While the narrative of this book is fairly simple, the events being linear and easy to follow. What makes it complicated is the historical, political, and sociological context. Trying to explain motivations makes the book fairly text dense. This is an important and entirely overlooked point in the Civil War that set the tone for the country and it's treatment of formerly enslaved people going forward. It's an excellent way to discuss the Civil War in more depth with upper elementary aged kids.

Seeking Freedom by Selene Castrovilla is a very inspiring previously untold story of an African American man who made a difference in the fight for liberation from slavery. There are many heroes who made sacrifices and he is one who should be remembered. It is well told,, illustrated with pictures, and appropriate for the age group written. It would be a good book to include in the study of the Civil War as it does not include a great deal of historical context. Thanks to #NetGalley#Seeking Freedom for the opportunity to read and review this book.

After reading a wonderful nonfiction book with my girls, I was on the hunt for more children’s nonfiction. I thought this book was narrative history targeted at middle grade readers. It wasn’t. It’s more a nonfiction picture book. But we still enjoyed it.

The book tells the story of how escaped slaves were able to find refuge at Fortress Monroe in Virginia. Union policy was that any property being used to aid the rebellion against the United States could be seized as contraband. When a Confederate officer demanded the runaway slaves be returned, Union General Benjamin Butler said they were contraband, and refused to hand them over. One of the refugees, George Scott, knew the land well and acted as a scout for the Union, providing valuable information and helping the Union forces take control of the area around Fortress Monroe.

I would love to see this history covered in a longer book with more detail. I wanted to know more about George Scott and about General Butler. Having said that, this book is a good option for the younger end of elementary school students. I’d recommend it for school libraries. Also, the book contains lots of illustrations--so I recommend print over digital.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a complementary copy.

This is history that I was completely ignorant of. I had never heard of the fort, let alone the hero and his comrades. Such bravery. A must read.

This would be a great resource for younger children to be introduced to the civil war! The north wasn't portrayed as perfect, and a chunk of it was focused on a freedom seeker. If this author does more like this, I hope to see one completely focused on a freedom seeker!