Finding Freedom

American Girl: Addy #1-3

by Connie Rose Porter, Juliana Kolesova (Illustrations), Michael Dworkin (Illustrations)

Addy Walker�s family is planning a dangerous escape from slavery during the summer of 1864. But before they can leave, the most terrible thing Addy can imagine happens--her Poppa and her brother, Sam, are sold! Addy and her Momma decide they must head out on their own. Although the road to freedom is difficult, Addy�s new life brings new friends, school, and even the opportunity to help others. But when will her family be reunited?

Genres: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Childrens

161 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2014

About the author

Connie Rose Porter is an American author best known for her books for children and young adults. She was the third youngest of nine children of a family living in a housing project.
She has since taught English and creative writing at Milton Academy, Emerson College, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She was a fellow at the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference and was a regional winner in Granta's Best Young American Novelist contest.

Reviews

[Celina Weersinghe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was a great book. In this story a 9 year old girl name Addy works as a slave with her family on Master Stevens plantation in North Carolina in 1864 during the civil war. But then Master Stevens sells her dad and older brother Sam to a new owner. So Addy and her mom must escape North Carolina to Philadelphia all alone. They had to leave her baby sister Esther behind because she could give them away. And when she finally arrives in Philadelphia, she can't spend much time with her mom because her mom works hard as a seamstress and they live in small room above Mrs. Ford's dress shop where Addy's mom works. But Addy soon learns that freedom has it's cost and that life in freedom isn't going to be perfect. I really loved the relationship between Addy and her mom and overall, I really recommend this book to you!

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is excellent - 5 stars even - but I’m giving it 3 because they combined the original 3 Addy books into one book - and removed all the pictures. The original books had a family tree and timeline and kids were able to make connections so much easier. I’ll be on the lookout for the original versions for the next three books. I’m not a fan of the “Beforever” branding.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! A gentle introduction for young readers into slavery and the Civil War. Book follows great story line, teaching children about kindness, bravery, and courage. Highly recommend this book for independent young readers or as a read aloud!

[Faith Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Wow, wow, WOW!

Ten years ago, although I read American Girl, I didn't care much for Addy. I didn't hold anything against her--she just wasn't my favorite. But now...

She. Is. Amazing! This book (which is a mash-up of three books [Meet Addy, Addy Learns a Lesson, and Addy’s Surprise] that were released a while back) has blown me away. It's full of messages about honesty, love vs. hate, family, hard work, sacrifice, revelation, freedom, and BRAVERY. Much to my surprise and pleasure, there’s even church and prayer.

Everything felt alive and real. I felt I was there. And even though Addy and I come from bizarrely different worlds, she was relatable. Also a wonderful role model, she was very mature, grow-up, and wise, but not so much that was was unrealistic.

The parts about slavery--whipping, being sold, chains, and more--were crushing. My eyes blurred and nose stung on just the second page. But other parts made me cry in a good way, too–I was overcome with happiness!

Sure, some parts could have been better, and I wished there were pictures. But this book is a winner, and I cannot wait to read the next one!

[Kara Kuehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always loved the Addy books! She is one of my favorites! Connie Porter is an amazing author and brings Addy to life!

About a 2 hour read.

Notable Quotes:
“Honey, if you fill your heart with hate, there ain’t gonna be no room for love.”

“People can do wrong for such a long time, they don’t even know it’s wrong no more.”

Things to be aware of in “Finding Freedom:”

Language:
- 1 stupid
- 1 dumb

Spiritual Content:
- Many prayers are said out loud and internally.
- A nativity play is put on
- Scripture is quoted
I was very proud of American Girl for the faith aspect that was brought to this book!!

Violence:
- Whipping
- A mention of a boy’s legs being crushed

Additional Notes:
- This book takes place during 1864 so keep in mind that slavery is a main part of this book and all that the cruel practice entailed.
- A slave is forced to eat worms.
- Families are separated.
- Girls disguise themselves as boys.
- Mentions of soldiers who are missing limbs
- A character is unkind to another, having her be her unofficial slave

[The Library Lass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Freedom follows the story of 9-year-old Addy and her journey of escaping slavery and adjusting to her new life of freedom while dreaming of the day her family is reunited. It does a great job of expressing the harsh realities and injustices of the time in a way that is understandable for children. Addy was a likeable character, and she serves as a great role model for young girls. Even though this volume consists of 3 previously-separately-published stories, they flowed together seamlessly. As a whole, this was a strong, emotional read that I would recommend to young girls.

Favorite Quotes:

"But Addy, people can do wrong for such a long time, they don't even know it's wrong no more. What's worse is when people hurt each other and don't even care they hurting them."

"When you got an education, you got a freedom nobody can take from you."

"Sometimes people fight even when they don't want to. They fight for what they believe is right."

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the original three in their original formatting in a very long time, but they did a wonderful job combining the first three books into one seamless story that flows very well. I do miss the historical notes at the end of the original books with pictures that helped explain the world that Addy lived in. The notes now are much shorter but do a decent job explaining enslavement to kids in a way that is understandable.

The only part I really feel iffy about is at the beginning while they are still enslaved - mostly because I'm not sure about the portrayal of slavery- but this is also a book for kids. They do cover how cruel owners and overseers could be and the desire for freedom.

Overall I do this this is a good book that helps introduce the concept of enslavement to kids.

[Aggie-Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was concerned when I found out that the Addy books were being condensed into only two volumes from their original six. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the new abridged addition is absolutely fantastic. The way the first three books have been put together into one work is seamless and it looses none of the important lessons that can be taught from Addy’s experiences on the plantation, fighting her way to freedom, acclimating to her new life in Philadelphia and learning the lesson of showing kindness and charity to others. In fact, I think the story may even be more impactful and digestible for young readers in this new format.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about a girl who is a slave. In the first part everyone is a slave. It is set during the Civil War. This is a really sad book because no one should be kept as slaves. When they escape if they are discovered they may be sold again. It is really scary. They also have no money to buy anything when they get to Philadelphia where they can be free.
I liked this book very much. Addy is very brave because she is among people unlike herself. That is very hard to do.
I recommend this book to people who value bravery.
James (age 7)

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addy is the American Girl from 1864. Not knowing how long it will be until the end of the Civil War, Addy and her mother escape to freedom in Philadelphia. There Addy learns that freedom isn’t free, but it is worth it. She also learns about the value of real friends. The story is sweet with several subplots. As with all American Girl books, uncomfortable things are told sensitively and on a level children can understand. It’s historical fiction for kids done right. I recommend it to all middle grade children.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another gut punching book in the American Girl series. This one follows Addy, who is a slave in North Carolina during the Civil War. Addy and her Mom successfully make it to freedom in Philadelphia and soon find the high cost of freedom. Addy has an amazing, sacrificial, heart and I just loved her.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I decided to revisit some of the American Girl books. Finding Freedom is composed of the first three books in Addy's series and I truly enjoyed rereading these. Yes they are written for children but they still show some of the harshness of slavery (particularly the first book). I highly recommend these books for late elementary school children.

[gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

so great and i think every little girl should read about addy’s story specifically. it’s just as inspiring and hopeful now at 23 as it was when i was 7.

i also think it’s a really good soft introduction to the civil war and slavery. it’s still kid-friendly and easy to understand, but doesn’t water anything down. excellent read, 10s across the board!

[Jericca Crow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I would give myself a reread before I started these with my kids (I do with all the AG books!) And this is probably the set of books that holds up the best in my opinion. Read these, share them with your kids. Addy's story is one to be shared.

[Samantha Bartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I managed to read this to my students without ever mentioning that it was an American Girl book. My favorite part was that the boys were WAY more interested in this one than the girls were. lol Always a joy to read this series.

[Lauren Perotto · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction for older kids/tweens to a tough subject.

[Chrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

When they re-released these books into two big ones instead of 6 small ones, they got rid of all the pictures. I miss those

[Mia Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

addy you will always be famous

[Lindsay Bullock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read to Ashley at bedtime and I found myself looking forward to reading at night to find out what would happen! Well written and great characters.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Courtnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ Beautifully written and such a great educational read for kids. Listened to the audio in one day because we enjoyed it so much.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! This told me a LOT! I love it! I-I just love it! It’s such a tragedy! I love it!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This middle grade, fictional account of a young girl and her family's fight for freedom had me crying during the first few chapter. The age appropriate story engaged my young grade school children and helped them better understand what happened in the past and helped us talk about how it continues to effect our present and future.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addy is a nine-year-old girl in 1864. She is also a slave in the south. One night, she hears her parents talking about running away to freedom. The next thing she knows, her father and brother are sold, separating her family! Now, her mom says they must run away, before Addy and her mom, too, are separated.

This is a wonderfully tender and informative book for children ages eight to twelve. The illustrations are lovely and colorful, and the story is written with care. In addition, the book’s cover and pages are thick and durable, making it wonderful for a classroom or school library.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Joel Caldarola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is exactly the kind of book I wanted to read when I was an 8 year old girl.

[artemis · Rating 4 out of 5]

98%

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

reread this for the paper I'm writing