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5,000 Miles to Freedom: Ellen and William Craft's Flight from Slavery
What would it take for slaves to escape from slavery in the Deep South, 1,000 miles from freedom and then on to England during the period of the Fugitive Slave Act? For most slaves the thought of escape was unimaginable. But fear did not stop Ellen and William Craft from chasing freedom.
An inspiring and riveting story of two amazing people stopping at nothing to fight for freedom and racial equality, this thrilling true tale chronicles Ellen and William Craft's lives from their flight from slavery in Georgia to their rise to world-wide fame as heroes of the Abolitionist movement.
Illustrated with period artwork, newspaper clippings, and archival photographs, 5,000 Miles to Freedom captures the unforgiving realities of slave life, the political hatred between North and South, and, above all, the extraordinary achievements of this remarkable couple.
National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.
Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.
An inspiring and riveting story of two amazing people stopping at nothing to fight for freedom and racial equality, this thrilling true tale chronicles Ellen and William Craft's lives from their flight from slavery in Georgia to their rise to world-wide fame as heroes of the Abolitionist movement.
Illustrated with period artwork, newspaper clippings, and archival photographs, 5,000 Miles to Freedom captures the unforgiving realities of slave life, the political hatred between North and South, and, above all, the extraordinary achievements of this remarkable couple.
National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.
Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published January 24, 2006
6 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Dennis Brindell Fradin
289 books23 followersThe award-winning author of nearly 300 non-fiction books for children and young adults, Dennis Fradin is known for his meticulous research, attention to detail and smooth, graceful writing.
Fradin attributes his success in part to years of teaching in the Chicago Public Schools. In order to hold his second graders’ attention at the end of the day, he would spin stories about crayons in distress and birds with broken wings. One such story caught the attention of an editor who asked him to write a series of books about the United States. The Sea to Shining Sea series (Children's Press), launched Dennis's career as a full-time author.
Dennis Fradin has written children's books on topics as varied as astronomy, colonial history, the Underground Railroad, slave escapes and scientific discoveries. He has written biographies of Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, Jane Addams and Louis Braille, among others. Bound for the North Star is his riveting collection of true slave escape stories. The Power of One: Daisy Bates and the Little Rock Nine, co-authored with his wife Judy, was a Golden Kite Honor Book.
Dennis has collaborated with Larry Day on two picture books, Let It Begin Here! and Duel! with Walker Books. He's completed two dozen Turning Points books for Marshall Cavendish. Along with his wife Judy, Dennis wrote Five Thousand Miles to Freedom for National Geographic Children's Books, followed by their Witness to Disaster series.
Fradin attributes his success in part to years of teaching in the Chicago Public Schools. In order to hold his second graders’ attention at the end of the day, he would spin stories about crayons in distress and birds with broken wings. One such story caught the attention of an editor who asked him to write a series of books about the United States. The Sea to Shining Sea series (Children's Press), launched Dennis's career as a full-time author.
Dennis Fradin has written children's books on topics as varied as astronomy, colonial history, the Underground Railroad, slave escapes and scientific discoveries. He has written biographies of Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, Jane Addams and Louis Braille, among others. Bound for the North Star is his riveting collection of true slave escape stories. The Power of One: Daisy Bates and the Little Rock Nine, co-authored with his wife Judy, was a Golden Kite Honor Book.
Dennis has collaborated with Larry Day on two picture books, Let It Begin Here! and Duel! with Walker Books. He's completed two dozen Turning Points books for Marshall Cavendish. Along with his wife Judy, Dennis wrote Five Thousand Miles to Freedom for National Geographic Children's Books, followed by their Witness to Disaster series.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 27, 2013
5,000 Miles to Freedom is a true story about William and Ellen Craft, two slaves from Georgia and their decision to escape bondage and go north. Ellen a light skin slave cuts her hair and disguised herself as a young slave owner while her husband Williams posed as her personal slave. This book gives a detail account of William and Ellen escape from their plantation in Macon, Georgia, and their journey to Philadelphia, then to Boston, and ultimately to England during the period of the Fugitive Slave Act where they with the help of abolitionists and free blacks, learned to read and write, talked about their journey while working hard to support themselves and help those still in slavery
Illustrated with period artwork, newspaper clippings, and archival photographs, 5,000 Miles to Freedom captures the unforgiving realities of slave life, the political hatred between North and South, and, above all, the extraordinary achievements of William and Ellen Craft.
Word of caution, this book also describe an array of particular cruel tortures and rape of slaves and should be taken into consideration when deciding to use this book as a classroom reading assignment. This book can be used for the following theme/subject within the classroom such as social studies, character and values, culture and diversity, African American and World History.
