Judith Bloom Fradin

There aren’t many aspects about slavery worth celebrating, but every once in a while there is a story that can redeem your faith in humanity. … well, a part of humanity, at any rate.

This book tells the true story of three slaves from Kentucky - John Price, his cousin Dinah, and his friend Frank - who crossed the Ohio River to freedom in Ohio, where slavery was outlawed. But they couldn’t rest easy: part of the compromise legislation of 1850 was a toughening of the Fugitive Slave Act, show more which allowed slave owners to capture and return runaways from anywhere in the U.S. Aiding slaves was made a federal crime. Aiding slave owners, on the other hand, was now a lucrative operation. The main hope slaves had was to make it to Canada, where slavery had been outlawed since 1834.

The trio of slaves split up, since slave hunters would be looking for three slaves traveling together, and John and Frank ended up in Oberlin, Ohio, where they decided to remain. Slave hunters soon followed; they had been promised $500 per slave, equivalent to $13,000 each in today’s money.

John was captured, but the citizens of Oberlin didn’t just turn their backs. Hundreds of Oberlinians worked together to rescue John. While they did reclaim him from the slave hunters, he vanished after a few days. No one knows what became of John, Dinah, and Frank.

The rescuers were considered heroes by some and criminals by others, including most Southerners. The U.S. Government under President James Buchanan sided with the slaveholders, and thirty-seven men in Oberlin were sent to jail for three months.

After their sentences were up, the town of Oberlin had a big celebration and pledged:

No fugitive slave shall ever be taken from Oberlin either with or without a warrant, if we have power to prevent it.”

Eric Velasquez employs lush, full-color oil paintings as well as mixed media to show the range of emotions and the drama of this episode in history. He also provides accurate representations of this time period.

The final image is a large reproduction of an 1859 photo of the actual rescuers taken in the courtyard of the jail.

Back matter includes an Author’s Note, bibliography, suggestions for further reading, and a list of relevant websites.

Evaluation: This inspiring story can introduce a number of issues to kids, such as divisions in the country prior to the Civil War, and the difference between rule of law and moral imperatives. show less

Zora! is one of the best young adult history books I have ever had the pleasure to read. It is coauthored by Dennis Brindell Fradin, award winning author of more than 220 young adult books, and his frequent collaborator and wife, Judith Bloom Fradin.

This book is well-researched, and includes excellent citations as well as a timeline, and information to help readers find further resources. It is divided into chapters. The authors even touch upon inaccuracies in previous biographical works on show more Hurston, while providing explanations for the many mistakes other researchers have made along the way in unpacking Hurston's complex web of fudged truths - a web perhaps created out of economic necessity.

Extensive excerpts from Huston's own works really bring the subject matter to life, and underscore for more advanced readers the sophistication and genius of her writing, both creative and academic. The biography covers the span of her life, from birth to death, as well as the Hurston revival that came in the 1970s, decades after her passing.

The authors do not shy away from the fact Hurston was a controversial figure in African American society and politics, though they do present the material perhaps less bluntly that one would expect in a book written for adults. Overall, the writing is clear, and even difficult points are easy to understand. Additionally, the text is written with no-holds-barred in a way that honors Hurston's work and spirit. It incorporates photographs and primary documents, further enriching the book.

Zora! provides an excellent jumping-off point for teachers hoping to collaborate outside their specialties within the realm of the humanities, as it incorporates history, creative writing, folklore, anthropology, economics, and even playwriting. Alice Walker's famous essay on Hurston could be incorporated as an additional nonfiction resource. Also, for more intrepid teachers, Zora! provides an opportunity to discuss the complex history of racial politics in America, which is an inextricable part of any examination of Hurston's life. show less

Fradin, Dennis Brindell, Judith Bloom Fradin. (2007). Jane Addams: Champion of Democracy. Boston: Clarion Books. 213 pp. ISBN 0-618-50436-2 (Hardcover); $21.00

Initially I was upset with the decision to have chapter one begin with Addams's work at Hull House with the garbage inspectors. It seems like a, no pun intended, spoiler of sorts. In retrospect, however, I wonder whether I would have finished this book if I had no sense of Addams' place in history from the start. By the end of the show more book, I was telling my wife, Ann that I wanted to visit the Hull House museum on our next Chicago trip. Addams is my newest hero. From her refusal to abandon Flora Guiteau, sister of the presidential assassin, to her hounding of Chicago's political bosses, to her absolute dedication to peace--we are in the presence of greatness. The fact that she managed to keep a personal life too is nothing short of astounding. Here is a woman who is the soul of kindness or the most dangerous woman in America! Addams gave a nominating speech for a presidential candidate at a time in which that just did not happen and then was vilified by most of the country for speaking out against WWI. After this Addams receives the Nobel Peace prize! The fact that we do not know absolutely whether she is or is not a Lesbian simply amazes me in today's over-exposed world, especially considering how much she wrote, professionally and personally. The prose of the book gathers momentum. By the time Addams travels to Europe, readers will not be able to put the book down. show less

The BBYA member from Baltimore who nominated this book writes, “Although this is a well known story…” In my part of Michigan (Allegan), I very much doubt that this story is well known. It should be well known; the Fradins retelling of this story will do much to make sure that it becomes, at least, better known.

National Geographic has filled this book with their trademark, high quality pictures and excellent back matter. The book also includes an epilogue featuring relatives of Ellen show more and William Craft and how they view the flight to freedom by their forbearers.

Ellen was a very light skinned African American who could pass for white. 5,000 Miles to Freedom describes Ellen’s white male disguise and the dangerous journey she made with her husband, whom she pretended was her slave. Their stops in Boston and their eventual journey to London are riveting. London, however, does not provide the Crafts with an easy, happy ending. Readers still have that final journey to freedom to anticipate. Easily and happily recommended for all middle and high school libraries. This is also a book that I hope teachers will book talk and keep in the eyes of their students. show less