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!

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.

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.