At the end of the books the author pays respect to the descendants of the Crafts in a section call “Afterword” which include interviewed with some of the Craft descendants as well as photos. In the back of the book, the author provides a timeline starting with William Craft and Ellen Smith (her name before she married William) birth, their union, their escape, events of their life leading up to their freedom, their retirement and their death (Ellen in 1897 and Williams in 1900).
5,000 Miles to Freedom won the New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age in 2007 and a remarkable must read book on American history.
Illustrated with period artwork, newspaper clippings, and archival photographs, 5,000 Miles to Freedom captures the unforgiving realities of slave life, the political hatred between North and South, and, above all, the extraordinary achievements of William and Ellen Craft.
Word of caution, this book also describe an array of particular cruel tortures and rape of slaves and should be taken into consideration when deciding to use this book as a classroom reading assignment. This book can be used for the following theme/subject within the classroom such as social studies, character and values, culture and diversity, African American and World History.
At the end of the books the author pays respect to the descendants of the Crafts in a section call “Afterword” which include interviewed with some of the Craft descendants as well as photos. In the back of the book, the author provides a timeline starting with William Craft and Ellen Smith (her name before she married William) birth, their union, their escape, events of their life leading up to their freedom, their retirement and their death (Ellen in 1897 and Williams in 1900).
5,000 Miles to Freedom won the New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age in 2007 and a remarkable must read book on American history.
March 3, 2015
On the morning of December 21, 1848, Ellen and William Craft escaped as slaves from a plantation in Macon, Georgia. Both, exciting escape adventure and gripping history, this account of a husband and wife on the run from slavery traces their journey to freedom in the U.S and across the world. Ellen, light-skinned, disguised herself as a young gentleman slave owner. William, darker, was her "slave". From the Atlantic coast they would travel, sometimes by boat and sometimes by train to the North. The book follows the two every step of the way, including many of the close calls the two had to suffer. When their astonishing story makes the fugitive couple famous, slave catchers come after them, so the Crafts leave for England, where they continue their abolitionist work, until their return home after the Civil War. The Fradins work very hard at trying to let young readers understand just how horrific slavery could be, right from the start. They draw heavily on the Crafts' personal accounts to add depth and drama to the carefully documented narrative. The catching design includes lots of photos, archival artwork, letters, and newspaper accounts. In the back of the book you will find a Time Line, list of Sources, a Bibliography, and an Index. The tale of the Crafts isn't just about two little people. It's about how they played a part in a massive struggle for basic human decency and freedom.
November 3, 2015
Originally rated E by Lori Hoag
One of the most remarkable stories of fugitive slaves, the story of William and Ellen Craft’s escape from Georgia to Philadelphia is harrowing. Ellen was the daughter of the master and his slave, Maria, and was mistreated by the owner’s wife. She was given as a wedding present to the owner’s daughter and moved to Macon, Georgia, where she meets William Craft. William’s entire family had been sold to pay his master’s debts. When they contract a slave marriage in 1846, they are determined not to have children until they are free. In Dec. of 1848, they leave their masters in Georgia, and, disguised as slave and master, they board steamboats and trains for the dangerous journey to Philadelphia. Ellen, who is able to pass, disguises herself as a sickly young man, and William poses as “his” slave. Leaving Philadelphia just ahead of slave catchers, they journey to Boston, but even there they are not safe, especially when the fugitive slave act is passed in 1850. In October of that year, slave catchers arrive in Boston to bring them back to Georgia, but they are protected by the townspeople. Because it is now too dangerous to stay in Boston, they marry in November and sail to Liverpool, England in 1850. Here they find peace and the safety to have and raise their family, returning to the United States in 1869. They start a school for ex-slaves, which are burned to the ground by the Ku Klux Klan, but persevere, reopening another school from 1872-1880. Their descendents now reside in both the US and Great Britain, and are proud of the heritage of their courageous forbearers.
