The Escape of Robert Smalls

For Ages: 9-12

Description: The mist in Charleston Inner Harbor was heavy, but not heavy enough to disguise the stolen Confederate steamship, the Planter, from Confederate soldiers. In the early hours of May 13, 1862, in the midst of the deadly U.S. Civil War, an enslaved man named Robert Smalls was about to carry out a perilous plan of escape. Standing at the helm of the ship, Smalls impersonated the captain as he and his crew passed heavily armed Confederate forts to enter Union territory, where escaped slaves were given shelter. The suspenseful escape of the determined crew is celebrated with beautiful artwork and insightful prose, detailing the true account of an unsung American hero.

Author Bio: Jehan Jones-Radgowski is a U.S. Foreign Service Officer. She has lived all over the world, including South Africa, Spain, Venezuela, Ghana, and the Dominican Republic. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Jehan currently lives in Germany with her family.

Illustrator Bio: Poppy Kang is an illustrator and background artist with a passion to create artwork that has meaningful messages and cinematic lighting. She was born in China and developed her illustration talent at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Poppy is currently based in Los Angeles.