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Henry's freedom box

Henry's freedom box

Children's BooksHistorical Fiction
Pages
40
Published
2007
Language
English

Synopsis

This powerful story recounts the true tale of Henry 'Box' Brown, an enslaved man in 1849 Virginia. Desperate for freedom, Henry devises an audacious plan: to ship himself in a wooden crate from Richmond to Philadelphia. It's a testament to courage and the human spirit's yearning for liberty.

Prose complexity
1/10

Vibe

SadHopefulInspiring
SurvivalComing of Age

Genres

Children's Books Historical Fiction

Authors

K
Kadir Nelson

Kadir Nelson (May 15, 1974) is a Los Angeles–based painter, illustrator, and author who is best known for his paintings often featured on the covers of The New Yorker magazine, and album covers for Michael Jackson and Drake. His work is focused on African-American culture and history. The New York Times describes his work as: "sumptuous, deeply affecting work. Nelson’s paintings are drenched in ambience, and often overt symbolism. He has twice been a Caldecott honor recipient and won the 2020 Ca...

Characters

Henry "Box" BrownProtagonist
All characters in Henry's freedom box

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Henry's Freedom Box based on a true story?

    This picture book is indeed based on the true story of Henry 'Box' Brown, an enslaved man who mailed himself to freedom in 1849.

  • Has Henry's Freedom Box won any awards?

    Henry's Freedom Box was awarded a Caldecott Honor in 2008 for its distinguished illustrations by Kadir Nelson, recognizing its artistic merit in children's literature.