Runaway Jack

by Stewart Lees

The time is the 1840s, and Jack, a young black slave, is sold at auction. Separated from Molly, his beloved younger sister, he is sent to Mississippi and forced to work in the cotton fields for a harsh and demanding master. Making his escape, he stows away on a Mississippi steamer. It would seem only a matter of time before Jack is discovered, captured, and sent back to the plantation, but good fortune is with him. A kindly boatman discovers him, but rather than turn Jack in, he directs him to a group of Quaker abolitionists. The Quakers help Jack as he successfully makes his northward flight to freedom. Then, Jack receives an astonishing surprise—a surprise that gives him great happiness. Handsome full-color illustrations complement this dramatic story, which carries a powerful message of hope.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Abigail Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not exactly sure how I feel about this book. On one hand, I do think that Lees did a good job introducing the matter of slavery and how people were affected by it without being too explicit. He made sure to restore humanity and specifity, so I really appreciated that. But it’s the ending that gets me, I feel that I would have felt more satisfied with it if he would have acknowledged that not everybody’s story ended like Jack’s. Overall, this book has a pretty good plot that keeps children interested.

[Haley Whitehall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best slavery picture books I've read! Steward Lees did a brilliant job writing and illustrating Runaway Jack. This book follows the story of a Jack a slave boy who is sold down South to work in the cotton fields, separated from his sister and then his escape on the Underground Railroad with the help of some Quakers. The realistic illustrations are beautiful and the prose is equally as realistic while being appropriate for children. The escape was very suspenseful. I think children will love this book.

[Chena Bean]

Historical Fiction