Hush Harbor

Praying in Secret

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

In the early nineteenth century, enslaved Africans are not allowed to gather together in groups. For Simmy and his family, that means they must worship in secret. If they are caught, the punishment will be terrible. Simmy’s job is to watch for danger while the others pray and sing as the Spirit moves them. Will he be able to keep the hush harbor safe?

Format Your Price Add
978-0-7613-4635-7
$22.99
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Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books, Social Studies
Category Diverse Books: Race & Ethnicity, Diversity
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Carolrhoda Books ®
Language English
Publication Date 2008-08-01
Reading Counts! Level 2.8
Reading Counts! Points 2.0
Text Type Fiction—Historical
BISACS JUV011010, JUV016200
Dewey [E]
Lexile 600
Guided Reading Level T
ATOS Reading Level 4.7
Accelerated Reader® Quiz 123224
Accelerated Reader® Points 0.5
Features Author/Illustrator note, Awards, and Reviewed

Awards

  • Booklist Top 10 Religion and Spirituality Books for Youth, Winner, 2010
  • SSLI Book Award Best Book, Winner, 2008

Reviews

Booklist

“Illustrated with extremely stylized pictures that don’t prettify their subjects, this captures some of the fear and horror associated with slavery. However, it’s the detailed author’s note that will really give kids insight into the subject. A good choice for both religion and history shelves.”
Booklist

Kirkus Reviews

“Banks’s oversized, almost muralistic figures reflect the strength of the Africans’ spirits and their tremendous physicality. The red outlines used throughout evoke both warmth and danger as the characters steal away to their meeting place. Evans handles the issue with clarity, understanding and pride, briefly touching upon Africans’ attempts to escape the slavery system. The author’s note provides additional information for interested readers. This is a fine addition to any collection.”
Kirkus Reviews

School Library Journal

“Banks’s highly stylized paintings are wonderfully expressive and amplify the deep emotion of the situation. Her palette of yellows and browns shows people who are swathed in moonlight yet avoids the dimness that night scenes sometimes have. An extensive author’s note outlines African religion from the arrival of slaves in America to the founding of the First African Baptist Church.”
School Library Journal