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Freedom's Fruit
Illustrated in full color. An acclaimed author and an award-winning illustrator unite to create an enchanting conjure tale ideal for both folktale and African-American history collections. Mama Marina is willing to risk everything and use her conjuring powers to the utmost to free her daughter Sheba from the yoke of slavery.
Hardcover
First published December 12, 1995
13 people want to read
About the author
William H. Hooks
61 books8 followersDirector of Publications at Bank Street College of Education
He collects folklore and lives in New York City
He collects folklore and lives in New York City
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 29, 2019
A South Carolina based “Conjure tale.” My family was captivated with this story.
March 7, 2018
Summary
Marina is a slave and conjurer in the Old South. With her powers, she conjures grapes which fake the death of her daughter, Sheba, and her daughter's boyfriend, Joe Nathan. When their health declines for no apparent reason, Marina asks to purchase the two form the slaveowner. When granted this privilege, Marina then sends their still alive bodies to Charleston to seek freedom.
Theme
While the theme of this book is slavery and freedom, the book also shows love between and mother and her daughter during hard times. The book is able to portray a mother's undeniable love for her daughter during one of the most harsh times in American history' slavery.
Personal Response
I believe the book accurately depicts harsh conditions of slaves in the past. Meanwhile, the book does not reveal too much of the concept to the younger audience. The book also provides a great plot betwee Marina's love for her daughter.
Recommendation
I recommend this book for children who have already learned about the concept of slavery and dying. The illustrations are not too gruesome for young children. Yet, the magical aspect of the plot may be directed toward middle schoolers rather than early elementary students.
Marina is a slave and conjurer in the Old South. With her powers, she conjures grapes which fake the death of her daughter, Sheba, and her daughter's boyfriend, Joe Nathan. When their health declines for no apparent reason, Marina asks to purchase the two form the slaveowner. When granted this privilege, Marina then sends their still alive bodies to Charleston to seek freedom.
Theme
While the theme of this book is slavery and freedom, the book also shows love between and mother and her daughter during hard times. The book is able to portray a mother's undeniable love for her daughter during one of the most harsh times in American history' slavery.
Personal Response
I believe the book accurately depicts harsh conditions of slaves in the past. Meanwhile, the book does not reveal too much of the concept to the younger audience. The book also provides a great plot betwee Marina's love for her daughter.
Recommendation
I recommend this book for children who have already learned about the concept of slavery and dying. The illustrations are not too gruesome for young children. Yet, the magical aspect of the plot may be directed toward middle schoolers rather than early elementary students.
October 2, 2009
A "conjure tale" set in mid 19th century North Carolina on a plantation. Mama Marina is a slave who can cast spells. She uses her magic to outsmart the master and buy her family's freedom. The story has interesting parallels to the Persephone myth as well as the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (good opportunity for comparative lit discussion in homeschooling). The paintings are beautiful.
Read
February 21, 2010Shared this haunting "conjure tale" with my six year old grandson as we read our way through Black History Month. Beautiful illustrations by James Ransome add dimension to the tale.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews