"A powerful, vital, page-turning story from one of our very best writers of historical fiction"
Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 8
Catherine Johnson tells the extraordinary story of Olaudah Equiano with typical power and economy in a book that will inform, inspire and fascinate young readers.
Taking his autobiography as the base, she concentrates on his early life, describing his terrifying capture as a young boy by slavers in Africa, his experiences as a slave working for different masters and how, through his resilience, determination and intelligence he was able to buy his freedom again. There are details that will intrigue young people, how he was terrified when he first saw porpoises, a thrilling near shipwreck, and we also meet other young people exploited and mistreated as Equiano was.
Told in first person, the narrative is direct and has a real warmth. Johnson avoids details of the cruelties endured by slaves but nonetheless, young people will fully comprehend the absolute evil and inhumanity of the slave trade as they read. A detailed afterword explaining more about Equiano is likely to inspire them to read more.
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It was very fun listening to the sad but adventurous stories about Nat and mama and Martha.... Read Full Review
From the horrors of the slave trade to a book that changed the world, Catherine Johnson celebrates the incredible life of Olaudah Equiano in this gripping true story.
Born in what is now Nigeria in 1745, Olaudah Equiano's peaceful childhood was brought to an abrupt end when he was captured and enslaved aged 11. He spent much of the next eight years of his life at sea, seeing action in the Seven Years' War. When he was finally able to buy his freedom, he went on to become a prominent member of the abolition movement and in 1789 published one of the first books by a Black African writer.
Journey Back to Freedom focuses on Equiano's early life, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit and one man's determination to be free.
Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 7+
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Journey Back to Freedom and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-10 years old
Journey Back to Freedom features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Recommendations, Historical Fiction, People / Places, PSHE: Multiculturalism, Diversity and Inclusion, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Dyslexia Friendly Books for Interest age 7+, Dyslexia Friendly Books for Interest age 9+, Dyslexia Friendly Books for Interest age 11+, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children’s / Teenage: General interest
Journey Back to Freedom is available in Ebook, Paperback
Journey Back to Freedom was written by Catherine Johnson and published by Barrington Stoke Ltd
Journey Back to Freedom has 105 pages
£7.19
