Freedom for Addy (American Girl)

by Tonya Leslie, Tanisha Cherislin (Illustrations)

American Girl Addy(TM) fights for freedom during the Civil War in this all-new Step 3 Step into Reading leveled reader that takes place in 1864--and includes an Addy poster!

Addy Walker escapes a Southern plantation during the turbulent Civil War. Meet Addy as she and her mother make a daring journey from slavery to freedom in 1864. Addy's story is sure to engage young girls as they learn what it was like to be a girl during the Civil War in this Step 3 Step into Reading leveled reader. Great for American Girl fans ages 5 to 8, this reader comes with an Addy poster.

Step 3 readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics for children who are ready to read on their own.

Introduced in 1986, American Girl's flagship line of historical characters features 18-inch dolls, books, and accessories that give girls a dramatic understanding of the role women and girls played in shaping our country.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Picture Books, Childrens, Historical, Audiobook

32 pages, Library Binding

First published August 24, 2021

About the author

Tonya Leslie PhD. is an educational consultant and works as a researcher, editor, program developer and professional development service provider. Tonya is also an author of several children’s book including, True You: Sometimes I Feel Ugly and Other Truths About Growing Up which was featured by Oprah. More information about Tonya’s work can be found at www.tonyaleslie.com.

Reviews

[Miranda Reads]

"Addy hears Momma and Poppa whisper in the dark about freedom...and running away."

Addy and her family are slaves on a plantation in North Carolina - slavery is all Addy has ever known but at least she has her family.

But then her father and older brother are sold, and suddenly Momma knows what she must do.

"Momma and Addy move quickly. They are headed toward freedom. The forest is dark and scary."

After a harrowing journey, Momma and Addy are free. They celebrate Christmas together, though Addy has a big decision to make - does she give her Momma a Christmas present? Or donate the money to help the other slaves?

This Step Into Reading book summarizes the first three Addy books (Meet Addy, Addy Learns a Lesson, and Addy's Surprise: a Christmas Story).

As you can imagine, a LOT gets left out when you summarize 150ish pages into one thin beginning reader book.

I thought this one did a decent job of taking us through the story's highlights, but a lot of the emotional connection, thoughtful nuance, and context is left out.

I do feel like the sentences are rather stilted, I know it's partly because this is a beginning reader book but even so, the sentences were so stiff and formulaic.

Overall, a decent summary but I do wish they would've done a sequel to this one, because the story ends with Poppa reuniting with Momma and Addy - but no word on her big brother or little sister. Just a little sentence about hope.

More Reviews of American Girl Children's Books

Board Books
My First American Girl Boxed Set - ★★★★☆

Step Into Reading
Freedom for Addy - ★★★☆☆
Molly's Christmas Surprise - ★★★☆☆
Samantha Helps a Friend - ★★★☆☆

Little Golden Books
Grandmas are the Best! - ★★★★☆
Happy Birthday! - ★★★★☆
Happy Holidays! - ★★★★★
Making a Difference - ★★★☆☆
Time for School! - ★★★★☆

[Bea]

Not bad though I think children this age can handle a little more detail about slavery than was given. It ended on a hopeful note and Addy and her family were not fetishized.

[Christie Kaaland]

A simple beginning/early reader about a young girl and her mother who escaep from slavery and make their way north. It was such serious content that juxtaposed with the simple language of an early reader seemed mismatched.

[Courtney]

Despite the simple text, clear and engaging storyline, and hopeful ending, the book still gets across the hardships of slavery, travel on the Underground Railroad, and family separation0.

[Pinky]

Addy finds her way to freedom with her Momma.

[Liberty]

This is cute. A nice simplified version of Addie's books. With cute illustrations and a poster in the back.

[Kayla Laws]

Although written for a younger audience, the book effectively conveys the psychological and emotional consequences of slavery while emphasizing themes of resilience, agency, and the pursuit of dignity. Addy's journey illustrates the profound sacrifices required to attain freedom and underscores the enduring strength of familial bonds in the face of systemic oppression. The narrative succeeds in presenting complex historical realities in an accessible manner without diminishing their gravity. As both a work of historical fiction and an educational text, “Freedom for Addy” fosters critical reflection on the legacy of slavery and the broader significance of freedom, justice, and human perseverance.

[Kimberly]

A well done story about what one girl's life, and flight to freedom, might have looked like.