be within his grasp. Now that moment was here.
Robert stood proudly at the Planter's wheel. Only seven miles of water lay between the ship and the chance of freedom in Union territory. With precision and amazing courage, he navigated past the Confederate forts in the harbor and steered the ship toward the safety of the Union fleet. Just one miscalculation would be deadly, but for Robert, his family, and his crewmates, the risk was worth taking.
The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls is the compelling account of the daring escape of Robert Smalls, a slave steamboat wheelman who became one of the Civil War's greatest heroes. His steadfast courage in the face of adversity is an inspiring model for all who attempt to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. This chapter book edition includes black-and-white illustrations as well as sidebars on related subjects, a timeline, a glossary, and recommended reading.
Growing up a slave in South Carolina, Robert Smalls always dreamed of the moment freedom would be within his grasp. Now that moment was here.
Robert stood proudly at the Planter's wheel. Only seven miles of water lay between the ship and the chance of freedom in Union territory. With precision and amazing courage, he navigated past the Confederate forts in the harbor and steered the ship toward the safety of the Union fleet. Just one miscalculation would be deadly, but for Robert, his family, and his crewmates, the risk was worth taking.
The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls is the compelling account of the daring escape of Robert Smalls, a slave steamboat wheelman who became one of the Civil War's greatest heroes. His steadfast courage in the face of adversity is an inspiring model for all who attempt to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. This chapter book edition includes black-and-white illustrations as well as sidebars on related subjects, a timeline, a glossary, and recommended reading.
80 pages, Paperback
Published February 25, 2020
23 people want to read
About the author
Janet Halfmann
89 books28 followersJanet Halfmann is a multi-award-winning children’s author who strives to make her books come alive for young readers and listeners. Many of her picture books are about animals, nature, and community. She also writes picture book biographies about little-known people of achievement. Recent titles by Janet include How Can We Be Kind?: Wisdom from the Animal Kingdom; Caterpillar's Surprise; Yay for Big Brothers!; Who Is Singing?; The Clothesline Code; A Bobby-Dazzler of a Pouch!; The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls (Chapter Book for Grades 3-7); Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School; Grandma Is a Slowpoke; Animal Teachers; Eggs 1, 2, 3: Who Will the Babies Be?; Home in the Cave; Star of the Sea: A Day in the Life of a Starfish; Good Night, Little Sea Otter; Fur and Feathers; Little Skink's Tail; and Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story. Janet has written almost fifty fiction and nonfiction books for children.
Before becoming a children’s author, Janet was a daily newspaper reporter, children’s magazine editor, and a creator of coloring and activity books for Golden Books. She is the mother of four and the grandmother of seven. When Janet isn’t writing, she enjoys gardening, exploring nature, visiting living-history museums, and spending time with her family. She grew up on a farm in Michigan and now lives in WI. Find out more about Janet and her books at:
http://www.janethalfmannauthor.com
https://www.facebook.com/janethalfmann
https://twitter.com/JanetHalfmann
https://www.instagram.com/authorjanet...
Before becoming a children’s author, Janet was a daily newspaper reporter, children’s magazine editor, and a creator of coloring and activity books for Golden Books. She is the mother of four and the grandmother of seven. When Janet isn’t writing, she enjoys gardening, exploring nature, visiting living-history museums, and spending time with her family. She grew up on a farm in Michigan and now lives in WI. Find out more about Janet and her books at:
http://www.janethalfmannauthor.com
https://www.facebook.com/janethalfmann
https://twitter.com/JanetHalfmann
https://www.instagram.com/authorjanet...
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 10, 2020
My 7 year old and I read this wonderful book in one sitting...we had read about Robert Smalls before but the detail in this small chapter book was riveting. We particularly enjoyed that the narrative of Small's heroic escape from enslavement and rise in political power was interspersed with chapters giving background on slavery, the cause of the Civil War, naval history, and more. Back matter includes a timeline.
Whenever I read an amazing historical book like this with my child, I am angry that my own education was deprived of these amazing stories from American history and how miseducated I was about the history of the Reconstruction era. The story of Robert Smalls is inspiring and enraging and important.
A must-buy for all school libraries. Great classroom read-aloud for narrative nonfiction and biography.
Whenever I read an amazing historical book like this with my child, I am angry that my own education was deprived of these amazing stories from American history and how miseducated I was about the history of the Reconstruction era. The story of Robert Smalls is inspiring and enraging and important.
A must-buy for all school libraries. Great classroom read-aloud for narrative nonfiction and biography.
August 25, 2020
A hero before and after the Civil War, Robert Smalls gave his whole life to justice for his African-American brothers and sisters. He was smart, ending up a trusted boat captain in Charleston, SC when, during the Civil War, he saw a chance for freedom. It's an inspiring story yet also heartbreaking that he became the most powerful black man during his time in South Carolina, gaining a seat in Congress during Reconstruction, always fighting for what's best for his people, only to have much freedom taken away again by white supremacists. The few illustrations by Duane Smith show as unfocused reflections of the times. There is a timeline and more in the back matter!
March 4, 2020
Would you watch a movie about an enslaved man whose intelligence, ambition, skills, and daring choices affected the Civil War? Would you root for a hero who rescued his own and other enslaved families, leading them to freedom in the North? Are you curious about an enslaved man who delivered valuable weapons into the hands of the Union, right under the noses (and cannons) of guards at a Confederate fort? Would you want to know more about the childhood that shaped him, the heart-stopping events of that night, and the results of his heroic efforts in his later years?
I would.
I’ve noticed social media buzz indicating that there are people with the means to produce such a movie have heard about Smalls and are considering a feature about this hero, Robert Smalls.
No worries or frustration, though, about having to wait.
Author Janet Halfmann first wrote about this impressive unsung hero in her picture book, SEVEN MILES TO FREEDOM: The ROBERT SMALLS STORY. At that time very few in the general public knew his name or accomplishments. Published by Lee & Low in 2008, and illustrated by Duane Smith, that book was my introduction to Robert Smalls. Halfmann’s dramatic writing swept me along on his remarkable journey to freedom, and back matter revealed the intensity and authenticity of Halfmann’s research that enriched the telling with accuracy and detail.
The same publisher and creative team (Halfmann/Smith) have now released a new book about Robert Smalls. This chapter book format provides expanded details in the biographic narrative and extended historic context in each chapter’s supplementary pages. This title is a recent addition to the powerful Lee & Low series “The Story of…” .
I haven’t read other titles in this series, but in this case Halfmann has written both narrative and background segments with equal mastery. The life story of Robert Smalls remains little-known to many and deserves this awe-inspiring spotlight while the related historical references make Small's accomplishments all the more impressive.
Born enslaved, Smalls grew up within the comparatively “safe” status of a “favored” house servant, viewed fondly by his master/owner. But Robert was observant, noting the vicious abuse of slaves on nearby plantations and recognizing his own vulnerable standing within society. He witnessed the sale of other black people on the auction block in nearby Charleston, appalled by their separation from family and inability to control their own futures. He viewed other humans as they were reduced to pieces of property with no legal rights. Those observations made him yearn for freedom from his earliest age, propelling him to work toward that goal every day in every possible way.
The first chapter reveals this and more about an ambitious and astute young man who seeks a life of dignity and freedom, despite the steep odds against him. Readers will cheer for his courage and energy and intentions, for his resilience and hard work. Each chapter advances his life story through continuing challenges that take your breath away and tug at your heart.
Each dramatic narrative in a chapter is followed by a few pages of background and explanatory text, providing related historic facts and context. Those sections appear on gray-tone pages and use expository text patterns, but are equally accessible to readers with engaging language and structure. Each of these parallel chapter sections, the personal narrative and the background material, is strengthened by its relevance to the other.
Some of the recent and historic figures featured in THE STORY OF… series are prominently known, while others, like SMALLS, are less familiar to the general public. The series targets readers in grades three-to-six, but I, as an adult, found it to be informative and appealing. Well-written and compelling stories of people who lived powerful lives always are.
