Freedom’s School
Lizzie and her brother, Paul, are the children of freed slaves. Until the Emancipation Proclamation, Lizzie gets by on scraps of learning from the preacher and her parents, but now, with freedom, comes the chance of an education. A plain, unpainted schoolhouse is built by the former slaves. Lizzie and Paul make the long and often dangerous walk to school. Here they are taught by Mizz Hammond, an African-American teacher, and they hope for a better future. Old prejudices and racial hatred persists, though, and the schoolhouse is burnt down. The story ends with the rebuilding of the school and a note of hope for the future.
Freedom’s School is a picture book with a serious message – the importance of freedom and education. Slavery and racism are dealt with gently as befits a book for younger children. The story is told in the first person by Lizzie, which makes it very child-friendly and engaging. The illustrations are beautiful and full of warm, rich colours and appealing characters. Though this book is set in 19th-century America, it has relevance to children everywhere and serves as an early introduction to the concept of human rights. A lovely book.
