The Importance of Language in Depicting Emotion

In Sally M. Walker’s children’s book “Freedom Song: The Story of Henry ‘Box’ Brown” Walker’s use of short, simple sentences were somewhat reminiscent of poetry. The simplicity of the language she used, paired with the strong descriptors of Henry’s life on the field and relationship with his family highlighted those positive aspects of his life…

Sugar Coating Slavery

Children’s books are usually centered on happy stories, families, animals, and events. The genres main goal is to keep kids entertained, in a good mood, or to fall asleep. Slavery in America may not be the history that comes to mind when one thinks of a plot for a children’s book, but it is an…

Leaves in the Wind

A moment that struck me in Henry’s Freedom Box is when Henry’s mother tells him “Do you see those leaves blowing in the wind? They are torn from the trees like slave children are torn from their families” (3).  This passage stood out to me because it puts one of the many dehumanizing things done…