The structure of this book intersperses dramatic narrative chapters with riveting spot illustrations, followed by a short text section that is purely historic, incorporating archival images and details. The deep research used in both sections is documented in back matter sources, where nonfiction text conventions include a timeline, a section providing related resources (divided by topic), a glossary of terms, and another example of an enslaved person who risked her life to escape to freedom by hiding in a linen chest. The section of recommended related books is also sorted by topics. This will be of special interest to those who are eager to learn more of the hidden history of enslaved Americans who took enormous risks to reach freedom and support others.
I would.
I’ve noticed social media buzz indicating that there are people with the means to produce such a movie have heard about Smalls and are considering a feature about this hero, Robert Smalls.
No worries or frustration, though, about having to wait.
Author Janet Halfmann first wrote about this impressive unsung hero in her picture book, SEVEN MILES TO FREEDOM: The ROBERT SMALLS STORY. At that time very few in the general public knew his name or accomplishments. Published by Lee & Low in 2008, and illustrated by Duane Smith, that book was my introduction to Robert Smalls. Halfmann’s dramatic writing swept me along on his remarkable journey to freedom, and back matter revealed the intensity and authenticity of Halfmann’s research that enriched the telling with accuracy and detail.
The same publisher and creative team (Halfmann/Smith) have now released a new book about Robert Smalls. This chapter book format provides expanded details in the biographic narrative and extended historic context in each chapter’s supplementary pages. This title is a recent addition to the powerful Lee & Low series “The Story of…” .
I haven’t read other titles in this series, but in this case Halfmann has written both narrative and background segments with equal mastery. The life story of Robert Smalls remains little-known to many and deserves this awe-inspiring spotlight while the related historical references make Small's accomplishments all the more impressive.
Born enslaved, Smalls grew up within the comparatively “safe” status of a “favored” house servant, viewed fondly by his master/owner. But Robert was observant, noting the vicious abuse of slaves on nearby plantations and recognizing his own vulnerable standing within society. He witnessed the sale of other black people on the auction block in nearby Charleston, appalled by their separation from family and inability to control their own futures. He viewed other humans as they were reduced to pieces of property with no legal rights. Those observations made him yearn for freedom from his earliest age, propelling him to work toward that goal every day in every possible way.
The first chapter reveals this and more about an ambitious and astute young man who seeks a life of dignity and freedom, despite the steep odds against him. Readers will cheer for his courage and energy and intentions, for his resilience and hard work. Each chapter advances his life story through continuing challenges that take your breath away and tug at your heart.
Each dramatic narrative in a chapter is followed by a few pages of background and explanatory text, providing related historic facts and context. Those sections appear on gray-tone pages and use expository text patterns, but are equally accessible to readers with engaging language and structure. Each of these parallel chapter sections, the personal narrative and the background material, is strengthened by its relevance to the other.
Some of the recent and historic figures featured in THE STORY OF… series are prominently known, while others, like SMALLS, are less familiar to the general public. The series targets readers in grades three-to-six, but I, as an adult, found it to be informative and appealing. Well-written and compelling stories of people who lived powerful lives always are.
The structure of this book intersperses dramatic narrative chapters with riveting spot illustrations, followed by a short text section that is purely historic, incorporating archival images and details. The deep research used in both sections is documented in back matter sources, where nonfiction text conventions include a timeline, a section providing related resources (divided by topic), a glossary of terms, and another example of an enslaved person who risked her life to escape to freedom by hiding in a linen chest. The section of recommended related books is also sorted by topics. This will be of special interest to those who are eager to learn more of the hidden history of enslaved Americans who took enormous risks to reach freedom and support others.
November 28, 2020
Good early-reader biography of a pilot in the Civil War (a boat pilot, I guess I should say, in these times of Presidents with poor history comprehension). We start with his childhood, with his kind owners who kindly make him work and take all his wages from about age six and up. We see him learning and working for his family and assessing how to make a better life. When the South succeeds and continues to hire him to pilot ships against the interests of the USA he looks out for his chance. With his men he plans to rescue their families and themselves by impersonating the (white) captain and sailing away.