One of the most remarkable stories of fugitive slaves, the story of William and Ellen Craft’s escape from Georgia to Philadelphia is harrowing. Ellen was the daughter of the master and his slave, Maria, and was mistreated by the owner’s wife. She was given as a wedding present to the owner’s daughter and moved to Macon, Georgia, where she meets William Craft. William’s entire family had been sold to pay his master’s debts. When they contract a slave marriage in 1846, they are determined not to have children until they are free. In Dec. of 1848, they leave their masters in Georgia, and, disguised as slave and master, they board steamboats and trains for the dangerous journey to Philadelphia. Ellen, who is able to pass, disguises herself as a sickly young man, and William poses as “his” slave. Leaving Philadelphia just ahead of slave catchers, they journey to Boston, but even there they are not safe, especially when the fugitive slave act is passed in 1850. In October of that year, slave catchers arrive in Boston to bring them back to Georgia, but they are protected by the townspeople. Because it is now too dangerous to stay in Boston, they marry in November and sail to Liverpool, England in 1850. Here they find peace and the safety to have and raise their family, returning to the United States in 1869. They start a school for ex-slaves, which are burned to the ground by the Ku Klux Klan, but persevere, reopening another school from 1872-1880. Their descendents now reside in both the US and Great Britain, and are proud of the heritage of their courageous forbearers.
December 6, 2014
Fradin, D.B. (2006). 5,000 miles to freedom: Ellen and William Craft's flight from slavery. Washington D.C.: National Geographic.
*2007: ALA Best Books for Young Adults, Notable Social Studies Trade Books
Informational
Age range: 10 and up, Grades: 5 and up
I found myself cheering on William and Ellen Craft as they risked their lives running north and finally to England to escape slavery. The devastating sadness, ruthless torture, and horrendous inhumane conditions were depicted well with period artwork, newspaper clippings, and well researched sources. This true story focused on Ellen, a light skinned African American female, disguising herself as a male slave owner with William as her personal slave traveling 5,000 miles from Macon, GA through PA to Boston and then on to England. This book would be a great resource for a Civil War Unit, a biography unit, or a geography unit. Students could map the route the Crafts traveled and measure the distance. This book was full of valuable information displaying what life was like during the time leading up to the Civil War. This book was so descriptive that I became lost in the pages and felt like I was truly there traveling alongside William and Ellen while fearing they would get caught at any minute.
*2007: ALA Best Books for Young Adults, Notable Social Studies Trade Books
Informational
Age range: 10 and up, Grades: 5 and up
I found myself cheering on William and Ellen Craft as they risked their lives running north and finally to England to escape slavery. The devastating sadness, ruthless torture, and horrendous inhumane conditions were depicted well with period artwork, newspaper clippings, and well researched sources. This true story focused on Ellen, a light skinned African American female, disguising herself as a male slave owner with William as her personal slave traveling 5,000 miles from Macon, GA through PA to Boston and then on to England. This book would be a great resource for a Civil War Unit, a biography unit, or a geography unit. Students could map the route the Crafts traveled and measure the distance. This book was full of valuable information displaying what life was like during the time leading up to the Civil War. This book was so descriptive that I became lost in the pages and felt like I was truly there traveling alongside William and Ellen while fearing they would get caught at any minute.
April 11, 2015
Okay, this showed up on my weeding list because it hadn't circed in several years, but luckily it's being reprinted in paperback because I fully intend to booktalk this one and get it into the hands of our middle schoolers.
This is an exciting adventure story about two slaves who were determined to be free and journeyed thousands of miles to make it happen. Ellen and William Craft met and fell in love while they were both enslaved in Georgia. Terrified that one of them might be sold and refusing to bring children into slavery, the couple made daring plans to run away to Pennsylvania, a journey of 1000 miles. At that time, it was not an easy journey - Ellen and William would travel by train, ship, carriage, and on foot to reach their destination and they had to be extremely careful every step of the way.
Ellen, who was light-skinned and could pass for white, disguised herself as a man, Mr. William Johnson, while her husband traveled as her slave. Ellen feigned ailments like arthritis to cover up the fact that she could not read or write (she bandaged her right hand and asked others to sign for her when it was required).
I'm officially putting this great backlist title on your radar, so make sure you don't miss it!
This is an exciting adventure story about two slaves who were determined to be free and journeyed thousands of miles to make it happen. Ellen and William Craft met and fell in love while they were both enslaved in Georgia. Terrified that one of them might be sold and refusing to bring children into slavery, the couple made daring plans to run away to Pennsylvania, a journey of 1000 miles. At that time, it was not an easy journey - Ellen and William would travel by train, ship, carriage, and on foot to reach their destination and they had to be extremely careful every step of the way.
Ellen, who was light-skinned and could pass for white, disguised herself as a man, Mr. William Johnson, while her husband traveled as her slave. Ellen feigned ailments like arthritis to cover up the fact that she could not read or write (she bandaged her right hand and asked others to sign for her when it was required).
I'm officially putting this great backlist title on your radar, so make sure you don't miss it!
