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

  • 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 / People & Places / United States / African American
  • 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:

    • 53
      Summer Reading Collection
      Collection of 53 books: $765.35

      The Story of Trailblazing Actor Ira Aldridge

      This new entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies features Ira Aldridge, an African American actor considered one of the greatest Shakespearean performers of the nineteenth century, and an outspoken advocate for the abolitionist movement in the United States.

      Maximilian & the Lucha Libre Club (Max's Lucha Libre Adventures #3) / Maximilian y el Club de Lucha Libre

      Maximilian & the Lucha Libre Club is the third book in Xavier Garza's award-winning series Max's Lucha Libre Adventures. Sixth-grader Max joins the Lucha Libre Club. Grab your masks and let the action begin! POW!

      Maximilian & the Lucha Libre Club es el tercer libro de la galardonada serie Max's Lucha Libre Adventures por Xavier Garza. Max, estudiante de sexto grado, se une al Club de Lucha Libre. ¡Ponganse sus máscaras y que empiece la acción! ¡POW!

      Maximilian & the Bingo Rematch (Max's Lucha Libre Adventures #2) / Maximilian & la revancha de la lotería

      Maximilian & the Bingo Rematch is the second book in Xavier Garza's award-winning series Max's Lucha Libre Adventures. Maximilian's old aunts battle for the Queen Bingo trophy while his sweetheart and the new girl war for Max's heart.

      Maximilian & la revancha de la lotería es el segundo libro de la galardonada serie Max's Lucha Libre Adventures por Xavier Garza. Las tías viejitas de Maximilian pelean por el trofeo de Reina de la Lotería mientras su novia y la chica nueva luchan por el corazón de Max.

      The Turquoise Room / El cuarto turquesa

      Bestselling author Monica Brown takes us on a magical journey into the lives of generations of creative women in her family in this gorgeously illustrated bilingual picture book.

      Monica Brown, exitosa autora, nos lleva a un viaje mágico en la vida de generaciones de mujeres creativas en su familia en este libro bilingüe bellamente ilustrado.

      The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls

      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.

      The Story of Banker of the People Muhammad Yunus

      This new entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies focuses on Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who revolutionized global antipoverty efforts by developing the innovative economic concept of micro-lending.

      The Story of Car Engineer Soichiro Honda

      The "Story" chapter-book line debuts with this compelling biography of Soichiro Honda, the innovative motorcycle and car manufacturer and Japanese business pioneer.

      The Story of Civil Rights Hero John Lewis

      This new entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies focuses on John Lewis, a leader in the civil rights movement of the 1960s and a revered Congressman today.

      The Story of World War II Hero Irena Sendler

      The "Story" chapter-book line debuts with this beautiful celebration of the life of Irena Sendler, a social worker who helped save nearly 2500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi occupation of Poland.

      The Story of Environmentalist Wangari Maathai

      This inspiring entry in the "Story of" line of chapter-book biographies features Wangari Maathai, the first African woman, and environmentalist, to win a Nobel Peace Prize.

      The Story of Olympic Swimmer Duke Kahanamoku

      This entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies focuses on Duke Kahanamoku, the six-time Olympic swimming champion and a legendary surfer who popularized surfing around the world.

      The Story of All-Star Athlete Jim Thorpe

      This entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies focuses on Jim Thorpe, an exceptional athlete with natural talent and the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal for the United States.

      The Story of Tennis Champion Arthur Ashe

      The "Story" chapter-book line debuts with this action-packed tribute to Arthur Ashe, one of the most compelling athletes and humanitarians of the twentieth century.

      The Story of Movie Star Anna May Wong

      This entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies focuses on Anna May Wong, whose trail-blazing career in Hollywood broke new ground for future generations of Asian American actors.

      Maximilian & the Curse of the Fallen Angel (Max's Lucha Libre Adventures #4) / Maximilian & la maldición del Ángel Caído

      Maximilian & the Curse of the Fallen Angel is the fourth book in Xavier Garza's award-winning series Max's Lucha Libre Adventures. Fourteen-year-old Max struggles with the biggest heartbreak of his life--his hero just announced his last match ever as the king of lucha libre!

      Maximilian & la madición del Ángel Cáido es el cuarto libro de la galardonada serie Max's Lucha Libre Adventures por Xavier Garza. Max batalla con la peor tragedia de su vida: ¡su héroe acaba de anunciar su ultima pelea como el rey de la lucha libre!

      The Story of Olympic Diver Sammy Lee

      This compelling entry in the "Story of" line of chapter-book biographies features Sammy Lee, a Korean American diver who became the first Asian American to win an Olympic gold medal.

      Blessing's Bead

      Now in paperback: the acclaimed middle-grade novel tracing four generations of an Iñupiaq family in Alaska, which the Washington Post praised as "a rare and beautiful book."

