Judith and Dennis Fradin retell the amazing story of Solomon Northrup, a free black man from New York who was kidnapped and sold into slavery (in the 1840s) before he was rescued twelve years later.

The authors use Northrop’s own autobiography, Twelve Years a Slave, to capture the desperation and perseverance of a man who never gave up despite numerous hardships. The imagined dialogue is believable and allows students to better empathise with Northrup’s unimaginable situation.

This book provides detail on the historical circumstances surrounding slavery in the US. Also included are photographs and drawings illustrating the experiences of slaves in that era,  and a copy of the bill of sale, which allowed Solomon to be sold.

Students will find the included timeline of events related to slavery useful. They may be surprised to learn that the first slaves to the Americas were brought by the Spanish in the 1500s, followed by the Dutch in 1619.

Recommended for advanced primary students and intermediate students. Image above shows an Afro-American Slave ledger from 1846.

review by Courtney

image by Special Colections at Wofford College