The escape is stressful -- the pictures and text paint the scene of silence, and then desperate bluffing as the men carefully make all the right signals and show all the correct signs, using shadows and lighting to prevent the sentries from noticing the color of the officer in charge. And when he works for the North, prejudice at first forces a white officer above him, but when that guy's cowardice almost loses them the ship they finally decide to let Robert Smalls take over. I liked learning about someone I hadn't heard of.
The escape is stressful -- the pictures and text paint the scene of silence, and then desperate bluffing as the men carefully make all the right signals and show all the correct signs, using shadows and lighting to prevent the sentries from noticing the color of the officer in charge. And when he works for the North, prejudice at first forces a white officer above him, but when that guy's cowardice almost loses them the ship they finally decide to let Robert Smalls take over. I liked learning about someone I hadn't heard of.
April 28, 2020
This book is part of the 'Have You Heard the Story Of...?' series, a series which highlights world-changing figures, who also belong to one of the minority groups here in the U.S.. This was the first book I've had a chance to read in the series, and it gets a big thumbs up from me.
Robert Smalls was born a slave before the Civil War, who, thanks to some interesting twists in his life, was able to work the docks and found his way to learn how to pilot a ship. His talent not only gained him respect but lead him to much greater places than he could have ever dreamed...especially after such extremely humble beginnings.
History can be so interesting if told correctly, and this book definitely accomplishes that. At less than eighty pages, it's not daunting at first grip...something reluctant readers will appreciate. The print itself is large, making it easy to read, and the book is not only divided up into interesting chapters, which mark the various stages of Robert Smalls life, but also throw in extra segments, which explain aspects of the time, which don't directly deal with Robert Smalls but rather deepen the understanding of what he faced or what he was working with. The entire text isn't written as dry facts, either, but allows Robert Smalls to come across as a real person and enables the readers to connect with him as an individual.
The illustrations in this book are a lovely addition. Not only do they help bring Robert Smalls to life, but also make it easier to picture the world he lived in. There are also maps, sketches and other visual aides, which assist in understanding what is explained in the text. Since these decorate almost every page, it's nice to flip through and simply gaze at them—another aspect which is sure to appeal to those with a shorter attention span.
At the end of the book, there's a timeline of Smalls' life, a glossary and a list of recommended reads for anyone wanting to learn more.
For those curious about Robert Smalls or the history of the Civil War or slavery, this read holds a lot of facts and information. For those who are discovering the era for other reasons, this is an interesting way to attack it, and it's hard to come away without knowing a few more details and gaining a better understanding of the time and Robert Smalls. In any case, it's not a boring, historical read but brings an historic figure to life in a way even those who aren't enthused about history will enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy and found this book really well done.
Robert Smalls was born a slave before the Civil War, who, thanks to some interesting twists in his life, was able to work the docks and found his way to learn how to pilot a ship. His talent not only gained him respect but lead him to much greater places than he could have ever dreamed...especially after such extremely humble beginnings.
History can be so interesting if told correctly, and this book definitely accomplishes that. At less than eighty pages, it's not daunting at first grip...something reluctant readers will appreciate. The print itself is large, making it easy to read, and the book is not only divided up into interesting chapters, which mark the various stages of Robert Smalls life, but also throw in extra segments, which explain aspects of the time, which don't directly deal with Robert Smalls but rather deepen the understanding of what he faced or what he was working with. The entire text isn't written as dry facts, either, but allows Robert Smalls to come across as a real person and enables the readers to connect with him as an individual.
The illustrations in this book are a lovely addition. Not only do they help bring Robert Smalls to life, but also make it easier to picture the world he lived in. There are also maps, sketches and other visual aides, which assist in understanding what is explained in the text. Since these decorate almost every page, it's nice to flip through and simply gaze at them—another aspect which is sure to appeal to those with a shorter attention span.
At the end of the book, there's a timeline of Smalls' life, a glossary and a list of recommended reads for anyone wanting to learn more.
For those curious about Robert Smalls or the history of the Civil War or slavery, this read holds a lot of facts and information. For those who are discovering the era for other reasons, this is an interesting way to attack it, and it's hard to come away without knowing a few more details and gaining a better understanding of the time and Robert Smalls. In any case, it's not a boring, historical read but brings an historic figure to life in a way even those who aren't enthused about history will enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy and found this book really well done.
April 30, 2020
Part of "The Story of" biography series from Lee & Low books, The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls by Janet Halfmann is a chapter book providing a glimpse into this brave, amazing man who was born into slavery and became a national hero.
Born in the slave quarters of a plantation in Beaufort, South Carolina, Robert Smalls began working for his master at the age of six. As his master's favorite, Smalls led an easier life than other enslaved people, but he still witnessed the evils of slavery. As he grew into a young man, he knew he wanted more for his life and for his people than living as the property of another man. The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls tells the story of the daring plan Smalls implemented to bring his family and others to freedom and how he helped the Union cause. It also follows his life after the war as a member of the United States Congress, a publisher, and a lifelong advocate for African Americans.
This is the second book by Janet Halfmann about the life of Robert Smalls that I've read. The picture book, Seven Miles to Freedom, is an excellent choice for younger readers. The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls is geared toward school-age children. In addition to the biography of Smalls, additional historical content provides an in-depth look into the times in which Small lived. According to the publisher's website, "The Story of" books include: informative sidebars, highlighted vocabulary words, a timeline, a glossary, a bibliography, and a recommended reading list. This information makes The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls the perfect book for school and public libraries and a great resource for all types of school projects. An inspiring story of a true American hero, The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls is a welcome addition to any Civil War library.
Highly recommended!
Born in the slave quarters of a plantation in Beaufort, South Carolina, Robert Smalls began working for his master at the age of six. As his master's favorite, Smalls led an easier life than other enslaved people, but he still witnessed the evils of slavery. As he grew into a young man, he knew he wanted more for his life and for his people than living as the property of another man. The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls tells the story of the daring plan Smalls implemented to bring his family and others to freedom and how he helped the Union cause. It also follows his life after the war as a member of the United States Congress, a publisher, and a lifelong advocate for African Americans.
This is the second book by Janet Halfmann about the life of Robert Smalls that I've read. The picture book, Seven Miles to Freedom, is an excellent choice for younger readers. The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls is geared toward school-age children. In addition to the biography of Smalls, additional historical content provides an in-depth look into the times in which Small lived. According to the publisher's website, "The Story of" books include: informative sidebars, highlighted vocabulary words, a timeline, a glossary, a bibliography, and a recommended reading list. This information makes The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls the perfect book for school and public libraries and a great resource for all types of school projects. An inspiring story of a true American hero, The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls is a welcome addition to any Civil War library.
Highly recommended!
April 15, 2020
I really like Lee and Low's "The Story of..." series: for me, it's easily a companion series to the more well-known "Who Was...?" series from Penguin Random House, and the subjects of the "Story of" books shine spotlights on people of color that we may not hear about as often. The biography of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls, by Janet Halfmann (The Midnight Teacher) and illustrated by Duane Smith (Seven Miles to Freedom), is a concise, thorough biography of Robert Smalls, an enslaved steamboat wheelman who saved his family and crew when he used the captain's hat and cover of darkness to commandeer a Confederate ship and steer it directly to the Union - and freedom. Filled with illustrations and photos, readers get a great picture of Robert Smalls and his nighttime ride through Confederate waters, and his life afterward, including his further actions in the Civil War, where he took part in 17 battles, and his post-War life, when he founded the Republican Party i South Carolina and helped write the new democratic state constitution and a proposal on education, his activity in the state militia, where he attained the rank of major general, and his political life, winning seats in both the South Carolina house and senate. The book includes a timeline of of Smalls's life and a glossary of terms, plus references and a list of further reading.
