Shackles

by Marjory Heath Wentworth, Leslie Darwin Pratt-Thomas (illustrator)

Based on a true story, Shackles describes what happens when a group of boys--Hunter and his younger brothers, Oliver and Taylor, and three friends--search for buried treasure in their backyard on Sullivan s Island, South Carolina. When they unexpectedly dig up shackles, instead of the treasure they were hoping for, they are sad and confused. Neighbor and friend Mr. Green is summoned, and tries to explain the painful hidden history of Sullivan s Island. With 16 original illustrations.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Marjory Wentworth is the Poet Laurate of South Carolina. Her books of poety include Noticing Eden, What the Water Gives me, and her new book, despite Gravity.

Simultaneously erotic and spiritual, the poems in Noticing Eden are bold evocations of the mysteries of love and, death and the mystical place where water and sand meet. This resonant collection is layered not only with aesthetic goodness, but with hope. Sue Monk Kidd
author of
The Secret Life of Bees
and The Mermaid Chair
"

Reviews

[Kimmie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautful book with acrylic on canvas illustrations that help paint a difficult story about slavery when slaves came to Sullivan's Island. Boys playing pirates in the backyard dig for treasure and instead find shackles buried deep in the ground. A family friend, Mr. Green who is African American then has to help explain slavery. Very well done.

[Marge]

based on true story - slaves bought to sullivan's island before going to US slave market. Young boys playing on the island find artifact. (no credit - no documentation)

[Chantelle Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressed with the healing spirit of this book.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the story idea but don't really care for the illustration especially that this is a children's book. The illustration are oil paintings and it seems close up pictures of the paintings were taken to bring focus to certain details and as a result, blurs the images. Again the story has potential but very superficial. You must have supplement readings and teaching about slavery. This book does not really explain slavery and after reading this with children, they still have questions and confusions. This book could be use as in introduction to slavery but be prepared to expand on slavery a lot deeper with the kids. The story is superficial.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story about an island that used to be a holding station for slaves brought in from Africa. A group of boys on modern-day Sullivan's Island dig for "treasure" in their back yard and find an old pair of slave shackles. A neighbor explains what they were used for. The story was good, but I didn't care for the illustrations-- not sharp and detailed enough. I wish Kadir Nelson had illustrated this! Also, a historical note at the end would have been nice.