Genre: Nonfiction; Picture BookThemes: Racial Oppression, Freedom, Family
Grade Level: K-2
Curricular Connections: Social Studies (Harriet Tubman, Underground Railroad, Civil War), Writing (Journal Responses)
Henry was born a slave and didn't know how old he was. He lived with his family and was treated kindly by his owner. However, he lived in fear that he might be separated from his family. That day came when his owner got sick, and he was given to his owner's son to work in a factory. Although he was sad to leave his family and often felt lonely, eventually he met a friend who later became his wife after permission from their owners. They had three children and were very happy until Nancy's owner lost a lot of money and sold her and the children. Henry knew he would never see them again. After many weeks passed, Henry could only think of freedom and came up with a plan. With some help from a white friend, Henry mailed himself in a big box to Philadelphia and freedom. His new name was Henry "Box" Brown.
Classroom Suggestions:
1. This would be a great book to partner with other nonfiction books on the topic of the underground railroad and Harriet Tubman. This book tends to give a more personal side to the horrors of slavery.
2. Students can write journal responses to topics such as "How it would feel to be separated from your family," or "Do you think Henry's idea to freedom was a good one? What could have gone wrong?"
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