Freedom River



Author: Doreen Rappaport

Illustrator: Bryan Collier

Genre: Social Studies, English Language Arts

Award: Coretta Scott King Award

Grade Levels: Third Grade/Fourth Grade

Theme: Many African Americans were treated very poorly in early American history. African Americans were treated as slaves and had to work long and hard for other people without any freedom and without their families. Some people risked their lives in order to save some slaves. These types of people went against the majority of people during that time to save these slaves.

Pre-Reading Strategies:

Have any of you heard of the Underground Railroad?

What was it, and how did it help save enslaved African Americans?

Can anyone name any courageous slave helpers during this time period?

What war was fought over the issue of slavery and who won?

Discuss with the class that slavery was a very important and serious issue during the Civil War period from 1861-1865. Discuss why the South succeeded away from the North during that time period. Explain the differences between the North and the South. Discuss any important heroes that the students can recall from prior history knowledge who helped save enslaved Americans.

Post-Reading Strategies: After the reading, the students will discuss the post-reading questions. They will then draw a poster signed map of what they think the Underground Railroad looked like, and the journey that John Parker had to take to rescue the slaves. The students will decorate and illustrate the Underground Railroad and John Parkers journey into the “slave state” and then present what they illustrated to the class.

Assessment: Post-reading questions

Why did John Parker risk his life to help Isaac, Sarah, and their baby? How did he help enslaved Americans reach the “free state?” What did you learn about the Underground Railroad? What kind of state was John Parker from? Was it a “free state” or “slave state?”

Reflection: This is a very interesting historical book that can inform children what history was like for slaves and how they formed a bond and tried to escape together.

Rappaport, Doreen. (2000). Freedom River. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.

Grades 1-4.