Seven Miles to Freedom

The Robert Smalls Story
By Janet Halfmann, Duane Smith
Paperback: $12.95

The true story of Robert Smalls, a slave steamboat wheelman who commandeered a Confederate ship during the Civil War and escaped with his family and crew to freedom.

Front cover for The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls by Janet Halfmann and Duane Smith
This book is also available in English
The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls
By Janet Halfmann, Duane Smith

Description

Growing up a slave in South Carolina, Robert Smalls always dreamed of the moment freedom would be within his grasp. Now that moment was here.

Robert stood proudly at the Planter’s wheel. Only seven miles of water lay between the ship and the chance of freedom in Union territory. With precision and amazing courage, he navigated past the Confederate forts in the harbor and steered the ship toward the safety of the Union fleet. Just one miscalculation would be deadly, but for Robert, his family, and his crewmates, the risk was worth taking.

Seven Miles to Freedom is the compelling account of the daring escape of Robert Smalls, a slave steamboat wheelman who became one of the Civil War’s greatest heroes. His steadfast courage in the face of adversity is an inspiring model for all who attempt to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.

About the Creators

Janet Halfmann

Janet Halfmann is the author of more than forty books for children, including Lee & Low's Midnight Teacher, which Kirkus called “An excellent homage to an African-American woman who taught ahead of her time” in a starred review. When she’s not writing, Halfmann enjoys working in the garden, exploring nature, visiting new places, especially wildlife areas and living-history museums, and watching movies. Halfmann lives with her husband in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Duane Smith

Duane Smith was an artist, illustrator, and graphic designer with a degree from Pratt Institute in New York City and a Master’s in Illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology. His wide-ranging works have been featured in periodicals, books, movie storyboards, and galleries. Smith also worked in graphic design and interactive media development, and split his time between homes in Brooklyn and Albany, New York. He died in 2020.

Awards

  • Best Children's Books of the Year

    Bank Street College of Education

  • Beehive Book Award Nominee

    The Children's Literature Association of Utah (CLAU)

  • Land of Enchantment Book Award Shortlist

    New Mexico Library Association

  • Reading Circle Recommended Reading List

    Missouri State Teachers Association

Reviews

  • "Page turns and textual pacing combine to relate the actual escape with pulse-pounding excitement; readers' relief at Smalls's success is almost physical. A triumph."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "This book is an excellent vehicle to bring [Smalls's] story to a wider audience. . . . The oil paintings employ thick, bold strokes and deep saturated colors to convey Smalls's strength and determination in successfully delivering his and his crew's family members to freedom."

    - School Library Journal

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781600609862
  • Price $12.95
  • Publication Date May 01, 2008
  • Trim Size 10.75 × 9 in
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 40
  • Word Count 2480
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781600602320
  • Price $18.95
  • Publication Date May 01, 2008
  • Trim Size N/A
  • Weight 1 lbs
  • Page Count 40
  • Word Count 2480
  • Interests

  • Imprint Lee & Low Books
  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / Social Topics / Prejudice & Racism
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / History / United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877)
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / Biography & Autobiography / Historical
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Biography / Memoir, Heroism, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Occupations, Overcoming Obstacles, Poverty, Responsibility, Slavery, Social Justice & Activism, United States History, War
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 11
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 6
  • Guided Reading T
  • ATOS Book Level 5.7
  • DRA 44
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 6
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 870
  • SRC 5.6
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

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