September 13, 2013
Summary - Provides the amazing story of husband and wife Ellen and William Craft's escape from slavery and their lives as abolitionists.
Curriculum Connection - I would use this with middle school students to discuss slavery, the Underground Railroad, The Fugitive Slave Law, and the importance of primary documents in researching and understanding history.
Personal Reaction - This was another story that I am disappointed to say that I never heard while I was in school. I found the story really interesting and I loved that it included scanned images of primary documents including the receipt for the purchase of a three year old slave name Georgiana.
Visual Appeal - The cover was dark and the title was bold over a reproduction notice form the 1850s. I liked the cover for two reasons first it included illustrated portraits of the couple and the color scheme hinted at the couples risky trip. I also loved the use of primary documents throughout including scanned copies of period signs and illustrations from newspapers of the time.
Intended Audience - Middle school, about 12 to 14 years old.
Curriculum Connection - I would use this with middle school students to discuss slavery, the Underground Railroad, The Fugitive Slave Law, and the importance of primary documents in researching and understanding history.
Personal Reaction - This was another story that I am disappointed to say that I never heard while I was in school. I found the story really interesting and I loved that it included scanned images of primary documents including the receipt for the purchase of a three year old slave name Georgiana.
Visual Appeal - The cover was dark and the title was bold over a reproduction notice form the 1850s. I liked the cover for two reasons first it included illustrated portraits of the couple and the color scheme hinted at the couples risky trip. I also loved the use of primary documents throughout including scanned copies of period signs and illustrations from newspapers of the time.
Intended Audience - Middle school, about 12 to 14 years old.
October 16, 2016
October Book Report
5,000 Miles to Freedom
By. Dennis Brindell Fradin
Ellen and William Craft are two slaves who work in Georgia. After of getting tired of doing all of this slavery and dirty work, they decide to run away. William still remains his normal slave self, while Ellen disguises as a man. Therefore, Ellen is Williams master. They decide to run away before Christmas, so they can get about a three day pass to see their "family", but they must be back by Christmas day. They get on the train and go through some ups and downs, but they finally end up in their destination. Everybody now knows who they are, especially the slave hunters. Soon after arriving, the have to sail to England, so they aren't brought back to Georgia.
The theme of this book is that you can always do something if you believe that you can. This is proven by Ellen becoming a man with her husband and traveling 5,000 miles to get to freedom. If they told people before they left, nobody would ever believe or support them. When they told people after they left, they couldn't believe they did it or got away with it. But they thought that they could do it, and they did!
5,000 Miles to Freedom
By. Dennis Brindell Fradin
Ellen and William Craft are two slaves who work in Georgia. After of getting tired of doing all of this slavery and dirty work, they decide to run away. William still remains his normal slave self, while Ellen disguises as a man. Therefore, Ellen is Williams master. They decide to run away before Christmas, so they can get about a three day pass to see their "family", but they must be back by Christmas day. They get on the train and go through some ups and downs, but they finally end up in their destination. Everybody now knows who they are, especially the slave hunters. Soon after arriving, the have to sail to England, so they aren't brought back to Georgia.
The theme of this book is that you can always do something if you believe that you can. This is proven by Ellen becoming a man with her husband and traveling 5,000 miles to get to freedom. If they told people before they left, nobody would ever believe or support them. When they told people after they left, they couldn't believe they did it or got away with it. But they thought that they could do it, and they did!
February 25, 2014
This book was exciting as it walks you through a true story of two slaves who escape slavery in Georgia with a clever plan. Ellen Craft disguised as a white man with her husband William Craft as her slave. It is scary for them because they were almost caught when she couldn't sign her name because she didn't know how to write. the tricks they came up with to fool people were well thought, but made you fear that they were going to get caught. Then their journey to Pennsylvania, a free state was exciting but ended when they had to flee to Boston as slave hunters were allowed to get them and bring them back to there owners because they were considered fugitives. The crafts became famous for their brilliant escape plan and people loved to here their story told. when the were no longer safe in Boston they left for England. None of this was easy on them. the had lots of people help them but they also had many, many obstacles in there way. This book was very exciting but also sad for what slaves had to go through just to be free.
July 25, 2008
This is the not (currently) well-known story of William and Ellen Craft. Both escaped slavery to try to establish themselves in the northern states. However, due to the strength of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, William and Ellen were forced to flee and headed to England. In England they both continued their educations and started a family. In 1869, they returned to the U.S. to establish education institutions in Georgia.
A typical historical biography. It's not bad, it's just written in that boring, dry historical language that kids dislike. However, the photography somewhat makes up for the lackluster writing.
