The Legend of Freedom Hill

By Linda J. Altman, Cornelius Van Wright, Ying-Hwa Hu
Paperback: $11.95

A fictional story set during the California Gold Rush, in which a girl teams up with her best friend in search of gold to buy her mother’s freedom from a slave catcher.

Description

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.

About the Creators

Linda J. Altman
Linda J. Altman

Linda Jacobs Altman 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.

Cornelius Van Wright

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.

Ying-Hwa Hu headshot: She has short, straight, gray hair and wears glasses, pink lipstick, and a green and pink patterned shirt.
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.

Awards

  • Best Children's Books of the Year

    Bank Street College of Education

  • Children's Books of the Year

    Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

Reviews

  • "Cultural and historical facts are smoothly integrated into the story, but the focus is squarely on the friendship. . . Children will identify with the spunky, resourceful girls and enjoy the expeditious resolution. With multicultural and historical themes, this original 'legend' will enhance social studies curricula, especially in California."

    - Booklist

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781584301691
  • Publication Date Jun 01, 2000
  • Trim Size 10 × 8.5 × 1 in
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Word Count 1260
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781584300038
  • Publication Date Jun 01, 2000
  • Trim Size N/A
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Word Count 1260
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Action & Adventure / General
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Historical / General
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / People & Places / United States / African American
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Bullying, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Collaboration, Conflict resolution, Courage, Discrimination, Dreams & Aspirations, Education, Empathy / Compassion, Families, Fiction, Friendship, Heroism, History & Civics, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Jewish, Leadership, Mentors, Multiple Ethnicities Represented, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, Poverty, Pride, Respect / Citizenship, Responsibility, Sharing & Giving, Slavery, Tolerance / Acceptance, United States History
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 9
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 4
  • Guided Reading T
  • ATOS Book Level 4.7
  • DRA 44
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 4
  • Lexile Level 940
  • Reading Level 3
  • SRC 3.8
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 68
      African American English Collection Grades 3-6
      Collection of 68 books: $966.60

      441 in stock

    • 40
      Diverse Background English Collection Grades 3-6
      Collection of 40 books: $494.00