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The Legend of Freedom Hill

By Linda Jacobs Altman
Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright, Ying-Hwa Hu

Paperback: $11.95

Hardcover: out of stock

Ebook

Icon_t View the Teacher's Guide

In the 1850s, during the time of the California Gold Rush, Rosabel and Sophie become best friends because they are both outsiders. Rosabel is African American and Sophie is Jewish. Rosabel has freedom papers, but her mother, Miz Violet, is a runaway slave. They have escaped to California, where slavery is against the law. But Miz Violet is not completely safe. The Fugitive Slave Act allows runaway slaves to be captured and returned to their owners.

When a slave catcher shows up and takes Miz Violet away, it is up to Rosabel and Sophie to put their clever minds together and come up with a way to free Miz Violet once and for all.

Using lively language that evokes the West of Gold Rush days, Linda Jacobs Altman has crafted a heartwarming story of love, bravery, and friendship.

Check out the The Legend of Freedom Hill reading guide created by PJ Library, a program for engaging families in the joys of Jewish life and traditions one book at a time.

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About the Creators

Thumb_thumb Linda Jacobs Altman - Author

is the author of Amelia's Road, published by Lee & Low, and named a "Choices" selection by the Cooperative Children's Book Center. Altman, who lives in Clearlake, California, frequently writes for the educational market.

Thumb_thumb Cornelius Van Wright

and his wife Ying-Hwa Hu have illustrated dozens of award-winning books. Their illustrations have been praised by Kirkus Reviews as “bright, detailed and dynamic, vividly depicting . . . characters’ facial features and personalities.” Van Wright, a native New Yorker, lives in New York City.

Thumb_ying-hwa_hu_copy Ying-Hwa Hu

Ying-Hwa Hu and her husband Cornelius Van Wright have illustrated dozens of award-winning books. Their illustrations have been praised by Kirkus Reviews as “bright, detailed and dynamic, vividly depicting . . . characters’ facial features and personalities.” Hu, who was born in Taiwan, lives in New York City. You can find her online at yinghwahu.com and follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest at @yinghwahu.

About This Title

ISBN

Paperback: 9781584301691

Hardcover: 9781584300038

Awards

Children's Books of the Year
Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

Notable Children's Book of Jewish Content
Association of Jewish Libraries

Storytelling World Honor Award
Storytelling World

Guided Reading:

T

Lexile:

940L

Interest Level:

Grades 1 - 4

Reading Level:

Grades 3 - 3

Themes

United States History, Slavery, Sharing & Giving, Identity/Self Esteem/Confidence, Responsibility, Overcoming Obstacles, Multiethnic interest, Mentors, Jewish Interest, History, Heroism, Friendship, Families, Education, Dreams & Aspirations, Discrimination, Conflict resolution, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Bullying, African/African American Interest, Poverty, Empathy/Compassion, Leadership, Optimism/Enthusiasm, Respect/Citizenship, Pride, California, Collaboration, Courage, Tolerance/Acceptance

Part of These Collections

English Fiction Grades 3-6, Fluent Dual Language , Fluent English, Diverse Background English Collection Grades 3-6, Friends & Friendship, African American English Collection Grades 3-6, English Guided Reading Level T, Teaching about Slavery Collection