This was a fantastic book depicting the heroic acts of Robert Smalls. The graphics in this book are appropriate for children of all ages and the story follows traditional tales of this story. This book is well put together and definitely a great book for students to use to gain information or it would also make a great read-aloud for a classroom teacher during a civil war or black history lesson. Highly recommend!

This is the story of Robert Smalls, a slave during the Civil War who made an daring escape to freedom. Told in a picture book format that is easily accessible for children, makes an excellent addition to any classroom. Especially timely for Black History Month and any unit studying slavery.

The Escape of Robert Smalls is a well done, illustrated book, focusing on Robert Smalls who planned and executed an escape from slavery during the Civil War. With the simplicity of the language, young readers can understand the historical context, although some vocabulary is challenging but appropriate. The author provides both a glossary and an afterward, which enhances the historical value of using this book in the classroom or teaching. Enticing young readers or listeners, the author artfully employs tension to move the story along, emphasizing the risks and dangers encountered in an escape. Simple illustrations enhance the book showing both content and historical accuracy, including maps. This book would be an excellent addition to a unit on the Civil War, Black Americans, or courage. It is appropriate for ages 9-12.

Amazing tale of history of Robert Smalls, an enslaved man who sailed himself, the crew and their families to freedom. Very well told, great pictures and exciting story.

This book for Middle School reading level is a story of a lesser known African American Historical Figure.- Robert Smalls. he displayed unbelievable heroism in taking a ship. His actions then convinced President Abraham Lincoln to include African American Men who were slaves to be included in the fight of the Civil War, as what was demonstrated that the slaves were capable of being loyal to the union and were highly capable of helping to fight for their freedom as well as help to set the Union free from the issues of Slavery. This book demonstrated the power of the Human will of the slaves to find freedom by any means, and the indomitable longing for liberty…..You will breathe his very fear, and you will feel pulsating through your own veins his desire for liberty at any cost!

I loved this story of bravery and courage in the face of extreme danger, and I cannot wait to add it to my classroom library! In addition to telling a riveting story in an easy to read way, I loved that it didn’t try to sugarcoat the institution of slavery- calling out “brutal conditions,” whippings, and the horrifying reality of trying to buy back ones family- when many books try to add in asides about happy, singing, smiling enslaved people. I also appreciate the use of “enslaved people” rather than “slaves.” It reinforces the shift I am trying to make in my own teaching practice and life.

The well researched and sourced facts and information at the end make this picture book equally usable in a middle school classroom to support nonfiction text studies. I personally was thrilled when I read that Mr, Smalls went back and purchased his former master’s house after the war. I know my kids will too when I share it with them. This book features enslaved people willing to risk their lives for freedom, and is a powerful tale I will love to share with my students.

Both the writing and the illustrations capture the sense of danger as Robert Smalls leads fellow slaves to escape slavery by piloting a Confederate ship out of harms way and safely into Union controlled territory. Readers will also feel the joy of their success, A daring story, well told.

An exceptional picture book for older readers. This book tells the true story of an enslaved person who figures out a way to escape during the Civil War. The story of Robert Smalls was one I didn't know, and I was very glad to read the tale. The images and text were well done. The pictures reminded me of early American paintings in their sparse simplicity. The story is told with care but with honesty. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a non-fiction book for their child, particularly a fourth or fifth grader studying American history. This would make a nice addition to a curriculum as well.

The Escape of Robert Smalls: A Daring Voyage Out of Slavery (Hardcover)
by Jehan Jones-Radgowski
Robert Smalls and his fellow sailors do a daring escape for freedom, past two forts and into the enemy territory. Having lived his life as a slave, Robert Smalls learned to understand the parts and processes of a steam ship. His daring plan to help his family may just cost them all their lives. The book focuses on the historical and political problems with slavery, and the battle of the union.
A great book for showing personal struggle and danger that slaves faced in their bid for freedom. This is a great instructive book for young students to understand black history.

Excellent, easy, fun way to learn history! The title captures the whole story. The wording/written text is very good, compelling, interesting....& the illustrations that go along with it are wonderful, portraying the whole event very well to the reader. The target audience is said to be 9-12 y/o, but this adult also found it a very good read. I thoroughly enjoyed every page, including the 'Afterword' at the end...explaining some US history, & about the real Robert Smalls life. Very well done!
I received a free e-ARC of this book from Capstone, via NetGalley, in return for reading it & offering my own fair/honest review.