The Ending of Slavery in America
Seeking Freedom
Writer Selene Castrovilla brings American history for kids to life with her award-winning books, perfect for all social studies curriculum.
Booklist starred review!
★ " In 1861, George Scott had been living in the forest and swamp near Hampton, Virginia, for two years, hiding from those who would force him back into slavery. After hearing that Black freedom seekers were protected inside nearby Fortress Monroe, he sought shelter there."
STARRED REVIEW
School Library Connection
★ "This is a thrilling tale of bravery and cunning, the courage of [George] Scott, and the shrewd actions of General [Benjamin] Butler...Fascinating facts combine with vivid illustrations in a truly powerful recounting of a crucial point in history."
How Selene found this story!
Seeking the Story of Seeking Freedom
"How could a hero from the Revolutionary War lead me to a virtually unknown story from the Civil War? Do you believe in ghosts? I do." Learn how Selene found this hidden American history for kids.
Thank you to Virginia's elementary school students!
A Special Honor For Seeking Freedom!
Seeking Freedom tells the true story of events at Fortress Monroe in Virginia during the Civil War that led to the end of slavery in America. That's why it's a particular honor to win this award from Virginia's students!
ALSC Notable Children's Book
I'm so proud that Seeking Freedom is an Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
Notable Children's Book! ALSC is a Division of the American Library Association.
CCBC Choices
I'm thrilled that Seeking Freedom is a Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice as a best-of-the-year book!
New York Public LibrarY Best Books
I'm honored that Seeking Freedom is a NYPL Best Book!
Seeking Freedom Speaks To Readers!
Seeking Freedom Speaks To Readers!
Virginia Readers' Choice Award
ALSC Notable Children's Book
CCBC Choices 2023
A New York Public Library Best Book for Kids
Bank Street Best Book of the Year
★ "Besides telling [George] Scott’s dramatic story, the narrative highlights [Benjamin] Butler’s pivotal decision to regard people who escaped slavery as contraband—a legal strategy enabling the U.S. Army to protect them. With a muted palette featuring grays, greens, browns, and pale, tawny yellows, Lewis creates a series of haunting watercolor paintings that make Scott’s story intense and memorable. This beautifully illustrated picture book enables readers to see the Civil War from a different point of view." —Booklist, starred review
★ "This is a thrilling tale of bravery and cunning, the courage of [George] Scott, and the shrewd actions of General [Benjamin] Butler...Fascinating facts combine with vivid illustrations in a truly powerful recounting of a crucial point in history." —School Library Connection, starred review
★ "This little-known glimpse of Civil War history fills in gaps that are so essential in creating a fuller picture of the history of this country...This is an important and essential addition to all books on American history, the American Civil War and Black history." —Youth Services Book Review, starred review
Starred Booklist Review
Seeking Freedom has a starred Booklist review.
"This beautifully illustrated
picture book enables readers to see the Civil War from a different point of view."
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