Freedom River written by Doreen Rappaport illustrated by Bryan Collier

This is a historical fiction book that depicts actual events infused with the author’s own creativity.  It is an uplifting story about a man that does everything in his power to help a family escape slavery, even if it mean endangering his own life. As the reader opens the front cover, the story beings with a map of the Ohio-Kentucky border.  As we turn to the title page, the story continues with a collage style illustration of the Ohio River.  The illustrations throughout the book are a collage mixed with water colors.  Bryan Collier portrays deep emotion in the face of the characters.   At the end of the book the author includes a historical note as well as additional resources for further reading and research.
Freedom River will hopefully stir up in depth conversations about morality and the dangers many slaves encountered.  This book would be a great fit for Reader's Theater and supplies a list of additional books and websites if student's want to pursue further research on this particular topic.