Queen of Freedom Defending Jamaica

LoveReading4Kids Says

From the excellent True Adventures series, in which different authors bring to life some exciting but little-known and diverse aspects of history. This is an area where Catherine Johnson absolutely excels and this story of how one woman masterminded a slave resistance against the British in eighteenth-century Jamaica is perfect for her and indeed was shortlisted for the inaugural Jhalak Prize for Children’s fiction.

The story grabs the reader from the start with the thrilling chase through the mountains, as Nanny herds her people away from the pursuing British Army. She becomes a fierce and revered leader and freed slaves flock to her village for protection. Nanny terrifies the British with her reputation as an Obeah woman who could harness magic and spirits and catch bullets.

Her fighting eventually leads to a peace treaty which would finally leave Nanny and her people to live in peace. This inspirational story also pulls no punches in terms of descriptions of the harsh treatment of slaves in the colonies – history which needs to be told. Each story in this accessible series is helpfully complemented by additional resources including a map at the beginning, further details about the subject of the story along with a glossary of terms, a timeline and more about the author. 

Reviewed by Joy Court
Joy Court is co – founder of All Around Reading, having previously managed the Schools Library Service in Coventry, where she established the Coventry Inspiration Book Awards and…
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