Boy in Chains: A true Story of the Dismal Swamp

by John Bushore

A fictional historical biography for younger readers. Can you imagine being a teen-ager in the year 1800? No computers or video games, no cars, no electricity, and no indoor plumbing. What could be worse? Being enslaved, as well. This is the true story of Moses Grandy, an African American boy living on the edge of the Great Dismal Swamp. After his first master dies, Moses is hired out yearly. He goes through a series of masters, some indifferent, some cruel taskmasters. A kind white girl teaches him, but then a master whips him for being too smart. He is beaten with a fireplace shovel, is nearly starved to death, and a field boss becomes a deadly enemy. Yet he becomes an adept mule-handler, an expert waterman and a savvy trader. His experiences harden his resolve and strengthen his faith, but he cannot bear his miserable condition. Will he revolt? Will he run? Or will he stand tall and fight the very system of slavery itself?

190 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2011

Reviews

[Andrea Mccrae · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look into the live of a young slave in the Dismal Swamp area of North Carolina and Virginia. This historical fiction is written in a way that appeals to my male students.

[Deanna Klingel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, middle graders will get a chilling realistic view of the slave life.