A typical historical biography. It's not bad, it's just written in that boring, dry historical language that kids dislike. However, the photography somewhat makes up for the lackluster writing.
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March 8, 2010A true story about a remarkable couple who travel 5000 miles from Georgia to England to escape slavery becoming heroes of the Abolitionist movement. Illustrated with period artwork, newspaper clippings, and archival photographs.
This was a riveting story; one that I think students could easily become immersed in. I think history is so much more interesting and meaningful when you can make a connection with people who actually lived during that time. This book would help students to experience the perils that slaves faced to find freedom. I can picture students reenacting this story for an audience.
This was a riveting story; one that I think students could easily become immersed in. I think history is so much more interesting and meaningful when you can make a connection with people who actually lived during that time. This book would help students to experience the perils that slaves faced to find freedom. I can picture students reenacting this story for an audience.
March 22, 2012
Maybe it's because it's geared for children, but this is one of the few non-fiction books that I would consider a page turner. It puts a personal face on the problems of slavery in the years before, during and after the Civil War. As it's a juvenile book, it describes some of the evils of slavery in simple language. Though, it's definitely better for older children because no matter how you describe slave life, it is disturbing. It's an amazing story of daring escape, clever disguise, and a quest to live free no matter the risks.
July 13, 2019
This is an amazing stroy of the will of William and Ellen Craft to seek and go after freedom in the times of slavery in America. The narrative illustrates the inhumanity of slavery not simply for what happens to those enslaved but what happens to those who enslave them. There is at the same time a heroism that emerges when people make choices to do good as opposed to evil. Looking at the sin of slavery in the time of the narrative helps us to understand the role this history plays in our society today.
April 9, 2009
I saw the life of someone through their eyes. Their struggles, hopes, dreams, nightmares, and success. Ellen and William Craft are two African Americans determined to escape slavery to the nothern states where slavery is prohibated. They go by train, boat, and on foot. Do they make it? Read and see.
June 8, 2017
I have been continuing my research on the Underground Railroad and wanted to read some accounts of people who successfully escaped their circumstances into freedom. The Craft couple are one of the most well-known cases of escape.
To read the rest of my review please visit: https://amillionpages.com/
To read the rest of my review please visit: https://amillionpages.com/
February 7, 2009
I really liked this book. It was a quick read but a very interesting story, all the more so because it was a true story; a story of a slave couple who make their way to freedom. I would add it to my library and would definitely recommend it.
February 3, 2011
I really enjoy non-fiction books for children. You get the basic facts in an easy to read format. This is a good example. Not only were the Crafts courageous in their escape from slavery, they were inspirational in what they chose to do after gaining their freedom.
March 20, 2017
This is a young person's book; easy read. I picked up a few books to read during Black History month. I never heard the story of this couple and their escape from slavery. Incredible. Love history!
April 24, 2018
I really wonder why more stories like this have yet to be told. Well, here is one now about how Ellen and William Craft escaped slavery and built a life together. Fantastic use for writing and er appropriate for younger reader's comprehension (probably starting at about 8 or grade 3). A great read.
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April 29, 200892 Fra
March 19, 2015
Technically from the kids/YA dept, but good historical book.
July 6, 2010
Nonfiction Picture Book
Young adult
Young adult
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April 20, 2011This is about people wanting their freedom from slavery. Ellen and William were willing to risk their lives to get to freedom which they did. This is good for FREEDOM.
August 15, 2016
Many interesting details about a brave, slave couple
February 7, 2017
Great book if you want to learn about Ellen and William Craft's life & childhood!
April 28, 2023
In reading Ilyon Woo's new retelling of the amazing story of Ellen and William Craft's 1848 escape from Georgia slavery, I learned that the two former slaves published their own account in 1860. Seeking that original, I found instead this clear, simple account from National Geographic published in 2006. In less than 100 pages the Fradins present a crisp narrative of the famous escape and the complicated search for true freedom that the Crafts continued to pursue for years after fleeing from the south. This work seems targeted for middle school students but could serve as an excellent introduction for anyone seeking to learn more about this heroic couple's "flight from slavery."
March 8, 2017
Engaging story about the Craft's escape from slavery - Ellen posed as a white man and William's owner. They had to escape to England before they were truly free, thanks to the fugitive slave act and their reputation as smart, capable people able to evade capture.
December 10, 2016
It is about a couple who escape from the south by pretending the wife is a white slave owner and the husband is a slave. Once they have reach the north, the news spread away that they were slaves whom runaway.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews