What do you think?
Rate this book
Stealing Freedom
Inspired by a true story, the riveting novel of a young slave girl's harrowing escape to freedom on the Underground Railroad.
The moment Ann Maria Weems was born, her freedom was stolen from her. Like her family and the other slaves on the farm, Ann works from sunup to sundown and obeys the orders of her master. Then one day, Ann's family -- the only joy she knows -- is gone. Just 12 years old, Ann is overcome by grief, struggling to get through each day. And her only hope of stealing back her freedom and finding her family lies in a perilous the Underground Railroad.
Ann Maria Weems was an actual slave who lived in the mid-1800s near the author's home in Maryland.
The moment Ann Maria Weems was born, her freedom was stolen from her. Like her family and the other slaves on the farm, Ann works from sunup to sundown and obeys the orders of her master. Then one day, Ann's family -- the only joy she knows -- is gone. Just 12 years old, Ann is overcome by grief, struggling to get through each day. And her only hope of stealing back her freedom and finding her family lies in a perilous the Underground Railroad.
Ann Maria Weems was an actual slave who lived in the mid-1800s near the author's home in Maryland.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
71 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
Elisa Carbone
16 books79 followersElisa Carbone was raised in Arlington, Virginia. She attended college at University of Maryland and also received two master’s degrees from University of Maryland, one in Speech Communication and the other in Education.
She now lives part time in the Washington D.C. area and part time in the mountains of West Virginia.
She now lives part time in the Washington D.C. area and part time in the mountains of West Virginia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 12, 2012
Stealing Freedom is the story of one slave girl who manages to reach freedom. Based on the historical accounts of Ann Maria Weems' escape from Rockville, Maryland, to Dresden, Ontario (Canada was, in the late 1840s, the only place a slave could go to get beyond the reach of the slave catchers, thanks to the Fugitive Slave Act).
When the story opens, Ann is not unhappy with her lot in life. Food is a little sparse, and she has too little clothing, especially in winter. But she has the most important thing: her family. Her father is a freeman, and is working and saving to buy all their freedom (because of course any child born to a slave is a slave, even if one parent is free). But before they can save enough, if such a thing is possible, with the owner raising the prices every time he thinks he might get close, Mr. Price, their owner, starts breaking up the family.
Ann's three brothers are sold off somewhere to the south, with no warning at all. Then the abolitionists come to help purchase the remainder of the family--but Mr. Price refuses to sell Ann. What's more, he refuses to let her parents even visit once they have left--and he makes sure they leave at once. Ann is left alone, at about 12 years old, and falls into a deep depression. Only when she opens herself to the slave community around her does she emerge from her despair. And only then, when she is starting to rebuild her life, does freedom come for her.
The second half of the book is the account of her actual road to freedom. The author states in an afterword that although she made up some dialogue (some was actually taken from letters), and compressed incidents of Ann's early life, the events are all real. Ann's journey to freedom was by turns harrowing and tedious, as she was alternately "delivered" from hand to hand and hidden for long periods.
The book does an excellent job of capturing the feelings of the slaves, as well as the attitudes of the whites. The story has a strong sense of purpose, and just enough suspense and adventure (you know she's going to make it, but the close calls along the way are still exciting) to hold the interest of readers of all ages. The writing is strong, not talking down to her young readers at all, just telling the story simply and vividly.
When the story opens, Ann is not unhappy with her lot in life. Food is a little sparse, and she has too little clothing, especially in winter. But she has the most important thing: her family. Her father is a freeman, and is working and saving to buy all their freedom (because of course any child born to a slave is a slave, even if one parent is free). But before they can save enough, if such a thing is possible, with the owner raising the prices every time he thinks he might get close, Mr. Price, their owner, starts breaking up the family.
Ann's three brothers are sold off somewhere to the south, with no warning at all. Then the abolitionists come to help purchase the remainder of the family--but Mr. Price refuses to sell Ann. What's more, he refuses to let her parents even visit once they have left--and he makes sure they leave at once. Ann is left alone, at about 12 years old, and falls into a deep depression. Only when she opens herself to the slave community around her does she emerge from her despair. And only then, when she is starting to rebuild her life, does freedom come for her.
The second half of the book is the account of her actual road to freedom. The author states in an afterword that although she made up some dialogue (some was actually taken from letters), and compressed incidents of Ann's early life, the events are all real. Ann's journey to freedom was by turns harrowing and tedious, as she was alternately "delivered" from hand to hand and hidden for long periods.
The book does an excellent job of capturing the feelings of the slaves, as well as the attitudes of the whites. The story has a strong sense of purpose, and just enough suspense and adventure (you know she's going to make it, but the close calls along the way are still exciting) to hold the interest of readers of all ages. The writing is strong, not talking down to her young readers at all, just telling the story simply and vividly.
August 27, 2025
Well-written & engaging YA historical novel based on the true life of Maria Ann Weems, who escaped from slavery in Maryland via the Underground Railroad. She made it to Canada & her story was well-known in abolitionist circles at the time. The author's note details the impressive research she did to find details of her story & it's a great intro to slavery & the RR for younger readers. Plus Maria Ann is a fascinating character.
March 16, 2025
I read this as a child but I had the privilege to read it to my student.
I skipped parts of the story where Ann Maria kissed her boyfriend and things between her and him that her parents wouldn't approve of.
I still love the story but they didn't need to have that in a child book - my personal opinion.
I skipped parts of the story where Ann Maria kissed her boyfriend and things between her and him that her parents wouldn't approve of.
I still love the story but they didn't need to have that in a child book - my personal opinion.
February 7, 2020
Stealing Freedom
My granddaughter, Samantha, had read this book.. She loved it and knew I would too. We've watched the movie, Harriet, and loved it , also. This book about Ann Maria Seems is very touching. I think Ann is a very brave little girl who believes in herself.
My granddaughter, Samantha, had read this book.. She loved it and knew I would too. We've watched the movie, Harriet, and loved it , also. This book about Ann Maria Seems is very touching. I think Ann is a very brave little girl who believes in herself.
May 11, 2012
Stealing Freedom by Elisa Carbon is a great book! First published in 1998 it's about 258 pages long and intended for anyone to read! Although the book might be written for more young adults, anyone could read and enjoy this book. Stealing Freedom takes place around the mid 1800's down in Maryland. Ann Maria Weems and her family are black slaves living in Maryland that serve Master Charles. Master Charles is a white man who is rather ill tempered and not very patient.
This book begins with Ann and her family working on Master Charles farm and inn. They work hard everyday and live their lives normally. Everything was fine, other than the fact that they were slaves, until Master Charles demands the help of her three brothers and another slave. They go down to another city to sell the farm's produce and to their families dismay, Master Charles and the other slave return with the news that Ann's brothers have been sold off down into Alabama somewhere. This is extremely disheartening to Ann and her family, but it only gets worse when a white man comes to help them by buying their freedom. Master Charles agrees to sell the family off, that is, everyone except for Ann. With that, Ann is left all alone to do all the chores on the farm and at the inn day after day. Fortunately, she finds a friend in another black boy, Alfred, at that makes the days go by a little bit quicker for her. Suddenly, Ann finds herself in escape along the Underground Railroad in her search for freedom. After a long journey and after she passes through the homes of many kind people who try to help her, she finally makes it to Canada where she is free. She lives with her aunt and uncle until she is able to reunite with her family, all of which are now free. She also happens to reunite again with Alfred, who is also free, and they get married and have a great life together.
I liked this book for many different reasons, and I really can't think of anything I didn't like about it. I loved how it had some excitement in it, and also how you could really feel the characters, mostly Ann's, emotions. This was a great book and there are a lot of times in the book when you wouldn't want to put it down! There are a couple of quotes in this book that really illustrate these things. The first is on page 78, "But Ann already felt it. The fabric of her family had been ripped again, and she was the piece that was being torn off. Another quote is ""Calle your dogs off," Reverend Freeman held up his hands to protect his face. "Call them off I say!" "I think we have something here," one of the men said, grinning." This quote was found on page 225. These exemplefied the excitement in the story, as well as the emotion.
One of the themes found in this book is that no matter how hard life gets at times, always keep your head up and do your best, and things will get better. Ann exemplified this theme throughout the whole story, and it does proved to be true, in many different aspects of life. This book was also unique in it's own way. I think it was mostly unique because it was based on a true story. The author actually followed their lives closely in this story and actually used some of the actual quotes from Ann's journals and other records. I thought these things made it a really good, yet unique in its own way. I would recommend this book to my good friend, Allison Garner. She is a big reader and I think that this is a book that she would thoroughly enjoy. This is however a great book and I really would recommend it to anyone!
This book begins with Ann and her family working on Master Charles farm and inn. They work hard everyday and live their lives normally. Everything was fine, other than the fact that they were slaves, until Master Charles demands the help of her three brothers and another slave. They go down to another city to sell the farm's produce and to their families dismay, Master Charles and the other slave return with the news that Ann's brothers have been sold off down into Alabama somewhere. This is extremely disheartening to Ann and her family, but it only gets worse when a white man comes to help them by buying their freedom. Master Charles agrees to sell the family off, that is, everyone except for Ann. With that, Ann is left all alone to do all the chores on the farm and at the inn day after day. Fortunately, she finds a friend in another black boy, Alfred, at that makes the days go by a little bit quicker for her. Suddenly, Ann finds herself in escape along the Underground Railroad in her search for freedom. After a long journey and after she passes through the homes of many kind people who try to help her, she finally makes it to Canada where she is free. She lives with her aunt and uncle until she is able to reunite with her family, all of which are now free. She also happens to reunite again with Alfred, who is also free, and they get married and have a great life together.
I liked this book for many different reasons, and I really can't think of anything I didn't like about it. I loved how it had some excitement in it, and also how you could really feel the characters, mostly Ann's, emotions. This was a great book and there are a lot of times in the book when you wouldn't want to put it down! There are a couple of quotes in this book that really illustrate these things. The first is on page 78, "But Ann already felt it. The fabric of her family had been ripped again, and she was the piece that was being torn off. Another quote is ""Calle your dogs off," Reverend Freeman held up his hands to protect his face. "Call them off I say!" "I think we have something here," one of the men said, grinning." This quote was found on page 225. These exemplefied the excitement in the story, as well as the emotion.
One of the themes found in this book is that no matter how hard life gets at times, always keep your head up and do your best, and things will get better. Ann exemplified this theme throughout the whole story, and it does proved to be true, in many different aspects of life. This book was also unique in it's own way. I think it was mostly unique because it was based on a true story. The author actually followed their lives closely in this story and actually used some of the actual quotes from Ann's journals and other records. I thought these things made it a really good, yet unique in its own way. I would recommend this book to my good friend, Allison Garner. She is a big reader and I think that this is a book that she would thoroughly enjoy. This is however a great book and I really would recommend it to anyone!
December 7, 2012
Sometimes you just know that a book is going to be good. After looking at the cover (I love the title) and reading the small blurb on the back, I knew. This one is definitely going to be a “hugger.” I’m happy to say that I was right. I loved this book!
“Stealing Freedom” is based on the real life experiences of Ann Maria Weems. It takes place in 1850’s Maryland. Ann Maria was a slave for the Price family along with her Mother, Sister and Brothers. Her Father was a Freedman. Ann’s life as a slave was not an easy one, but she had her loving family and they were all able to be together. Then one day everything changed. Her family was split up and eleven year old Ann Maria was alone.
The book goes on to tell the story of her journey through the Underground Railroad and her fight for freedom. She encounters many wonderful, endearing characters, along the way. One of my favorites is Mr. Jabob Bigelow, an abolitionist who gave Ann her first ray of hope.
After finishing the book, I went on to read the "Author's Notes." It was really quite interesting. Carbone wrote a summery of what happened to each of the book's real life characters. It was great!
"Stealing Freedom" was written for young adults. In my humble opinion, it’s a great read for "older" adults as well. (That would be me.)
Thank you, Elisa Carbone for writing this amazing story and introducing me to a whole bunch of wonderful characters! I gave “Stealing Freedom” five stars and yes, it's going on my "huggable reads list!"
October 19, 2009
The book is about a girl and her family back in slavery. Her family gets sold away and she has to figure out how she will see them again. The girl meets people who try and comfort her in time of need. The setting is a house and a small town.
I like this book because it’s very sad and interesting. Yes, I did have strong feelings. My strong feelings were a negative reaction because the story was just sad, but loving. This book did make me feel different in a way. I should not take my life for granted. I can relate to her because my mom and two brothers moved but I stayed back. That was like pain and unhappiness.
Stealing Freedom reminds me of Family Tree. This book would be for a person who can connect with others well. I think Stealing Freedom and Family Tree are similar because the character has to sneak to see other family members. You should read this book because once you see the front page you won’t stop reading the book.
Dejanyia, 6th Grade
I like this book because it’s very sad and interesting. Yes, I did have strong feelings. My strong feelings were a negative reaction because the story was just sad, but loving. This book did make me feel different in a way. I should not take my life for granted. I can relate to her because my mom and two brothers moved but I stayed back. That was like pain and unhappiness.
Stealing Freedom reminds me of Family Tree. This book would be for a person who can connect with others well. I think Stealing Freedom and Family Tree are similar because the character has to sneak to see other family members. You should read this book because once you see the front page you won’t stop reading the book.
Dejanyia, 6th Grade
August 25, 2019
I loved it! My son had to read it for a project to turn in at the beginning of the school year for seventh grade. I read it just to be sure I could help him understand anything and it was so well written but it is the first time I ever read anything about slaves that moved me. I realize it has been years since I have read anything about it, but the way it is written is engaging and clear without really traumatizing a child. For example, there are no lengthy descriptions of beatings that might have freaked out my son. I never enjoyed anything about history until recently, and this book really cemented my new found love. It is a true story, which makes it even more interesting. I highly recommend it for children and adults.
September 27, 2018
Stealing Freedom is about freedom and shows that sometimes with enough hope, and perseverance you might be free. There are many other books out there that address this topic. One of the best books that covers slavery and freedom is Stealing Freedom.
December 4, 2017
This was actually a better book than I expected it to be. When I first picked it up, I did not realize that it was based on a true story. It is intruiguing and very emotional. I don't mean "balling your eyes out like The Fault in Our Stars ". I do mean emotional, as in "provokes strong feelings" concerning slavery and freedom back in the 1800s, as in what's fair and what isn't, the difference in rights and equality between black and white, et cetera.
Stealing Freedom tells the true story of Ann Maria Weems, a pre-teen black girl born into slavery, yet she has a foot in both worlds . She becomes separated from her family, but she swears that she will find them in freedom one day.
The author certainly did her research. Ms. Carbone accurately tells Ann's story, and it is most certainly a story worth reading.
Stealing Freedom tells the true story of Ann Maria Weems, a pre-teen black girl born into slavery, yet she has a foot in both worlds . She becomes separated from her family, but she swears that she will find them in freedom one day.
The author certainly did her research. Ms. Carbone accurately tells Ann's story, and it is most certainly a story worth reading.
January 7, 2024
Loved, loved, loved this book! I’m a big fan of historical books set during the Underground Railroad and this one really hit the spot. It was realistic and informative. It also kept my attention throughout the whole book. It was an easy read but it also wasn’t one of those that gets boring for older readers. I would highly recommend this to anyone. It didn’t get super descriptive on the horrors of slavery so it’d be fine for someone younger (I have little siblings so when I read a book I try to read it with the question of whether or not it’s appropriate for them) but it also wasn’t super childish. It’s based on a true story about a young slave girl left alone when the rest of her family leaves, and the journey from slavery to freedom. This book gave me a whole different view on the Underground Railroad as her escape was done differently than any other book I’ve read on this subject. I didn’t even realize people made it to freedom the way she did so it was pretty awesome learning more about it after having read many books on this time period.
August 13, 2020
An amazingly beautiful book so well written. The book has been on my shelf for over a year and I feel really sorry that I hadn't read it sooner.
The book tells the story of a young slave girl, Ann Maria Weems, who has to go through a number of hardships at such a young age. Set in the 1800s the book gives a clear picture of the Slavery that existed in the United States of America. The setting is classic and the writing is definitely a time travel to that period as it gives brief yet clear descriptions of the way of life then and about the people who helped the fugitives to freedom.
The story written so beautifully ends beautifully and is bound to well up you eyes at least for once.
The book tells the story of a young slave girl, Ann Maria Weems, who has to go through a number of hardships at such a young age. Set in the 1800s the book gives a clear picture of the Slavery that existed in the United States of America. The setting is classic and the writing is definitely a time travel to that period as it gives brief yet clear descriptions of the way of life then and about the people who helped the fugitives to freedom.
The story written so beautifully ends beautifully and is bound to well up you eyes at least for once.
June 18, 2021
3/5.
I very much enjoyed this piece of historical fiction. I didn't find the ending very believable. It was very much a fairytale ending. I also didn't like how they introduced us to characters at the very beginning and we never found out what happened to them in later chapters (but I guess that part would be more historically accurate). Glad I read it, but don't think I would read it again. I did know that Quakers were part of the Underground Railroad and it was nice to read about an underground railroad story that wasn't just Harriet Tubman's story (a good way to gain more knowledge on the subject by looking at it from another angle).
I very much enjoyed this piece of historical fiction. I didn't find the ending very believable. It was very much a fairytale ending. I also didn't like how they introduced us to characters at the very beginning and we never found out what happened to them in later chapters (but I guess that part would be more historically accurate). Glad I read it, but don't think I would read it again. I did know that Quakers were part of the Underground Railroad and it was nice to read about an underground railroad story that wasn't just Harriet Tubman's story (a good way to gain more knowledge on the subject by looking at it from another angle).
February 3, 2018
Well done. Good read. I do wonder about something. I've read two books recently about Blacks either in slavery or under Jim Crow laws. Is it a trope to have a white boy hanging with the blacks, obviously without parent approval. Both books contain this. I guess I'll have to keep reading in this sub-genre to find out!
September 25, 2021
Carbone acknowledges she took literary license in writing this book, and I have no complaints about that. Especially having read her notes regarding the data points used in the story. I am a little disappointed about the Alfred & Ann ending because it seems to cheapen the book. I do hope that it did happen though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2018
I gave this book a 5/5 star rating because I am really into historical reads, especially during the times of slavery. This book overall gave a really in depth detailing on how people who were enslaved and their tough times throughout it.
March 24, 2022
My 8th grade granddaughter was reading this for class, so my husband and I read it, too. I learned things I didn't know about the Underground Railroad. The author's description of her research was fascinating. This is a true story.
March 22, 2024
I liked the book until the part where she escaped I feel like it was too easy and no tension whatsoever there was no tension because for the most part the hunters chasing her were ignored and mainly focused on her.
July 27, 2024
SUCH A GOOD BOOK! I read this in 5th grade during history class and it stuck with me into my adulthood. I recently bought it to read to my students. Amazing story with real-life experiences. It’s helps to put yourself into another’s persons shoes and have sympathy towards them. Fantastic read.
December 29, 2025
The story of Ann Maria Weems hit particularly close to home for me since I teach in Rockville, MD. Reading about all of the places she lived and visited that are still around today made her story all the more real.
September 7, 2017
Very well researched and intriguing story about the Underground Railroad.
May 17, 2018
Well done. My 6th grade son is reading it. Had a refresher after reading it a few years back.
October 16, 2018
Incredible.
November 14, 2018
Wonderful story of a slave's journey along the Underground Railroad. Well-written with compelling characters.
January 17, 2019
I definitely recommend this book.
I usually hate books but this time it was different and I felt it.
Beginning: 9/10
Middle: 10/10
End: 9/10
I usually hate books but this time it was different and I felt it.
Beginning: 9/10
Middle: 10/10
End: 9/10
January 21, 2019
This book was absolutely amazing.
January 30, 2019
A great historical fiction read - I would love for my middle school students to read this account of life as a slave and her escape on the Underground Railroad.
January 19, 2020
Really enjoyed quick read real story I love stories that makes the characters fight for themselves
February 18, 2020
good book for younger readers (a bit disturbing in parts though).
April 6, 2020
Incredible book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews