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[ [ [ I Want to Be Free [ I WANT TO BE FREE ] By Slate, Joseph ( Author )Jan-08-2009 Hardcover
Before I die, I want to be free. But the Big Man says, "You belong to me." A runaway slave has broken the chains that bound him, but as he sets out for the land of the free, he still carries the weight of an iron ring around his ankle. As long as it remains, and as long as the Big Man hunts him, he'll never truly be free. But rescuing an orphaned slave child from certain capture gives him the strength to keep moving on, and miraculously, the child's love and gratitude are all that is needed to destroy the shackle once and for all.This moving, poetic text is based on a story from the sacred literature of Buddha.
Hardcover
First published January 8, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 12, 2018
This book is about a slave who is chained to a metal ball because he tried to run away. He isn’t scared of being whipped, he just wants to be free, but the “Big Man says, ‘You belong to me’”. In the barn, the boy gets the chain off, but the ring is still attached to his body. The boy runs off to the places where other slaves are and tries to hide there. The white men come with guns and dogs and the boy runs and rescues a child in the bushes.
The main character is a brave boy who has an optimism toward life. It would be easy in his situation to lie low and never try to run away, but this boy has dreams. He goes after these dreams and ends up helping others. Through helping others, he realizes the healing power that comes through love and also the blessings that goes with serving the people you come in contact with. Readers can tell that the main character has a big heart and is willing to share it.
My attention was drawn to this book because it seemed like it would have a good message. The plot in this book was an interesting one because it is so realistic. The plot starts out with the boy already having dreams and desires, then he goes out to accomplish those dreams. He encounters opposition of course but he doesn’t let that stop him. Through this, he is able to witness the freedom that comes from going after your dreams. The character in this book is very stubborn and makes the most of his current situation. Because of the plot, the author was able to develop the character. This is a very good book because it informs the audience on what life was like for a slave. This is a very good book!
The main character is a brave boy who has an optimism toward life. It would be easy in his situation to lie low and never try to run away, but this boy has dreams. He goes after these dreams and ends up helping others. Through helping others, he realizes the healing power that comes through love and also the blessings that goes with serving the people you come in contact with. Readers can tell that the main character has a big heart and is willing to share it.
My attention was drawn to this book because it seemed like it would have a good message. The plot in this book was an interesting one because it is so realistic. The plot starts out with the boy already having dreams and desires, then he goes out to accomplish those dreams. He encounters opposition of course but he doesn’t let that stop him. Through this, he is able to witness the freedom that comes from going after your dreams. The character in this book is very stubborn and makes the most of his current situation. Because of the plot, the author was able to develop the character. This is a very good book because it informs the audience on what life was like for a slave. This is a very good book!
October 17, 2017
The art and the story are moving. The premise that love can bring freedom is beautiful. I cried reading this book and was grateful to have the opportunity to talk to my children about our family history, slavery, and stories that need to be shared. I will cherish this as a great introduction in poetic form to the realities of the world we live in.
"It's a pretty good book. I learned that love can bring freedom. If young kids read this, I don't want them to be afraid about what could happen if they became a slave. It was great that the man got free. So basically, since the man keeping the slaves was a white man and the man who was a slave was black, it's a lot like it was in real life, where white women and white men were keeping black women and black men as slaves." - Joshua, 7
"It's a pretty good book. I learned that love can bring freedom. If young kids read this, I don't want them to be afraid about what could happen if they became a slave. It was great that the man got free. So basically, since the man keeping the slaves was a white man and the man who was a slave was black, it's a lot like it was in real life, where white women and white men were keeping black women and black men as slaves." - Joshua, 7
December 2, 2017
2009, Historical fiction. "Before I die, I want to be free, but the old man says, you belong to me." Truly humanizes slavery and helps you imagine what a walk in their shoes felt like. Makes you very empathetic and would be a good real aloud in my future classroom.
September 5, 2019
The book was one of my favorite readings this week because the tone of the book was very acceptable. Slavery is a harsh subject however, this book brings light to the sensitive issue that took place in history.
June 21, 2017
It's a good book, and I really like it. I like the part when the boy releases the man.
August 25, 2017
[3.5]
A book with strength, from the words to the art. I felt moved.
A book with strength, from the words to the art. I felt moved.
July 29, 2013
Book 54 Bibliographic Citation:
Slate, J. & Lewis, E. B. (2009). I want to be free. New York, NY: G. B. Putnam’s Sons.
Age/Grade Level: (Ages 5–8, Grades K—3, Grades 9—12)
Summary:
A slave declares, “I want to be free!” Fighting off the chain that binds him, he runs with the ankle ring still bound. Along the way, he saves a child, also born into slavery, and together they start a new life in the Land of the Free.
Awards/Reviewing Sources:
Booklist starred (December 1, 2008 (Vol. 105, No. 7))
Horn Book (Fall 2009)
Kirkus Reviews (December 1, 2008)
Library Media Connection (May/June 2009)
Publishers Weekly (January 19, 2009)
School Library Journal (January 1, 2009)
Curriculum Content/Standard for 21st Century Learner:
This book would be an excellent resource for a K-3 class to use as a read aloud as it tells the universal tale of bondage to freedom in poetic verse. It would also work for a 10th grade Literature Class studying parallel themes, as it is a retelling of Rudyard Kipling’s The Elephant Ananda, a sacred Buddhist tale.
AASL Standards
1.2.7 Display persistence by continuing to pursue information to gain a broad perspective.
Recommendation for student’s personal literature selection:
This book might be recommended to primary students who enjoy historical stories set to verse along with beautifully and often emotion-filled illustrations.
20% of Database: Individuality (African American ethnicity)
Genre:
Picture Book, Historical Fiction
Slate, J. & Lewis, E. B. (2009). I want to be free. New York, NY: G. B. Putnam’s Sons.
Age/Grade Level: (Ages 5–8, Grades K—3, Grades 9—12)
Summary:
A slave declares, “I want to be free!” Fighting off the chain that binds him, he runs with the ankle ring still bound. Along the way, he saves a child, also born into slavery, and together they start a new life in the Land of the Free.
Awards/Reviewing Sources:
Booklist starred (December 1, 2008 (Vol. 105, No. 7))
Horn Book (Fall 2009)
Kirkus Reviews (December 1, 2008)
Library Media Connection (May/June 2009)
Publishers Weekly (January 19, 2009)
School Library Journal (January 1, 2009)
Curriculum Content/Standard for 21st Century Learner:
This book would be an excellent resource for a K-3 class to use as a read aloud as it tells the universal tale of bondage to freedom in poetic verse. It would also work for a 10th grade Literature Class studying parallel themes, as it is a retelling of Rudyard Kipling’s The Elephant Ananda, a sacred Buddhist tale.
AASL Standards
1.2.7 Display persistence by continuing to pursue information to gain a broad perspective.
Recommendation for student’s personal literature selection:
This book might be recommended to primary students who enjoy historical stories set to verse along with beautifully and often emotion-filled illustrations.
20% of Database: Individuality (African American ethnicity)
Genre:
Picture Book, Historical Fiction
April 10, 2011
I love the inspiration behind this story. Along with being a great introduction to slavery and equal rights this book brings a heart warming story of love and kindness to the for-front. In poem form this children's book by Joseph Slate captures the emotions behind those in slavery and the passion they ad to become free. "You belong to me." That section of a repeated couplet helps build the emotion of being captured and owned. Although many students cannot make a personal text-to-self connection with this poem, some students may have family that has been effected by slavery or can empathize with the characters. The voice that is given to the slave brings even more emotion into the poem. Rather than an onlooker- you are hearing the pain and perseverance of a slave on a journey to freedom. This way of writing is much more powerful than someone writing a poem with the voice being a narrator. Use this as a lesson to students when they write. Have them write something personal or dig into the shoes of another person/culture and explore real emotions in their writings.
November 13, 2011
There are a lot of books out there about escaping from slavery, the Underground Railroad, and the pre-Civil War experience of slaves in the South. This book tells the story of a young boy trying to escape from slavery. Unlike a lot of other books for children, white men are depicted as oppressive and harsh. The pictures are dark and capture the feeling of escaping at night.
The author's note explains that this story is retold from the sacred literature of Buddha. I think it works in the setting of escape from American slavery. The boy in the story is freed from his shackle when the younger boy touches the ring. Inexplicable, powerful, and an event that will get young listeners thinking and talking.
Recommended for students learning about slavery; grades 3 - 5 as a read aloud. I probably won't purchase this title for my collection only because we have so many books that address this topic. But if you are looking for some fresh picture books or need to build up your collection, this is a good choice.
The author's note explains that this story is retold from the sacred literature of Buddha. I think it works in the setting of escape from American slavery. The boy in the story is freed from his shackle when the younger boy touches the ring. Inexplicable, powerful, and an event that will get young listeners thinking and talking.
Recommended for students learning about slavery; grades 3 - 5 as a read aloud. I probably won't purchase this title for my collection only because we have so many books that address this topic. But if you are looking for some fresh picture books or need to build up your collection, this is a good choice.