Treat yourself to this book, and this series, and treat yourself to more books about Robert Smalls, including Janet Halfmann and Duane Smith's picture book, Seven Miles to Freedom, also published by Lee & Low, and Be Free or Die, by Cate Linberry, is available for teens and adults. Smithsonian Magazine has an excellent article on Smalls.
Treat yourself to this book, and this series, and treat yourself to more books about Robert Smalls, including Janet Halfmann and Duane Smith's picture book, Seven Miles to Freedom, also published by Lee & Low, and Be Free or Die, by Cate Linberry, is available for teens and adults. Smithsonian Magazine has an excellent article on Smalls.
July 3, 2020
You may already know about Robert Smalls' heroism in stealing a Confederate ship, saving enslaved families, and delivering them, the ship, and the four cannons on board to the Union! You may know that he went on to serve in the South Carolina state legislature and United State Congress, fighting and advocating for African American rights throughout his life. I knew none of this until I read Janet Halfmann's book for children, The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls, illustrated by Duane Smith and published by Lee and Low.
Halfmann first wrote about Smalls in her 2008 picture book biography, Seven Miles to Freedom. She expanded and updated the information for grades 3-7 in The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls. Keeping her young audience in mind, she begins both books with Robert Smalls' childhood as an enslaved boy, who at age six began service in the master's house. She writes with empathy, precision, and suspense so that readers of all ages can understand what being enslaved means and feel the danger involved in Smalls' daring escape.
The book contains a sidebar that details the Planter, the ship that Smalls steered to freedom. It also has a sidebar about slavery and one about a woman's daring escape. Back matter includes references and other reading guidance for more information.
This book is a great read for all ages. I thank the author for the e-advance copy she sent.
Halfmann first wrote about Smalls in her 2008 picture book biography, Seven Miles to Freedom. She expanded and updated the information for grades 3-7 in The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls. Keeping her young audience in mind, she begins both books with Robert Smalls' childhood as an enslaved boy, who at age six began service in the master's house. She writes with empathy, precision, and suspense so that readers of all ages can understand what being enslaved means and feel the danger involved in Smalls' daring escape.
The book contains a sidebar that details the Planter, the ship that Smalls steered to freedom. It also has a sidebar about slavery and one about a woman's daring escape. Back matter includes references and other reading guidance for more information.
This book is a great read for all ages. I thank the author for the e-advance copy she sent.
May 20, 2020
Robert Smalls was born into slavery in 1839. He was a favored slave when he was young, but when he was older, he still dreamed of freedom. When he was twelve, he was sent to Charleston to work and that is where he learned about the free slaves in the north. In Charleston, Robert discovered how much he loved being on the waterfront and was given permission to work at the docks. Eventually, Robert learned about the ships that came through the Charleston harbor and soon became a wheelman. In time, with the help of some crewman, Robert planned an escape using the ship the Planter during the Civil war. He managed to save others and in the north was seen as a hero. In 1875 he became a United States Congressman and served five terms.
There is a lot more to the story of Robert Smalls. This book is packed full of history about slavery, ships and even a timeline of events. Young readers will find this short read engaging and easy to navigate. Parents and teachers will enjoy sharing a bit of African American history with kids.
There is a lot more to the story of Robert Smalls. This book is packed full of history about slavery, ships and even a timeline of events. Young readers will find this short read engaging and easy to navigate. Parents and teachers will enjoy sharing a bit of African American history with kids.
January 28, 2021
Biographical text for upper elementary readers.
July 30, 2021
Part of "The Story of..." series, this chapter book for young readers tells the story of Robert Smalls, a slave from South Carolina, commandeered a steamboat and delivered it and several cannons to the Union Army. Later he became a representative from South Carolina to Congress, one of six black men to do so during reconstruction. This is a very inspiring story, one I had not heard of before.
My review: https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/...
My review: https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/...
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews