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Breaking the Chains

African American Slave Resistance

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available
Centering Black voices and the narratives of enslaved people, this young adult history offers a thoroughly researched account with first-hand testimonies of how people in bondage were themselves a driving force behind their own emancipation.
Features a new introduction by Robin D. G. Kelley, black & white illustrations and photographs, and updates throughout.
"A significant contribution to American history."–Kirkus Reviews
“[Breaking the Chains] will force many readers to reexamine their assumptions about American history….Young adults will be fascinated and better informed for having experienced this book.” –School Library Journal, starred review

Generations of American history students have grown up believing that  enslaved people accepted their lot and became attached to their enslavers, that rebellion was rare, and that liberation from slavery happened thanks to the enslavers.
Celebrated historian and children’s book author, William Loren Katz offers a thoroughly researched look at the lives of enslaved people in the United States in Breaking the Chains. From their African abductions through their brave resistance to and escape from the ships and harsh plantation life to their roles in the Civil War, those given voice here show that enslaved people themselves were a driving force behind their emancipation. 
This compelling look at history is an educational eye-opener for history buffs of all ages, and offers clarity on one of the most turbulent periods of US history. This new paperback edition features a new introduction by historian Robin D. G. Kelley. 
“Katz masterfully steers the reader step by step through the astonishing forms of resistance, both active and passive. . . . powerful and authentic.” –Publishers Weekly
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    • Publisher's Weekly

      December 29, 1997
      Illustrated with prints and photos, this history book "masterfully steers the reader step by step through the astonishing forms of resistance, both active and passive, offered by blacks--free men as well as slaves," said PW. Ages 10-up.

    • Publisher's Weekly

      August 29, 1990
      American history books tend to gloss over the heroism of slaves prior to and during the Civil War; after all, most contemporaneous accounts of slavery were written by those who profited from it--the slave owners. Katz, however, masterfully steers the reader step by step through the astonishing forms of resistance, both active and passive, offered by blacks--free men as well as slaves. Here the victims of injustice and cruelty speak for themselves: ``So galling was our bondage, that to escape from it, we suffered the loss of all things, and braved every peril, and endured every hardship,'' a fugitive slave testifies. Famous mentors, such as Dred Scott, Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, are vividly depicted, as are anonymous resisters: men and women who secretly preserved their African heritage; others who sent hidden messages to one another through drumbeats or took heart from the liberating themes of gospel songs; mothers who hid children in the woods to prevent the master from selling them. Several lengthy, informative chapters document black participation in the Civil War. The only weak spot is Katz's discussion of the transatlantic voyages of the slave ships, which could have been more detailed. And while the language is perhaps too difficult for its youngest targeted readers, this powerful and authentic collection will be welcomed by those seeking to reclaim the truth behind their heritage. Illustrated with prints and photos. Ages 10-up.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • Lexile® Measure:1120
  • Text Difficulty:7-9

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