      Audiobook Edition

      Fight Back

      Amina's Voice meets A Good Kind of Trouble in this story about 13-year-old Aaliyah, who feels alone after putting on a hijab for the first time, but finds friends and allies through organizing a protest at her school.

      Audiobook Edition

      Speculation

      A wonderful middle-grade fantasy debut about Black families, family history, family curses ... and a really marvelous pair of spectacles.

      Audiobook Edition

      Mèo and Bé

      Just before the United States enters the Vietnam War, eleven-year-old Bé and her three-footed kitten Mèo must rise above the injustices of war to find the comfort, safety, and love of a found family.

      Snitchers

      When the grownups can't do it, three friends join together to figure out who killed a little boy in their neighborhood in this stunning debut YA by award-winning playwright Stephane Dunn.

      Audiobook Edition

      The Everything I Have Lost

      Julia keeps lists in her diary--lists of everything she loses. When her lists end up including her dad and her home, she finds comfort in the pages, but she'll need more than that to find the truth.

      Feathered Serpent, Dark Heart of Sky

      Feathered Serpent, Dark Heart of Sky is a stunning collection of Aztec folklore and myths passed from generation to generation and, now, writer to reader.

      House of Purple Cedar

      A Choctaw tale of tragedy, good and evil, revenge and ultimately forgiveness, laced with healing Choctaw humor and a little magical realism thrown in.

      Jaya and Rasa: A Love Story

      Jaya's a rich kid. Rasa's motherless and broke. Opposite sides of the tracks. Romeo and Juliet, on fair Oahu.

      The Moonlit Vine

      Fourteen-year-old Taína just learned that she is a descendant of a long line of strong Taíno women, but will knowing this help her bring peace and justice to her family and community?

      Audiobook Edition

      Once Around the Block / Una vuelta a la manzana

      A bilingual ABCs book that fills you in on all the fun neighborhood chatter!

      Un libro bilingüe del abecedario que te pone al corriente del chisme divertido del vecindario!

      Galápagos Girl / Galapagueña

      This charming bilingual English & Spanish picture book from the illustrator of Mango, Abuela, and Me introduces the fascinating creatures of the Galápagos Islands through the life of one very lucky girl.

      A Special Goodbye (Confetti Kids #12)

      In this book in the popular Confetti Kids series, Mei learns how to cope with the closing of her parents' flower shop with the help of her best friends.

      Block Party (Confetti Kids #3)

      In this early chapter book in the popular Confetti Kids series, the neighborhood is having a block party and Padma worries that her friends won't like her mom's lentil soup.

      Music Time (Confetti Kids #4)

      In this early chapter book in the popular Confetti Kids series, Henry tries to find a place where he can practice his drums without disturbing his mom.

      Want to Play? (Confetti Kids #2)

      In this early chapter book in the popular Confetti Kids series, a diverse group of kids decide to play pretend. There's no limit to what they imagine they can be!

      Lily's New Home (Confetti Kids #1)

      In this early chapter book in the popular Confetti Kids series, Lily and her parents move from their suburban neighborhood to New York City and Lily must adapt to her new life.

      The Protest (Confetti Kids #10)

      In this new book in the popular Confetti Kids series, Lily and her friends organize a protest in order to save their neighborhood public garden from being demolished.

      The Perfect Gift (Confetti Kids #6)

      In this early chapter book in the popular Confetti Kids series, Mei's little brother is turning 100 days old and there will be a big party. Mei is determined to find the perfect gift for the special day.

      Follow That Map! (Confetti Kids #7)

      In this early chapter book in the popular Confetti Kids series, Pablo is excited to help his friends find the best route to Coney Island by using different transportation maps.

      The Garden (Confetti Kids #5)

      In this new book in the popular Confetti Kids series, Lily and her friends volunteer to help at the public garden, where they learn that plants need water, sun, and--just like them--time to grow.

      The Buddy Bench (Confetti Kids #8)

      In this early chapter book in the popular Confetti Kids series, Padma and her friends create a buddy bench, where kids can sit if they feel lonely and need a friend.

      Pablo's Pet (Confetti Kids #9)

      In this early chapter book in the popular Confetti Kids series, Pablo learns to deal with the loss of his much-loved pet fish.

      Copycat

      Award-winning author-illustrator Christy Hale brings the fascinating concept of biomimicry to life in a uniquely designed book that shows how nature inspires solutions to real-world problems.

      The Talent Show (Confetti Kids #11)

      In this book in the popular Confetti Kids series, Henry is nervous about sharing his dance moves at the school talent show.

      I Can Be... Me!

      A joyful picture book centering nonbinary young people and celebrating children's freedom to express themselves through play from beloved creators Lesléa Newman and Maya Gonzalez.

      Marvelous Mabel

      Meet Mabel Fairbanks, the skating superstar who became the first Black athlete inducted into the US Figure Skating Hall of Fame.

      Mi familia calaca / My Skeleton Family

      Come meet La Familia calaca! They're just like everybody else. Except they're all bones!

      ABeCedarios

      A bilingual ABC book featuring beautiful, vibrant photographs of hand-carved animals from Oaxaca, Mexico.

      Un libro ABC bilingüe que presenta hermosas y vibrantes fotografías de animales tallados a mano de Oaxaca, México.

      Let's Work!

      From Puebla, Mexico, come adorable miniature palm weavings of people at work that invite children to learn about occupations in English and Spanish.

      Desde Puebla, México, vienen adorables tejidos de palmeras en miniatura de personas en el trabajo que invitan a los niños a aprender sobre ocupaciones en inglés y español.

      Opuestos

      Happy hand-painted animals from Oaxaca, Mexico, teach kids about opposites in two languages!

      ¡Felices animales pintados a mano de Oaxaca, México, enseña a los niños sobre los opuestos en este encantador libro bilingüe!

      Vámonos

      Young readers will enjoy this fun and vibrant bilingual introduction to different forms of transportation. This installment in author Cynthia Weill's acclaimed Mexican Folk Art series is a colorful adventure in English and Spanish, illustrated with handmade painted sculptures.

      Dream Carver / El tallador de sueños

      Pink goats, blue rabbits, and purple cats--oh my! Manuel has the determination and imagination to create them all!

      Cabras rosas, conejos azules y gatos morados--¡que maravilla! ¡Manuel tiene las ganas e imaginación para crearlo todo!

      How We Can Live

      The first children's book to feature material from the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, this beautiful picture book will engage hearts and minds as it introduces children to the guiding principles of the Black Lives Matter movement.

      Sélavi, That is Life

      On the streets of Haiti, a homeless child learns the meaning of family, solidarity, and hope.

      Stacey Abrams

      How do we move our country forward? Stacey Abrams has an answer in this bright and stirring biography, perfect for discussions of voting rights and how people working together can make a difference.

      Maximilian & the Mystery of the Guardian Angel

      A Pura Belpré Author Honor Award winner

      Una Pura Belpré Premio de Autor Infantil (Libro de Honor)

      Maximillian's summer vacation resembles one of his beloved lucha libre movies: grudge matches, fantastic villains and the Guardian Angel.

      Las vacaciones de verano de Maximillian se parece a una de sus queridas películas de lucha libre: partidos de rencor, villanos fantásticos y el Ángel Guardián.

      597 in stock

    • 21
      Summer Reading Collection Grades 3-5
      Collection of 21 books: $287.95

      The Story of Trailblazing Actor Ira Aldridge

      This new entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies features Ira Aldridge, an African American actor considered one of the greatest Shakespearean performers of the nineteenth century, and an outspoken advocate for the abolitionist movement in the United States.

      The Turquoise Room / El cuarto turquesa

      Bestselling author Monica Brown takes us on a magical journey into the lives of generations of creative women in her family in this gorgeously illustrated bilingual picture book.

      Monica Brown, exitosa autora, nos lleva a un viaje mágico en la vida de generaciones de mujeres creativas en su familia en este libro bilingüe bellamente ilustrado.

      Maximilian & the Lucha Libre Club (Max's Lucha Libre Adventures #3) / Maximilian y el Club de Lucha Libre

      Maximilian & the Lucha Libre Club is the third book in Xavier Garza's award-winning series Max's Lucha Libre Adventures. Sixth-grader Max joins the Lucha Libre Club. Grab your masks and let the action begin! POW!

      Maximilian & the Lucha Libre Club es el tercer libro de la galardonada serie Max's Lucha Libre Adventures por Xavier Garza. Max, estudiante de sexto grado, se une al Club de Lucha Libre. ¡Ponganse sus máscaras y que empiece la acción! ¡POW!

      Maximilian & the Bingo Rematch (Max's Lucha Libre Adventures #2) / Maximilian & la revancha de la lotería

      Maximilian & the Bingo Rematch is the second book in Xavier Garza's award-winning series Max's Lucha Libre Adventures. Maximilian's old aunts battle for the Queen Bingo trophy while his sweetheart and the new girl war for Max's heart.

      Maximilian & la revancha de la lotería es el segundo libro de la galardonada serie Max's Lucha Libre Adventures por Xavier Garza. Las tías viejitas de Maximilian pelean por el trofeo de Reina de la Lotería mientras su novia y la chica nueva luchan por el corazón de Max.

      Maximilian & the Mystery of the Guardian Angel

      A Pura Belpré Author Honor Award winner

      Una Pura Belpré Premio de Autor Infantil (Libro de Honor)

      Maximillian's summer vacation resembles one of his beloved lucha libre movies: grudge matches, fantastic villains and the Guardian Angel.