February 26, 2015
Personal Reaction:
My initial reaction after reading this was, Wow! The author and illustrator truly gave the reader a since of the scariness of being a runaway slave from the south. There was also so much determination from the slave, which was inspiring. The illustrator used dark colors to help the mood of the fear, and at the end when the slave is free the illustrations are bright and joyous.
Purpose:
This book would be perfect to read aloud to a 3rd through 5th grader. It has wonderful elements of poetry such as rhyme, but it also has great historical fiction element. This would be a great incorporation when learning about slavery in our country and how many escaped through the Underground Railroad. At the same time the narrative poem has wonderful elements such as repetition and natural rhymes.
My initial reaction after reading this was, Wow! The author and illustrator truly gave the reader a since of the scariness of being a runaway slave from the south. There was also so much determination from the slave, which was inspiring. The illustrator used dark colors to help the mood of the fear, and at the end when the slave is free the illustrations are bright and joyous.
Purpose:
This book would be perfect to read aloud to a 3rd through 5th grader. It has wonderful elements of poetry such as rhyme, but it also has great historical fiction element. This would be a great incorporation when learning about slavery in our country and how many escaped through the Underground Railroad. At the same time the narrative poem has wonderful elements such as repetition and natural rhymes.
December 3, 2012
This book depicts the life of a slave man and his son. The text of the book is quite simple, and the way that the book describes the slave master relationship is easy to understand omitting much of the harshness but still giving that affect so that cit is not too advanced for young children to grasp. The father greatest desire is to be free. The subgroup of this group is African American Slaves. The genre of the book is historical fiction and the language that is represented is that of many African slaves during the 1800 and 1900’s. Much of their English is considered Ebonics today. This story is told from the general perspective of many slaves that longed for their rights to freedom and equal opportunity.
November 7, 2014
I enjoyed this book very much and I really like the way it is written, almost like a poem. This story is about a young slave who escapes his owner, and finds a little boy without a family and takes care of him as though he were his own. The symbolism of the chain around his ankle, and how the only way it finally fell of was when the little boy touched it, was very profound and a smart choice on the author's side.
The illustrations in this book are dark and muted, which I think match the tone of parts of the book very well. I think this book is appropriate for children of all ages and I highly recommend it.
The illustrations in this book are dark and muted, which I think match the tone of parts of the book very well. I think this book is appropriate for children of all ages and I highly recommend it.
October 13, 2015
I almost didn't review this book. I only review a picture book if I feel it is particularly good or notable. This is borderline in this respect. Its most unique aspect is that it is a creative retelling of a traditional Buddhist tale that I first ran across in Rudyard Kipling's Kim. In fact, when the book came in when I reserved it, I thought I had made a mistake. I suppose the poetry was ok for the intended age group, but I don't think it lived up to the more excellent illustrations.
March 3, 2016
"I Want to Be Free" follows the story of a slave. The man is given a ball and chain by his owner to prove the he owns them. One night the slave escapes and meets up with other slaves. While in the group he meets a young boy. No where they go is safe from the slave master as long as their chains are still on them. The two must find a way to remove the chains.
This book utilizes pictures more than words to tell the story. This makes the story more impact full. Pictures show emotions and feelings better than words do. Also, the story has repeating lines. This is great for children learning to read. The pictures also matching the text helps reinforce the learning of reading for children.
This book utilizes pictures more than words to tell the story. This makes the story more impact full. Pictures show emotions and feelings better than words do. Also, the story has repeating lines. This is great for children learning to read. The pictures also matching the text helps reinforce the learning of reading for children.
March 22, 2015
This is a beautiful, touching story about the realities of slavery and escape. It would be a great book to read to introduce slavery, or even the concept of freedom. The pictures are beautiful and match so well with the story. The story itself evokes emotion and response. I think that it accurately portrays a time in our history that students should learn about. It tells the story from the slave's point of view, which is one that I think is often overlooked. It offers diversity and multiple perspectives.
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January 24, 2015This book is fascinating because the author actually takes a story of Buddha's and applies it to a recent event, slavery in the south. Themes of freedom ring true from century to century and place to place. While this book is somewhat dark and heavy on the outside, love and bravery can be found as you dig deeper into the story and get to know the characters. Teacher can use this story as part of their social studies curriculum as students study how black folks fought for freedom in the south and never gave up hope no matter the cost.
October 2, 2009
Genre: Historical Fiction
Copyright: 2009
"I Want to be Free" is a good book that showcases the hardships slaves went through in order to become free. The book has wonderful watercolor illustrations and the text is written in an almost poetic verse style of writing. This is a great book for young readers to be introduced to how life was for the slaves and how they struggled, persevered, and ultimately became free.
Copyright: 2009
"I Want to be Free" is a good book that showcases the hardships slaves went through in order to become free. The book has wonderful watercolor illustrations and the text is written in an almost poetic verse style of writing. This is a great book for young readers to be introduced to how life was for the slaves and how they struggled, persevered, and ultimately became free.
May 10, 2010
Author: Joseph Slate
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Genre: Picture Book
Summary: A slave runs away but although he was able to break the chains binding him, the iron is still locked to his ankle. During his journey he meets a child crying next to his dying mother and decides to rescue him also. In the end, the iron lock is free due to the child’s love.
Response: I loved the pictures in this book. The words were also easy to follow along and rhythmic.
Theme/Concept/Connection: Slavery
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Genre: Picture Book
Summary: A slave runs away but although he was able to break the chains binding him, the iron is still locked to his ankle. During his journey he meets a child crying next to his dying mother and decides to rescue him also. In the end, the iron lock is free due to the child’s love.
Response: I loved the pictures in this book. The words were also easy to follow along and rhythmic.
Theme/Concept/Connection: Slavery
April 18, 2017
I'd have given this 5 stars if I'd liked the illustrations better. Aside from that, this book was excellent! Rhymed couplets tell the story of a runaway slave's escape to freedom. The couplets are told in language simple enough that beginning readers may be able to read it themselves. It's also written from the slave's point of view, in language that sounds authentic. This is a great book to introduce the concept of slavery to elementary age children. Recommended!
August 3, 2015
The inspiration for this story, and I wasn't expecting this, is a story from Buddhism, but it has been retold to reflect the circumstances of American slavery and an escaping slave. It's poetic and beautifully illustrated, a powerful tale of the dangers of escaping north for a slave. I was really taken with it, and not just because E.B. Lewis did such a masterful job of illustrating it. The text is short, but the book is good. Really well done.
December 14, 2015
I Want to Be Free shows the thirst of a slave for freedom. As he is running for freedom, the chain on his ankle is a painful reminder. On his journey to freedom, the man takes a boy whose mother has passed away. The little boy becomes the man’s son and one day asks about the chain on his papa’s ankle. The story paints a beautiful picture of freedom and grace and would be a good resource to teach students about past hardships.
February 11, 2009
This is a story of first wanting, and then becoming free from slavery. It's done in a prose style with a refrain that expresses a constant awareness of the speaker's humbleness towards God.
The backgrounds are gorgeous, but the figures in the illustrations aren't really for me, seeing half finished.
The backgrounds are gorgeous, but the figures in the illustrations aren't really for me, seeing half finished.
November 22, 2010
Very sad and graphic depiction of slavery, bondage, and the fight to/for freedom. I believe this book can be used in the classroom to create conversation and critical literacy. The students can reflect through journal or discussion their feelings after hearing the book. It would be useful to create a chart that details what the students currently know about slavery, and add to it after the book.
April 21, 2012
I felt that this was a very good book. It is written in poem form, and follows a young slave who broke free. He still had the ring on his leg while he ran. He rescued another young slave boy who's mother had died. Once free, he raised the boy as his own son, and was eventually free of the shackle ring around his ankle. This was an inspiring story with a happy outcome.
February 24, 2016
This book is a great read aloud about slavery and how our "chains" can be broken from love. This book was such a heart felt book. I would read it to students that are third grade and older. This book has such a strong message and it is important student understand that while reading it or listening to a read aloud.
December 12, 2016
I Want to Be Free is a story that shares the hardship and reality of slavery. This book shows students about America's past with slavery and introduces talking about that topic. The reality shown in this book is important because students need to see what slavery was like in order to never go back.
June 24, 2009
I really liked this book. It is from an old Buddhist story that Slate adapted to a different time and place. Its universal themes make it true and poignant throughout time. Lovely illustrations by EB Lewis.
September 24, 2009
Genre: Poetry/Historical Fiction
This story tells, in verse, the story of a runaway slave. Along the way he meets up with an orphaned child who others want to leave behind. The pictures in this book are beautiful, and the ending is touching.
This story tells, in verse, the story of a runaway slave. Along the way he meets up with an orphaned child who others want to leave behind. The pictures in this book are beautiful, and the ending is touching.
January 17, 2012
I liked how "I Want to be Free", addressed slavery and the underground railroad. It explained the journey and desired of many people, with few words and moving illustrations. This book could easily be used as an anticipatory set for a lesson on slavery or the underground railroad.
April 22, 2012
I Want To Be Free explores the reality of slavery and the yearning for freedom that the slaves felt in their daily lives. The text of this book is poetic in form and is almost song like. Students can relate to the feelings of the slaves and become grateful for their own freedom.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews