Using the cover of night, Robert Smalls, a black man born into slavery on April 5, 1839, in Beaufort, SC, disguised himself as the captain of the Planter, a Confederate steamship. The Confederation relied on the Planter to transport weapons. Getting caught would ensure a harsh punishment and guaranteed capture, perhaps even death. Smalls and the crew, enslaved men seeking freedom, traveled the perilous journey in the early hours of May 13, 1862, past several heavily armed Confederate forts. Their goal was to meet their families hiding in secret then enter Union territory where escaped slaves were given shelter. It would involve a ten-mile journey and a careful entry to their destination so as not to be mistaken for actual Confederates. Their story is told in this beautifully crafted book through suspenseful artwork and perceptive prose. It is a tale of courage and hopes alongside the peril of the Civil War era. Robert Smalls made that escape and later went on to become an American Congressman and a hero.--Dr. Laura Kieselbach "The Children's Book Review"
The heart of the story spotlights the bravery and resourcefulness of Smalls as he plots and carries out his plan. The afterword includes a photo of Smalls, more information about his life, slavery, and the Civil War. . . .The illustrations are well done, often using darker colors to represent the night time and gravity of the voyage. None of the harshest parts of slavery are examined too closely, which is unsurprising in a book for young children, but the consequences for attempting such a risky escape is made very clear. A good purchase for public and elementary school libraries wanting to expand a nonfiction collection on slavery and the Civil War. This book will work well for one-on-one sessions with younger readers and in groups of older children.-- "School Library Journal"
The true story of an unsung African American hero who deserves to be remembered. . . .The illustrations, primarily in browns, greens, and blues to evoke the nocturnal and maritime setting, will help readers envision the time and place of Smalls' escape. The informative backmatter, including a photograph of Smalls, offers an overview of his life and later career as a U.S. congressman and a landowner (of his former master's home). . . .Ideal for piquing readers' interest in a determined and inspiring historical figure.-- "Kirkus Reviews"
This treats slavery and the very real threats faced by Robert Smalls and those who escaped with him honestly but without graphic detail. The story is told in an exciting, but not sensationalized manner. It definitely fills a gap in telling the stories of escaped slaves and I would highly recommend it.-- "Jean Little Library"