Freedom Train

by Evelyn Coleman

An enthralling account of a young boy’s struggle to help freedom triumph over fear in the 1940s American South.

It’s 1947, and twelve-year-old Clyde Thomason is proud to have an older brother who guards the Freedom Train—a train that is traveling to all forty-eight states carrying the country’s most important documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.

Clyde hasn’t told his parents he won’t perform the Freedom Pledge because of stage fright, nor has he mentioned his confusing friendship with a boy of color. So when the townspeople threaten William’s family, Clyde has a choice to Will he keep quiet, or stand up for real freedom?

Ideal for classrooms, Freedom Train contains historical photos of the Freedom Train and its guards, as well as an author’s note that provides additional information about the history of the Freedom Train.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Juvenile

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 8, 2008

About the author

Evelyn Coleman is an Edgar Award finalist. She is best known for her many books with American Girl. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Reviews

[Keaten Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

choice book number 2 quarter 4
Freedom train by Evelyn Coleman is a historical fiction book. It takes place in a small town in Atlanta. The time is 1947. The book is mainly about the Freedom Train that is going to go through Atlanta. Clydes school has been chosen to recite the Freedom Pledge. The main character in this book is Cylde. He is very brave and caring. There also is Phillip, he is very mean and does not care about other people. Lastly, there is also the Third William, he is kind and friendly. The main problem in this book is that people were not treated fairly.
The theme of this book is to treat people the right way. For example, when Clyde's mother is not treated well at the mill. A lot of the time she does not get her full pay. Another example is when Clyde's friend tells him a story about when he was playing marbles with an African American boy and this older boy comes over and steals their marbles. This shows that the older boy did not treat the African American well by stealing his marbles. My last example is when a group of white men went to the only African American house in the town. They treated the African American family badly. During this scene, they were not treating them good by bringing weapons and really threatening them. That is why the theme of the book is to treat people the right way.
This book was good. I would not have done anything differently. The ending was good and fit well with the book. The ending even was my favorite part. (I am not going to say why) Lastly, the book did feel complete. There was nothing really missing. Well, thanks for reading my review.

[Jonathan L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Freedom Train is a historical fictional book about the Freedom Train, which was a train that went across the U.S between 1946 and 1948, carrying the founding documents of the U.S. I found this interesting because the characters were talking like Southern U.S people because they ARE Southern U.S people. For example, one character said “I done lost my frog!”. Later on the same page, the same character says “I ain’t know there was white men friends with the coloreds. Not like real friends.” This quote is not just realistic because of the way they talk, but also because it highlights the time they were in when white men were racist to black men in the Southern U.S, which the whites called colored and other things and did not make friends with them usually, but that is not the case anymore. I would recommend this book to someone who likes realistic historical fiction and rail transport because this IS a realistic historical fiction book with a train in it.

[Myhoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice historical fiction for young middle grade readers. Interesting storyline that the kids can relate to with unique character development. Fun bit of history to learn about.

Themes: standing for right, integrity, overcoming fears

[Robynmwhite · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this because a student of mine told me it was one of his favorite books.

[Hunter Jurries · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book but it is not as flowing as I would like and a little bit all over

[Ashley Polansky]

Title: Freedom Train
Author: Evelyn Coleman
Illustrator: N/A
Genre: Historic (realistic) Fiction
Theme(s): Freedom, bullying, family, friends, racism, prejudice
Opening line/sentence: Phillip Granger was the most ornery, hateful body that ever stopped foot in our school, and he never stopped proving it.
Brief Book Summary: This book is about the Freedom Train, and Clyde’s adventures. Clyde is twelve years old and lives in the “mill village”. Clyde’s brother, Joseph, is a WWII marine who works on the train guarding important documents. Clyde runs into problems with the class bully, but his friend William saves him. This story is a series of events leading up to the big problem of racism that exists in his world.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Monserrat Urena (Children's Literature)
It is 1947, and Clyde Thomason is looking forward to seeing his older brother Joseph. His brother is one of the guards on the Freedom Train. This important train, filled with documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, will be visiting forty-eight states. Going from town to town, it gives many a chance to glimpse at their shared history. To further stress the idea of a shared history, the train will not stop at towns that refuse to integrate the lines, allowing people of all races equal access to the treasured documents. Out of the children in his class, Clyde has been chosen to recite the Freedom Pledge when the Freedom Train arrives in town. But Clyde is terrified of speaking in public. It is not until he comes face to face with the cruelty of injustice that he truly experiences the meaning of freedom and how it is meant for all humanity. This book was an unexpected pleasure and a strong work. Its detail is beautiful and, at times, painful. Its voice jumps out at you from the first page and does not lose its potency throughout the rest of the work. The reader genuinely likes and becomes involved with Clyde and his family. This is a must-read. 2008, Margaret K. McElderry Books, $15.99. Ages 8 to 12.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2007 (Vol. 75, No. 24))
Clyde Thompson may be the shortest 12-year-old in seventh grade, but he learns to stand tall in this story about the Freedom Train's arrival in Atlanta in 1949. The train is traveling the country to bring the great freedom documents the Gettysburg Address, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights to the American people. Clyde's older brother Joseph is a guard on the train and has befriended a black man named W.C. Lounds, though Clyde says, "I ain't never heard of a colored man being a white man's best friend." Clyde's own new friendship with an African-American boy named William Dobbs puts him in the middle of racial tensions in his city, but the courage of William, the example of Joseph and the spirit of freedom represented by the Freedom Train empower Clyde to do the right thing when necessary. The novel is heavy-handed and self-consciously inspirational, but it's a fine story of a moment in history when times were changing and the Freedom Train reminded Americans of their better selves. (author's historical note) 2008, McElderry, 160p, $15.99. Category: Fiction. Ages 8 to 12. © 2007 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
Response to Two Professional Reviews: Both reviews seem to enjoy this historic realistic fiction. It shows about the time period, and the experiences people had to through. It touches upon the idea of friendship, and sticking up for others.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: This book contains multiple literary elements. The antagonist in this story is Phillip Granger who was the class bully. Conflicts arose between him and Clyde when Phillip would tease and bully him. Clyde felt it was ironic when William was the one that saved him from the bully. William is a black man, who comes from a rich, white neighborhood. This is not what Clyde was expecting, which is what makes it ironic.
Consideration of Instructional Application: This book is inspirational and could definitely be used in multiple ways in the classroom. There could be a discussion on the Freedom Train, and the people and documents involved in this process. In addition we will speak about racism, and the importance of accepting everyone no matter what race, gender, or age they are. We can do an activity on the Underground Railroad (freedom train) by showing students this slideshow to the escape from slavery (http://teacher.scholastic.com/activit...).

[Ryan Hercik]

Title: Freedom Train
Author: Evelyn Coleman
Illustrator: David Riley
Genre: Historic (realistic) Fiction Chapter Book
Theme(s): Freedom, friendship, bullies, family life, and race relations
Opening line/sentence: Phillip Granger was the most ornery, hateful body that ever stepped foot in our school, and he never stopped proving it.
Brief Book Summary: Clyde Thomason is riding the Freedom Train that contain the Bill of Rights and other important documents in US history. He is learning about the injustices going on around him and is saved by his new friend, William, when he wants to express his freedom. They become friends and he speaks up to protect William’s family when they are threatened.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: (Hornbook) 150 pp. McElderry (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing) 2008. ISBN 978-0-689-84716-5
(4) 4-6 Twelve-year-old Clyde lives on the poor-white side of the tracks in 1947 segregated Atlanta. His brother is a guard for the Freedom Train, carrying the Declaration of Independence around the country. After an African American boy helps save him from bullies, he begins to question the racial myths he's been taught. The message is didactically related, but the story is engaging.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Monserrat Urena (Children's Literature)
It is 1947, and Clyde Thomason is looking forward to seeing his older brother Joseph. His brother is one of the guards on the Freedom Train. This important train, filled with documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, will be visiting forty-eight states. Going from town to town, it gives many a chance to glimpse at their shared history. To further stress the idea of a shared history, the train will not stop at towns that refuse to integrate the lines, allowing people of all races equal access to the treasured documents. Out of the children in his class, Clyde has been chosen to recite the Freedom Pledge when the Freedom Train arrives in town. But Clyde is terrified of speaking in public. It is not until he comes face to face with the cruelty of injustice that he truly experiences the meaning of freedom and how it is meant for all humanity. This book was an unexpected pleasure and a strong work. Its detail is beautiful and, at times, painful. Its voice jumps out at you from the first page and does not lose its potency throughout the rest of the work. The reader genuinely likes and becomes involved with Clyde and his family. This is a must-read. 2008, Margaret K. McElderry Books, $15.99. Ages 8 to 12.
Response to Two Professional Reviews: After reading this book, I strongly agree with both reviews, this book is very engaging and a must read. It talks about the importance of bullying and strong friendships that will go along way for young children. Also sticking up for themselves and having their voices heard have a strong influence in history and hopefully for them as they grow up.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: This story does a great job portraying a strong voice in the main character, Clyde. The setting and plot line gives students the understanding of how life was during the 1940’s with segregation at the forefront of all children’s life. By having the point of view shown through this character students’ will understand the importance of standing tall for your beliefs and the peers around you.
Consideration of Instructional Application: I would use this book when teaching my student’s about the history of segregation in the US. Although race maybe a hard topic to discuss with your students, it is important that they understand the history and background of this topic that makes us the country we are today. As a class, we could use this topic for my students to create their own Bill of Rights, for example making their own set of classroom rules so they know what their own expectations are. Also we can do a Readers Theater with students taking turns reciting the Freedom Pledge in front of the rest of the class.

[Annabelle K]

I recommend Freedom Train to all readers because it is a very meaningful novel with a significant plot and setting, well developed characters, and a deep message. This novel is based on a poor white family in 1947. The main character, Clyde Thomason’s, older brother guards the Freedom Train. Clyde is chosen to recite the Freedom Pledge. However, being the favorite target of the class bully, always keeps Clyde in trouble. When the bullies try to beat him up, William, an African-American boy comes to save him. As William’s family is threatened, Clyde does not know if he has the courage to speak out for the family. The significant plot and setting brings the novel to life and keeps the reader engaged throughout the whole story. It is set in 1947 when there was a problem with race relationships. It is a historical fiction which makes the reader relate with the events in history and not only the fictional story. The Freedom train traveling to all 48 states, carrying important documents is an example of a real event that happened in American history and in the novel. Also, the well developed characters develop a meaningful novel. While Clyde Thomason lives as a poor white family, William lives as a rich African-American family on the white part of the town. On the other hand, both Clyde and William are treated unequally and without freedom. Finally, this is where the deep message of the novel makes an impact to the story. Both Clyde, William, and their families have to learn to fight for their rights and freedom. Clyde is being beat up by his class bullies and William is being threatened for their race. It is interesting how the train is coming with all the documents like the Bill of Rights, but there are still conflicts that go against it. The ending of this novel is unexpected, but satisfying at the same time. The author leaves the reader with a memorable lesson and message at the end of the novel. Overall, Freedom Train by Evelyn Coleman was an exceptional novel for its significant plot and setting, well developed characters, and a deep message.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the train that toured the country in 1947, carrying important documents from American history so that the public could see them "up close and personal," Freedom Train also weaves in the beginning of civil rights issues as the train comes to this Georgia town located near Atlanta. Clyde is a fifth-grade boy whose brother is a Marine who was selected to duty on the Freedom Train. Clyde is picked on by a bully who happens to be the son of the mill boss. After one particularly frightening incident, Clyde is helped by Third William, whose father William the Second bandages his wounds. Clyde faces some difficult life lessons and moral dilemmas, for not only are the "Williams" an African-American family, but they have just moved into a very fancy house in a white neighborhood. In 1947 Georgia, this occurrence was new and a bit bewildering for Clyde. Clyde and his father both learn some strong life lessons about themselves and about the times in which they are living in this inspiring book.

[Judy Desetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

p140
freedom, friendship, bullies, family life, late 1940's, race relations.

Learning to do the right thing, Standing up for others.

Clyde is a seventh grader whose brother is guarding the freedom train in 1948. A train which holds the important documents of America, i.e.; Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, etc. The Freedom Train is coming to Atlanta where he lives. Clyde struggles with blacks and white relations. He is helped by a black boy but is confused about whether it was right or wrong.

Grammar makes it more difficult to follow but overall a good story and one with lots of areas for discussion. Probably be a good read aloud.

[Barb Keltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very dif book than the title and cover indicate. It's more a story of a white family being faced with the choice of doing right or "going along" when segregation and racial prejudice was so prevalent. I did not know that there really was a Freedom Train that traveled to 48 states in 1947 with important documents like the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. As happens so often, I'm learning my history by reading children's historical fiction!

[Cyrena · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an inspiring look at our history. Not only did this book spotlight and interesting bit of American heritage, but the depth of character and family portrayed in this short book was impressive. I was rooting for Clyde by the end and proud of the choices he made.

[Teddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one that we are considering for One Book, One School. It is way better than either of the other two we have done in the past and I think it would present great discussion opportunities for families. I would definitely recommend this book for all families to read together.

[Bill Prosser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good historical fiction for middle readers (third and up). Great story about the segregated south in the 1940s. I like that it is done from a poor white family's perspective.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of a white boy in Atlanta in the 40s who meets his first black person and thinks about what American freedom documents mean.

[Charlou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Segregation in 1940's south. William Allen White 2010-2011.

[Nemon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The part of the story is Phillip Granger took a frog to his school,his name is Chester.Another thing is the new principal mr.little found he had it what's his punishment?