Henry's Freedom Box

Written by Ellen Levine

Narrated by Jerry Dixon

Henry dreams of a world where his life belongs to him. But when his family is sold, he risks everything for what he knows is right. With the strength and conviction of the best kind of hero, Henry makes a harrowing journey in a wooden crate—and mails himself to freedom!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Weston Woods
• Release date: Jan 1, 2009
• ISBN: 9780545831390

Ellen Levine

Ellen Levine is the author of many books, including Henry's Freedom Box, a Caldecott Honor book, and Darkness Over Denmark, which was a National Jewish Book Award finalist and was awarded the Trudi Birger Jerusalem International Book Fair Prize. Her book Freedom's Children won the Jane Addams book award and was named one of the Ten Best Children's Books of the Year by the New York Times. Levine is a woodcarver and a lapsed civil-rights lawyer, and she taught at Vermont College's Master of Fine Art in Writing for Children and Young Adults program.

Reviews for Henry's Freedom Box

[sunnysturdivant · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Summary- Henry was a slave. He worked and rolled tobacco for a living. The woman he fell in love with was owned by someone other than Henry’s owner. With each of their owners permission they got married. They had several children. One day Henry’s wife told him her owner was very poor and thought he may sell some of their children. While Henry was at work one morning a co-worker informed him his wife and children had been sold. Henry then decided he no longer wished to live somewhere where slavery was. With assistance from a local man that did not believe in slavery, Henry mailed his self to Philadelphia.Personal Reaction- I thought this was a great story. It made me have a different perspective about the way slaves may have felt. This gives a great lesson, as well as tells a good story that is personal to someone. Classroom Extension – (1) We could read do a culture study or history lesson about slavery then read this book to help students better relate to how the slaves may have felt.(2) Talk as a class about things that were different then vs. how things are now and possible reasons why things have changed.

[ebrossette · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The book follows the story of Henry, who becomes separated from his family twice in his life. This book would be best as a read-aloud since some words and concepts in the story are a bit difficult for children.

[christyfitch · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Summary: When Henry Brown was a young boy he was a slave to a master that treated his family well, yet they were still slaves. One day the master was sick and he gave Henry to his son. Henry was taken away from his family and wasn't treated as well by his new master. As he grew up he met a woman that he would marry. As time went by Henry and his wife had children. While Henry was working his wife and children were sold. Knowing he would never see his family again, he devised a plan to mail himself, in a crate, to Philadelphia. The people that he was shipped to were friends of a white man that helped Henry and shipped the crate containing him. In Philadelphia he was free!Personal Reaction:This is a must have book! It is a wonderful story that tells some of what happened to slaves.Classroom Extension Ideas: 1. This book can be used during Black History Month to help explain some of what happened to slaves.2. Can be used to start a conversation about the Underground Railroad.

[kwiggi3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book so much it gave me goosebumps. Such a powerful story that the author still kept innocent enough for children to be able to read. The language she used was simple but to the point of what was happening with slaves at the time. The author took an incredible true story, which was probably very long, and shortened it to show the important factors of Henry's escape. I also like how this book showed a side of the underground rail road that we do not traditionally hear about which is people sending themselves in a box. The illustrations were good as well and added to the text nicely. The overall message of this book was to tell the true story of Henry "Box" Brown

[zeebreez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Levine, Ellen. Henry's Freedom Box. New York: Scholastic Press, 2007. This facinating story is the true story of a slave named Henry Brown. He grows up as a slave but marries and has a family. Unfortunately, his whole family gets sent away to another owner. He dreams of being free and decides to ship himself to Philadephia. This story shows what he felt going through that ordeal. It is suspenseful and I found myself holding my breath. The illustrations are realistic and reveal so much emotion. It left me cheering for Henry. Age Group: 9-11years.

[aengolia-414725 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was a very insightful read. It told the story of a boy named Henry who was sold to his original masters son. He then meets his future wife, they get married, have three kids, and then the somethin horrendous happens. His wife and three kids are sold away. He meets with a white man who did not believe in slavery and gets shipped to Philadelphia where he could be free. This book shows the insight from a slave and all of the worry they have to endure. I believe that although this book ends with Henry getting his freedom, it did not come without a hard price. No one should have to endure what he did, just to live a free life.

[jaykay2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

SUmmary: Henry was a slave since he was a little boy. He worked for his master and fell in love with a young girl who soon became his wife. They had a few kids and were able to live together and Henry was a happy man. One day, everything changed. His kids and wife were taken away from him and sold to a new master. He knew he would never see them again. Henry was heartbroken. Henry decided to mail himself to freedom in Philadelphia. He sat in a box for about 24 hours with a few pieces of bread. At last, he was free. Personal Reaction:I enjoyed this book because it shows how emotionally painful slavery could be and the extensions it made people come to. It is also told in a point of view the students would be able to connect with. Extension Ideas:I would have my students make a collage of family pictures and then have them write about how they would feel if they were separated from them. I would have my students make their own version of their freedom box. It would be a small box they can decorate and every time they have a problem they can write it down on a piece of paper and put it in the box. Then they could show their parents or me and we could work to fix it together and they would be free of that stress.

[eg5274 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Summary: This Caldecott award winning book is based on a real runaway slave man from the Underground Railroad named Henry "Box" Brown. The author starts off with Henry not having a birthday. He is with his mother who is a slave, and they end up getting separated. As he gets older, Henry meets Nancy, who end up getting married and having children. As the slave master is low on money, he decides to sale Nancy and her children. Henry is separated from his family, and he becomes determined to runaway and be a free man. His friends help him hide in a box and be shipped off to a free state, thus receiving his middle name "Box". The story ends with Henry finally getting a birthday, which is the day of his freedom. Personal Reaction: This was a great book. With history insight and personal information, it gives the reader that intimate feeling with the main character. Classroom Extension Ideas:A. This book is meant for an upper elementary class. This would be an excellent book to read in a history class that is on the topic of slavery and the Underground Railroad. B. Also, this would be a great book to discuss other great African American leaders who helped end slavery.

[ssmith93-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I like this book because it was inspiring. It was a bit sad as well because Henry's family was taken away from him, but he used the experience to his advantage. The illustrations were very basic, but really helped the reader understand the time Henry was living in. The story captured a true account of what slaves had to deal with during that era. It is scary to think that a human being had to endure such hate and disregard. The part of the story when Henry races to the center of town as his family is being sold and he sees one of his family members being carted off and there's absolutely nothing he can do about to stop the carriage. That was very disheartening. Although, the beginning of the story was tragic, Henry seemed to make the most out of the life he had left. He was determined to become a free man and with the help of some very kind-hearted people, Henry was able to accomplish just that.

[betsyeggers · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What I liked: This book is a true account of the life of slave boy named Henry and how he mailed himself to freedom. The book does not try to sugarcoat slavery but it also stays away from details that might not be understood by a child. The illustrations are wonderful, especially the pictures of Henry in the box while on the boat. This is a great book to teach young children about slavery; it has many different points to start conversations.What I didn't like: nothing. I love this book.Recommendation: I would buy this book for my library (medium public library).

[ggenao-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book remind me that it doesn't matter your circumstances you can determine to be different and make changes that help you accomplish your dreams.

[pangle_7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Henry's Freedom Box is a true story from the Underground Railroad. Before even reading the words, the amazing illustration of Henry as a little boy on the cover of the book will mesmerize readers; the story begins in the little boy's eyes. This is a story of a little boy, born as a slave but not willing to live as one. Henry was sold to his Master's son and taken away from his family. He later married a slave woman and had a family. Then is happened to him. His own children were taken from him, sold, just as he was as a child. As he wiped his tears, his wife was gone too. Henry couldn't do it anymore. The life song had been taken from his heart and his mind. With help from two friends, Henry fit himself into a box and sent himself to freedom. This courageous story with fantastic art work will enlighten its readers, young and old.

[raquelvalentin-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This would be a wonderful read aloud for ESL students. I think that students would enjoy the story line. Also, has great pictures that tell the story which is a neat tool when involved with ESL students.

[1derlys · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Henry is a slave that is given to his master's son. He works hard and finds a wife and even though they have different masters they live together and have a family. But family didn't mean anything to slave owners and while at work one day Henry finds out his wife and children are sold. The illustrations enhance the commentary of this true story. The reader can see the feelings of the characters.

[messerpicks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

 This is probably one of the best children's books I have ever read. This story brought tears to my eyes. I cannot believe it is true story. I think everyone needs to read this book and learn about Henry 'Box' Brown. I didn't even know this man existed. Fantastic and very moving!

[acreel-1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Henry was a slave since he was a child, not knowing how old he was. He got taken away from his family at a young age and as he got older his whole family got taken away from him as well. His wife and children were sold. He always dreamed about being free so he mailed himself to Philadelphia. It doesn't say what happened to his wife and children. It seems like he forgot about them to be free. I didn't like the point of the book or the ending. This book could be implemented in classrooms to educate children on freedom and slavery.

[jaclynpoe · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This true story iws themed around slavery and segregation. I would use this book in my classroom when we have a unit on slavery or discrimination. I like this book because it is a true story of a boy who went through these tragic events. I would recommend this book to children in grades 2-5.

[heidiblanco · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Summary: This story is about a a young boy who is a slave and his master because ill and he gives his slaves to his son. Henry is sent to do something and meets a girl and they ask their masters if they can get married and the masters agree. They have some babies and then one day the wife tells the husband that her master is going broke. While Hnery is at work he learns that his family has been sold he goes to look for them and when he gets there they have already been sold. He then decides he wants to find away be free. So with the help of James and a white man who didn't agree with slavery they mail him to Pennsylvania and on his way he gets tipped over and over and finally when he gets to Pennsylania he now has a birthday and name Henry Box Brown. Personal Reaction: I really liked this story it was sad when Henry lost his family but in the end made it a happy story when he finally became free.Classroom Extenison:1. I could use this book to talk about the Underground Railroad.2. We could have a class discussion about what we would if we were Henry.

[kfrey4 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a great story. The main idea was finding freedom from slavery. A boy named Henry was with his mother and siblings on a plantation. His mother compared their family to the leaves saying “One day we will be split up like the leaves are ripped away from the trees.” This is so powerful to see this perspective and reflect on how this used to be the way of like for people. Henry was given to his master’s son and his family was sold and pulled away. Henry then grew to be a man who was given permission to be married to another slave on the neighboring plantation. After they have had children, again his family had been sold and ripped away from him. He then had a friend mail him to freedom in Pennsylvania. The liked the illustrations in this story. They were very dark and earthy tones that captured the lifestyle the slaves and Henry lived with. There was a weight to each picture up to his freedom. The colors then lightened up for a source of relief. Another reason why I liked this book was the authors note in the back. The author had then retold the true story about the man who mailed himself to freedom. I enjoyed this book and al its integrity towards the real story.

[michellenappi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The main message of "Henry's Freedom Box," is to show the readers that tragic circumstances can be overcome with a bit of ingenuity and a great deal of bravery. Though slavery was an extremely horrible and tragic event in our country's history, there are tales of courage and love that surfaced out of it.I enjoyed this book for many reasons. I loved the use of language in some parts of this book. There were some moments where the artist used similes and rich imagery to create beautiful comparisons. For example, one page states: "Do you see those leaves blowing in the wind? They are torn from the trees like slave children are torn form their families." Later on, when Henry is being sold to a different master, and therefore is separated from his family, the text reads, "Henry said good-bye to his family. He looked across the field. The leaves swirled in the wind." I found this imagery very powerful and poignant in this story. This use of language was quite beautiful. I also liked this book because it challenges readers to look at a tough issue. For example, in this book, Henry is separated from his family, works under a cruel master, and is separated from his wife and children. These are very difficult topics to discuss. Even in this book, when Henry makes his way to freedom, the book does not mention that Henry is every reunited with his family. Sometimes even a happy ending has some sad aspects to it. I think that one page accurately sums up the very tragic events that occurred because of slavery: "Henry no longer sang. He couldn't hum....Henry tried to think of happy times. But all he could see were the carts carrying away everyone he loved. Henry knew he would never see his family again." There is very powerful writing in this book that shows how awful conditions could be for slaves. This will challenge children to see a new perspective.

[bamulholland · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is a wonderful example of a historical fiction picture book. This book tells the story of Henry Brown who was a slave during the 1800s. He decided he wanted to be free so with the help of some other people he had himself shipped north to Philadelphia. This book was inspired by Henry "Box" Brown's life and accomplishment of shipping himself to freedom.

[krguarisco · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a wonderful book about a boy named Henry who grew up as a slave and then was freed as a n adult by mailing himself to the north. I found it really interesting that this was a true story. I didn't find this information out until I had finished reading it. One aspect I liked specially about this book was Henry's references to birds and how they are free things.

[spartyliblover · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Henry Brown is sold away from his family as a boy, he meets another slave girl whom he marries and has children with, his family is sold and Henry decides to find away to become free. Henry is the only developed character in the story, and most of that development is left to the illustrations. The beginning is a bit slow, but there is an exciting climax about 3/4s of the way through the book. The setting is developed mostly through the illustrations, but it is set in the slave era of America. While the illustrations are very good, the story is a bit choppy at points as it jumps several years at once. While this would be a good book for a public library, it would need to be for more mature picture book readers (late 1st and 2nd grade) because some knowledge of slaves is necessary to understand the story.

[ginger_malone-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A sad and touching true story that I think is important for all kids to hear. I would use this story to teach about the Underground Railroad, story progression, main character, and vocabulary.

[virginiapollard · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Henry's Freedom Box is a true story about a slave named Henry Brown who shipped himself in a crate from Virginia to Pennsylvania. The book captures Henry's story in a way that children can enjoy and understand. My students love to hear about the conditions Henry suffered in the box on his journey. After reading the book, I always have my students imagine they are Henry and write about their journey to freedom. They make great stories!

[sunnyd77_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I LIKE THIS BOOK BECAUSE OF ITS TRUTH AND BLUNTNESS. THERE IS NO WAY TO SUGAR-COAT WHAT HAPPENED BACK IN THE DAY. THIS ALSO TEACHES THAT NOT EVERY STORY WILL HAVE THE ENDING THAT YOU EXPECT OR WANT. THIS IS A GREAT HISTORICAL PIECE OF LITERATURE FOR CHILDREN.

[chelsea6273 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I think the illustrations in this book are so interesting to look at. The book begins with Henry not having a birthday, something every reader can sympathize with because every reader knows his or her birthday. The language in the book is simple enough for young elementary children to understand and enjoy; however, I do not think young children can fully understand the fact that the hero is a slave. The content—slavery and all its cruelty—is probably tough for a youngster to truly understand, in my opinion. I kept trying to listen to/read this book as a child might read it. How crazy would it be that the hero mailed himself to Philadelphia? Overall, I think the author did a great job of simplifying something as adult as slavery for a younger audience. Henry’s success at the end of the story was very exciting; and the story concluded with Henry having a birthday. I think this is an informational picture storybook.

[gsmith3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"Henry's Freedom Box," is a great story on an important subject. I feel like the author does a good job of reminding readers of the hardships of slavery by recounting the trials and tribulations of a young boy named Henry. I also liked this book because I found it amazing that he just put himself in a box to be "mailed to freedom." Just thinking about someone's life and why they would do that is moving in and of itself. I think this story's central message is one of perseverance, struggle and triumph. For such a short story, Ellen Levine does a tremendous job of conveying all with the story of Henry.

[mrjpenguin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Summary: Henry Brown was a slave from the minute he was born. Even though his master had treated his family well, there was still no freedom for him. When he grew up, he eventually started his own family but unfortuneately, he would soon lose his loved ones when they were sold without a second thought by his wife's master. Never able to see them again, he made the decision to go to Philadelphia for his freedom, even if he had to put himself in a box and mail himself there, which is just what he did.Personal Reaction: This book is amazing, there's just no question. The story is moving and the picutres are deserving of the Caldecott Award. This book's story must be told to young children to show them what slavery drove some people to do.Classroom Extension Ideas:1. Read this book on the first of February to help explain the meaning of Black History Month.2. Have the students to look up (with their parents' help) and bring in a picture of another slave who escaped to freedom.

[mholtan-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A boy by the name of Henry and his story of how he escaped slavery. He was raised a slave and then was sold, he married and had children but they were sold. He decided to mail himself to a safe place which was Philadelphia. This true and inspiring story gives a look into america's history in a way that children can comprehend. Illustrations capture the history and the time frame but also the sadness and joy. A good time to use this book would be during Black history Month but also just anytime. Students need to learn about this gruesome time in history and how times are changing and should continue to change.