Starred ReviewStarred Review Nearer My Freedom

“This combination of “found poetry” from Equiano’s autobiography and other writings and non-fiction essay reveals the depth of feeling held in Equiano’s heart as he suffered through kidnapping, transportation across the ocean to strange countries, and a desperate search to understand his place in a new and strange world. Reviewer Rating: 5"—Children’s Literature

“This flawless and well-composed performance is an invaluable addition to youth collections, giving listeners the important story of a truly remarkable man.”—starred, Booklist, audio book published by Listening Library

“[T]he story makes for compelling reading that moves quickly. . . . This important and unique work introduces this pivotal man to a new audience and will make for interesting classroom discussions.”—starred, School Library Journal

“Monica Edinger and Lesley Younge—former fourth grade co-teachers—brilliantly transform the autobiography into ‘found poems’ by cutting and rearranging Equiano’s original into verse . . . Their deft transformation of Equiano’s odyssey is well-equipped to inspire and empower new generations.”—starred, Shelf Awareness

“This moving found-verse adaptation of the formerly enslaved Equiano’s 1789 memoir makes a seminal work of history accessible to young readers.”—New York Times Book Review

“In this unique work of nonfiction, Edinger and Younge transform the words of Olaudah Equiano’s 1789 autobiographical slavery narrative into found-verse poetry. . . . [An] absorbing, singular creation.”—starred, Booklist

“Without losing the source text’s emotional heft, Edinger and Younge’s visceral poems respectfully provide an effective entry point into the seminal work.”—starred, Publishers Weekly

“Highly readable as well as informative. An excellent way to understand a remarkable individual and his times.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews