Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad written by Ellen Levine illustrated by Kadir Nelson

• Caldecott Honor
• ALA Notable Book
• Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
• Notable Books for Global Society
• Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Best of the Year
• Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award

This book gives a fictional description of the true story of Henry Brown.  His story involves the unique experiences of marrying, watching his family sold to another master, and mailing himself to the free-states.  The dramatic artwork of Kadir Nelson brings the story to life and allows readers to experience Henry's thoughts and feelings.  Even though the book shares the events of Henry Brown's adult life, the cover of the book shows a young boy staring intently at the reader.  The brief author's note at the end of the book gives a short description of the Underground Railroad and a caption of the true event of Henry Brown mailing himself to freedom.
Readers of all levels will be able to take something away from this book.  Henry's Freedom Box incorporates the social injustice Henry faced, the creativity of Henry Brown, as well as the generosity of those against slavery living in the South.  These topics will create a generous discussion among students.  Henry's Freedom Box is a book that would be a great fit for Reader's Theater which builds community, creativity, and gives students another format to express themselves.