Beyond Freedom

by Patricia Q. Wall

Beyond freedom comes hope...or it should. But for fifteen-year-old Matty Warren Smith and hundreds of other free blacks living on the north slope of Boston's Beacon Hill in 1812, hope struggles against dispair. BEYOND FREEDOM, a sequel novel to CHILD OUT OF PLACE, provides youngsters (age 10 & up) with another, lesser-known chapter in the early history of African Americans in New England. It reveals not only their struggle to survive in a climate of growing racism, but their courage and perseverance as they seek to overcome that and claim their rightful place in American life. (At the conclusion of the story, the author provides extensive historical information and a bibliography.)

Unknown Binding

First published November 25, 2009

Reviews

[melissa1lbr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting look at a less-well-known period in New England history (at least for me). Wall's exploration of what free black Americans experienced during this time was interesting and eye-opening. The trappings of the story, however, were less interesting to me. I didn't get much into the characters and found them sort of lacking in spark. Also, Mattie, though 15, felt very young and naive to me. Perhaps that was true to the time period, but it felt out of place to me. Full review at One Librarian's Book Reviews. Review copy provided by author.

[Meg Petersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended. I have visited the African American meeting house in Boston and could visualize the scenes in the book. I think this book would be a great introduction to the period for middle grade readers.

[Brad Randolph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Descriptive with much imagery. This sequel is a little more conversation- than action-driven.

[Terry]

I didn't read the first book, but I absolutely loved this one. There are several references to events from Child Out of Place to set context, but the story is fresh from the start. The dynamics of the girls' relationship is fascinating, and even though this is Maddy's story, Lydia is a well-developed character, too. This is a very fast read, as you don't want to put it down.

Why will kids see this book set in 1812 as a timeless story? We answer that question in the full review.