      Las vacaciones de verano de Maximillian se parece a una de sus queridas películas de lucha libre: partidos de rencor, villanos fantásticos y el Ángel Guardián.

      Maximilian & the Curse of the Fallen Angel (Max's Lucha Libre Adventures #4) / Maximilian & la maldición del Ángel Caído

      Maximilian & the Curse of the Fallen Angel is the fourth book in Xavier Garza's award-winning series Max's Lucha Libre Adventures. Fourteen-year-old Max struggles with the biggest heartbreak of his life--his hero just announced his last match ever as the king of lucha libre!

      Maximilian & la madición del Ángel Cáido es el cuarto libro de la galardonada serie Max's Lucha Libre Adventures por Xavier Garza. Max batalla con la peor tragedia de su vida: ¡su héroe acaba de anunciar su ultima pelea como el rey de la lucha libre!

      Stacey Abrams

      How do we move our country forward? Stacey Abrams has an answer in this bright and stirring biography, perfect for discussions of voting rights and how people working together can make a difference.

      Sélavi, That is Life

      On the streets of Haiti, a homeless child learns the meaning of family, solidarity, and hope.

      How We Can Live

      The first children's book to feature material from the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, this beautiful picture book will engage hearts and minds as it introduces children to the guiding principles of the Black Lives Matter movement.

      Dream Carver / El tallador de sueños

      Pink goats, blue rabbits, and purple cats--oh my! Manuel has the determination and imagination to create them all!

      Cabras rosas, conejos azules y gatos morados--¡que maravilla! ¡Manuel tiene las ganas e imaginación para crearlo todo!

      The Story of Civil Rights Hero John Lewis

      This new entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies focuses on John Lewis, a leader in the civil rights movement of the 1960s and a revered Congressman today.

      The Story of Car Engineer Soichiro Honda

      The "Story" chapter-book line debuts with this compelling biography of Soichiro Honda, the innovative motorcycle and car manufacturer and Japanese business pioneer.

      The Story of Olympic Diver Sammy Lee

      This compelling entry in the "Story of" line of chapter-book biographies features Sammy Lee, a Korean American diver who became the first Asian American to win an Olympic gold medal.

      The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls

      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.

      The Story of All-Star Athlete Jim Thorpe

      This entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies focuses on Jim Thorpe, an exceptional athlete with natural talent and the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal for the United States.

      The Story of Environmentalist Wangari Maathai

      This inspiring entry in the "Story of" line of chapter-book biographies features Wangari Maathai, the first African woman, and environmentalist, to win a Nobel Peace Prize.

      The Story of Banker of the People Muhammad Yunus

      This new entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies focuses on Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who revolutionized global antipoverty efforts by developing the innovative economic concept of micro-lending.

      The Story of World War II Hero Irena Sendler

      The "Story" chapter-book line debuts with this beautiful celebration of the life of Irena Sendler, a social worker who helped save nearly 2500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi occupation of Poland.

      The Story of Olympic Swimmer Duke Kahanamoku

      This entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies focuses on Duke Kahanamoku, the six-time Olympic swimming champion and a legendary surfer who popularized surfing around the world.

      The Story of Tennis Champion Arthur Ashe

      The "Story" chapter-book line debuts with this action-packed tribute to Arthur Ashe, one of the most compelling athletes and humanitarians of the twentieth century.

      The Story of Movie Star Anna May Wong

      This entry in the innovative "Story" line of chapter-book biographies focuses on Anna May Wong, whose trail-blazing career in Hollywood broke new ground for future generations of Asian American actors.

      906 in stock

    • 107
      High-Low Books for Teens: Middle and High School
      Collection of 107 books: $1,637.70

      Ahimsa

      In this historical middle-grade novel, Gandhi asks for one member of each family to join the fight for independence from the British, and when Anjali's mother is jailed for doing so, Anjali must step out of her comfort zone to take over her mother's work.

      All the Stars Denied

      In a companion novel to her critically acclaimed Shame the Stars, Pura Belpré Award Winner Guadalupe García McCall tackles the hidden history of the United States and its first mass deportation that swept up hundreds of thousands of Mexican American citizens during the Great Depression.

      Audiobook Edition

      Amazing Places

      A collection of original poems that celebrate some of the amazingly diverse places in our nation. Readers of all ages will want to visit each amazing place again and again!

      Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle

      The Penderwicks meets In the Heights in this sparkling middle-grade debut about a young Dominican American girl in New York City.

      Arrow of Lightning (Killer of Enemies #3)

      In the final installment of the Killer of Enemies series, Lozen attempts to live a life without the violence that so far has defined her life, but the remaining Ones will not let that happen without a fight.

      Audiobook Edition

      Awakening (Tankborn #2)

      Before Kayla can free her fellow GENs from enslavement, she must save them from a deadly virus.