Almost to Freedom
Lindy and her doll, Sally, are best friends—wherever Lindy goes, Sally stays right by her side. She’s with Lindy when she eats, when she sleeps, and even when she picks cotton. So, on the night Lindy and her mama run away in search of freedom, Sally goes too. This young girl’s rag doll vividly narrates her enslaved family’s courageous escape through the Underground Railroad. At once heart-wrenching and uplifting, this story about friendship and the strength of the human spirit will touch the lives of all readers long after the journey has ended.
| Format | Your Price | Add |
|---|---|---|
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978-1-57505-342-4
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$14.99 | |
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978-1-4677-6713-2
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$24.99 |
Awards
- Notable AwardNotable Award Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year
- Notable AwardNotable Award Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor
Reviews
Booklist
“The doll’s narrative and Bootman’s dark, dramatic paintings bring close the child’s daily experience: the cruel seperation and physical punishment, and then the adventure of running away and hiding. . . a powerful way to express the sorrow of loving families torn apart. Bootman’s stirring portraits. . . show that the small rag doll bears witness to historical events of cruelty and courage.”
—Booklist
Publishers Weekly
“Through Sally’s perceptive eyes, readers catch a hard-hitting glimpse of slave life. . . A captivating account of escape via the Underground Railroad includes many suspenseful moments. . . Nelson’s writing is immediate and often lyrical. Yet it is Bootman’s realistic paintings, distinctive for their skillful use of light and darkness, that best convey the story’s pathos and urgency.”
—Publishers Weekly
School Library Journal
“A compelling story told from the point of view of an enslaved child’s beloved rag doll. This accessible story. . . makes its impact without frightening or overwhelming readers. It is ultimately a story of hope and resilience, love and friendship. The evocative oil paintings are expertly rendered and effectively convey the powerful emotions of the tale.”
—School Library Journal