Freewater (Newbery and Coretta Scott King Award Winner) — Content Guide for Parents
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
Winner of the Coretta Scott King Author Award
An Indiebound Bestseller
A New York Times Bestseller
Award-winning author Amina Luqman-Dawson pens a lyrical, accessible historical middle-grade novel about two enslaved children's escape from a plantation and the many ways they find freedom.
Under the cover of night, twelve-year-old Homer flees Southerland Plantation with his little sister Ada, unwillingly leaving their beloved mother behind. Much as he adores her and fears for her life, Homer knows there's no turning back, not with the overseer on their trail. Through tangled vines, secret doorways, and over a sky bridge, the two find a secret community called Freewater, deep in the swamp.
In this society created by formerly enslaved people and some freeborn children, Homer finds new friends, almost forgetting where he came from. But when he learns of a threat that could destroy Freewater, he crafts a plan to find his mother and help his new home.
Deeply inspiring and loosely based on the history of maroon communities in the South, this is a striking tale of survival, adventure, friendship, and courage.
Frequently asked questions
Is Freewater (Newbery and Coretta Scott King Award Winner) appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The narrative involves themes of enslavement and the brutal conditions faced by characters, including dehumanizing brutality and degradation. This is indicated through comparisons to other works that depict similar themes. The book involves themes of fear related to escaping enslavement and the dangers faced by the characters, which may be considered scary for younger readers. However, the overall tone is described as engaging and fun.
Does Freewater (Newbery and Coretta Scott King Award Winner) have violence?
The narrative involves themes of enslavement and the brutal conditions faced by characters, including dehumanizing brutality and degradation. This is indicated through comparisons to other works that depict similar themes.
Does Freewater (Newbery and Coretta Scott King Award Winner) have scary content?
The book involves themes of fear related to escaping enslavement and the dangers faced by the characters, which may be considered scary for younger readers. However, the overall tone is described as engaging and fun.
Does Freewater (Newbery and Coretta Scott King Award Winner) have religious themes?
No religious practices, beliefs, or ceremonies are mentioned in the narrative of 'Freewater'. The content primarily deals with themes of escape from slavery and community.
Does Freewater (Newbery and Coretta Scott King Award Winner) have racial/cultural content?
The narrative centers on the experiences of African American siblings escaping from slavery, highlighting themes of race and the historical context of racial oppression. The story is framed as a resistance narrative.
Does Freewater (Newbery and Coretta Scott King Award Winner) have profanity?
No profanity is indicated in the search results. The content is centered around historical themes and does not include strong language.
Does Freewater (Newbery and Coretta Scott King Award Winner) have climate change?
No climate themes or environmental issues are present in the narrative. The story is primarily focused on historical events and the experiences of enslaved individuals.
Does Freewater (Newbery and Coretta Scott King Award Winner) have sexual identity?
No sexual content is mentioned in the search results. The focus is on the children's escape and survival in a historical context.
Does Freewater (Newbery and Coretta Scott King Award Winner) have gender roles?
No specific gender roles or discussions about gender expectations are mentioned in the search results. The narrative focuses on survival and community rather than gender dynamics.
Does Freewater (Newbery and Coretta Scott King Award Winner) have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes or characters detected in the search results related to the narrative of 'Freewater'. The focus is on the historical context of enslaved siblings escaping to a free community.
