Seven Miles to Freedom

Review
By A Wrung Spong

You don’t often get exciting stories of heroism and resistance by smart, brave, persistent African Americans who spent their lifetime working for justice and freedom. Robert Smalls is such a man and Seven Miles to Freedom is a thrilling biography for elementary age children . . . an engaging, exciting book about Small’s early life in slavery and his passion for freedom. . . . Halfmann’s cleverly built back-story and thoughtful use of details along with a balanced portrayal of the institution of slavery gives a lot of discussion material for middle grade students.