The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls

By Janet Halfmann, Duane Smith
Paperback: $10.95

This exciting entry in the “Story of” line of chapter-book biographies introduces readers to Robert Smalls, an enslaved steamboat wheelman who commandeered a Confederate ship during the Civil War and escaped with his family and crew to freedom.

Front cover for Seven Miles to Freedom by Janet Halfmann and Duane Smith
This book is also available in English
Seven Miles to Freedom
By Janet Halfmann, Duane Smith

Description

Growing up enslaved 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.

The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls is the compelling account of the daring escape of Robert Smalls, an enslaved 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. This chapter book edition includes black-and-white illustrations as well as sidebars on related subjects, a timeline, a glossary, and recommended reading.

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

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781643790169
  • Price $10.95
  • Publication Date Feb 25, 2020
  • Trim Size 8.25 × 5.5 in
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 80
  • Word Count 6583
  • Interests

  • Imprint Lee & Low Books
  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / Biography & Autobiography / Historical
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / History / United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877)
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / African American & Black
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Biography / Memoir, Conflict resolution, Courage, Heroism, History & Civics, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence / Grit, Slavery, Social Justice & Activism, United States History, War
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 8 - 12
  • Grade Range Grades 3 - 7
  • Guided Reading V
  • ATOS Book Level 6.5
  • DRA 50
  • Lexile Level 1010
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

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