Wow. I am so sad I haven't read this book sooner. Draper's language is AMAZING.
This is the anchor text the class I am subbing in uses for the "Survival and Perseverance" unit.
Amari's story (an African slave) alternates with Polly's (a white indentured servant).
The horrors Amari survives, and the journey the two of them must endure are extremely powerful. Draper's extensive research is completely evident, and I learned that there were safe-havens for runaway slaves beyond the underground railroad and "north."
Really an amazing tale, with super characters and beautiful descriptions. Awesome vocabulary with strong context clues, and while there are many horrifying incidents described within this text--they are essential to the overall text as a whole.
