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Arabus Family Saga #2
Jump Ship to Freedom
Young Daniel Arabus and his mother are slaves in the house of Captain Ivers of Stratford, Connecticut. By law they should be free, since Daniel's father fought in the Revolutionary army and earned enough in soldiers' notes to buy his family's freedom.
But now Daniel's father is dead, and Mrs. Ivers has taken the notes from his mother. When Daniel bravely steals the notes back, a furious Captain Ivers forces him aboard a ship bound for the West Indies--and certain slavery. Even if Daniel can manage to jump ship in New York, will he be able to travel the long and dangerous road to freedom?
But now Daniel's father is dead, and Mrs. Ivers has taken the notes from his mother. When Daniel bravely steals the notes back, a furious Captain Ivers forces him aboard a ship bound for the West Indies--and certain slavery. Even if Daniel can manage to jump ship in New York, will he be able to travel the long and dangerous road to freedom?
208 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1981
20 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
James Lincoln Collier
131 books68 followersJames Lincoln Collier (born June 27, 1928) is a journalist, author, and professional musician.
Collier's notable literary works include My Brother Sam Is Dead (1974), a Newbery Honor book that was also named a Notable Children's Book by the American Library Association and nominated for a National Book Award in 1975. He also wrote a children's book titled The Empty Mirror (2004), The Teddy Bear Habit (1967), about an insecure boy whose beatnik guitar teacher turns out to be a crook, and Rich and Famous (1975), sequel to The Teddy Bear Habit. His list of children's books also includes Chipper (2001), about a young boy in a gang. His writings for adults include numerous books on jazz, including biographies of Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington. He has also contributed entries on jazz-related subjects to the Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians.
In addition to his writing, Collier is an accomplished jazz musician who plays the trombone professionally.
Collier's notable literary works include My Brother Sam Is Dead (1974), a Newbery Honor book that was also named a Notable Children's Book by the American Library Association and nominated for a National Book Award in 1975. He also wrote a children's book titled The Empty Mirror (2004), The Teddy Bear Habit (1967), about an insecure boy whose beatnik guitar teacher turns out to be a crook, and Rich and Famous (1975), sequel to The Teddy Bear Habit. His list of children's books also includes Chipper (2001), about a young boy in a gang. His writings for adults include numerous books on jazz, including biographies of Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington. He has also contributed entries on jazz-related subjects to the Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians.
In addition to his writing, Collier is an accomplished jazz musician who plays the trombone professionally.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 5, 2021
Daniel Arabus and his Mum are enslaved by Captain and Mrs. Ivers of Stratford, Connecticut colony and wishing to be free. They SHOULD be free as Daniel's Daddy served in the Revolutionary War and earned the money to buy his freedom. Instead of being grateful Daniel's dad served in his place, Captain Ivers seizes the soldiers' promissory notes given to those who served to be exchanged for paper money soon... eventually... maybe once the Congress in Philadelphia gets around to deciding what they're going to do now they're free from British rule. Daniel and his mother can't wait for the white men to decide. They want to be free, deserve to be free, ARE free but Mrs. Ivers is hiding the money and carrying on as usual. When Daniel steals back the notes, he puts into action a sequence of events that could end with him being dead at the bottom of the ocean or sold into slavery in the West Indies to be worked into an early grave. He's determined not to let that happen for the sake of his mother. She deserves her freedom after the heartache of losing her man to war and finally death. Daniel vows to escape to New York where his family has friends but what will happen once he arrives? What if his journey is all for naught?
This book is one of the top banned books of the 1990s. Published in 1981, written by history scholars, it must have been one of the earliest children's historical fiction novels to honestly portray slavery and racism in the years following the Revolutionary War. The fact this book is set so early and set in New England makes it unusual even today. As a result of much scholarship and debate, the authors modernized most of the language with the exception of the word used to describe Daniel and other people of African descent. They actually DO go there and use THAT word- the mother of all banned words - "n____." Daniel even uses it to describe himself because that's all he's ever heard. Daniel also continually thinks and says White people are smarter than he is. Therefore, lazy parents who don't bother to read the whole book, want this one banned. I didn't like Daniel's lack of self-esteem and the way he kept putting himself down. I do agree that it could be damaging to the self-esteem of young Black students, but it's not a reason not to read the book. We can't know if that's the way enslaved people in the 1770s thought of themselves. Given that many like Daniel's father, fought and died for the new Republic, some probably didn't but Daniel is just out of childhood at 14. He's been told and retold his whole life how White people know more, know better than him. Not even his friendship with the nephew of his enslaver shows Daniel the value of his own thoughts.
Other parents might object to the way Daniel continually lies and breaks the law but if they bother to read the book, Daniel lies to save his life! Slavery in the Caribbean was an automatic death sentence. Work in the sugarcane fields was grueling and hot. The life expectancy of an enslaved person was extremely short. Plus Daniel has his mother to worry about.
This is a coming of age story about a young enslaved boy. As he goes on his journey towards freedom he learns a lot. He learns valuable life skills involved in being a sailor when he had assumed it was mostly standing around singing sea shanties. He learns about the new government forming and what that means for him. He discovers while some Whites are not as horrendous as his enslaver, most really don't care enough to end slavery right now. The Constitution was a COMPROMISE -and a bad one- favoring the southern states. Without them, we would be a loose collection of states, like Europe but tiny, each with their own laws. That would be problematic for many reasons and not to mention the fact the northerners really didn't care about ending slavery any more than the southerners did. It was mainly only Quakers and other fringe religious fanatics like Mr. Fatherscreft.
Some Black readers may object to the character of Tom, a Black man who is nasty and vindictive towards his own race. He wants to be important to Captain Ivers and the White crew so he capitulates and does what they want in order to be respected. I think it's implied he also goes behind their back and helps himself to cargo to sell but is smart enough not to get caught because they trust him.
As the story goes on, Daniel grows in confidence. He learns not to denigrate himself and his race. He STOPS using the very bad n_ word and switches to "negro" which is not so acceptable nowadays either but is more respectful. Daniel learns how to be a man, how to think for himself and make concessions in order to get what he wants in the long run.
I thought the plot started off a little slow and I had a hard time getting past Daniel's constant thoughts about "What do I know? I'm just a ___?" and "White peoples is smarter than us. Once Daniel is on board the ship, the story picks up and it becomes difficult to put down. The writing style is a little stilted and boring. It's not the BEST book about slavery at this time I've ever read and I'd say The Seeds of America Trilogy: Chains / Forge / Ashes is much better written but for the time, this book must have been groundbreaking and shocking. I actually can't think of any other books besides Seeds of America and Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons that even tackle the subject of slavery. I have a feeling this one is going to end up on the banned anti-Critical Race Theory book list if it's still in schools. It's not there yet https://twitter.com/cybannedbooks?lan...
No, the book offers no redemption for Captain Ivers. He was arrogant and greedy and nearly lost everything but he still will stop at nothing to get his "PROPERTY" back. That's all Daniel is to him. That's the way it was folks. Even the most ardent supporters of the Revolution were ardent supporters of slavery and considered enslaved people property. The authors' note at the end is very good.
A word of caution to devoted fans of the musical Hamilton. Our beloved hero makes a cameo at the end of the novel and let me warn you that he is in no way an admirable or nice man. It was quite a shock but probably more realistic than Lin Manuel Miranda portrays him. He comes across as one of the villains.
This book is one of the top banned books of the 1990s. Published in 1981, written by history scholars, it must have been one of the earliest children's historical fiction novels to honestly portray slavery and racism in the years following the Revolutionary War. The fact this book is set so early and set in New England makes it unusual even today. As a result of much scholarship and debate, the authors modernized most of the language with the exception of the word used to describe Daniel and other people of African descent. They actually DO go there and use THAT word- the mother of all banned words - "n____." Daniel even uses it to describe himself because that's all he's ever heard. Daniel also continually thinks and says White people are smarter than he is. Therefore, lazy parents who don't bother to read the whole book, want this one banned. I didn't like Daniel's lack of self-esteem and the way he kept putting himself down. I do agree that it could be damaging to the self-esteem of young Black students, but it's not a reason not to read the book. We can't know if that's the way enslaved people in the 1770s thought of themselves. Given that many like Daniel's father, fought and died for the new Republic, some probably didn't but Daniel is just out of childhood at 14. He's been told and retold his whole life how White people know more, know better than him. Not even his friendship with the nephew of his enslaver shows Daniel the value of his own thoughts.
Other parents might object to the way Daniel continually lies and breaks the law but if they bother to read the book, Daniel lies to save his life! Slavery in the Caribbean was an automatic death sentence. Work in the sugarcane fields was grueling and hot. The life expectancy of an enslaved person was extremely short. Plus Daniel has his mother to worry about.
This is a coming of age story about a young enslaved boy. As he goes on his journey towards freedom he learns a lot. He learns valuable life skills involved in being a sailor when he had assumed it was mostly standing around singing sea shanties. He learns about the new government forming and what that means for him. He discovers while some Whites are not as horrendous as his enslaver, most really don't care enough to end slavery right now. The Constitution was a COMPROMISE -and a bad one- favoring the southern states. Without them, we would be a loose collection of states, like Europe but tiny, each with their own laws. That would be problematic for many reasons and not to mention the fact the northerners really didn't care about ending slavery any more than the southerners did. It was mainly only Quakers and other fringe religious fanatics like Mr. Fatherscreft.
Some Black readers may object to the character of Tom, a Black man who is nasty and vindictive towards his own race. He wants to be important to Captain Ivers and the White crew so he capitulates and does what they want in order to be respected. I think it's implied he also goes behind their back and helps himself to cargo to sell but is smart enough not to get caught because they trust him.
As the story goes on, Daniel grows in confidence. He learns not to denigrate himself and his race. He STOPS using the very bad n_ word and switches to "negro" which is not so acceptable nowadays either but is more respectful. Daniel learns how to be a man, how to think for himself and make concessions in order to get what he wants in the long run.
I thought the plot started off a little slow and I had a hard time getting past Daniel's constant thoughts about "What do I know? I'm just a ___?" and "White peoples is smarter than us. Once Daniel is on board the ship, the story picks up and it becomes difficult to put down. The writing style is a little stilted and boring. It's not the BEST book about slavery at this time I've ever read and I'd say The Seeds of America Trilogy: Chains / Forge / Ashes is much better written but for the time, this book must have been groundbreaking and shocking. I actually can't think of any other books besides Seeds of America and Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons that even tackle the subject of slavery. I have a feeling this one is going to end up on the banned anti-Critical Race Theory book list if it's still in schools. It's not there yet https://twitter.com/cybannedbooks?lan...
No, the book offers no redemption for Captain Ivers. He was arrogant and greedy and nearly lost everything but he still will stop at nothing to get his "PROPERTY" back. That's all Daniel is to him. That's the way it was folks. Even the most ardent supporters of the Revolution were ardent supporters of slavery and considered enslaved people property. The authors' note at the end is very good.
A word of caution to devoted fans of the musical Hamilton. Our beloved hero makes a cameo at the end of the novel and let me warn you that he is in no way an admirable or nice man. It was quite a shock but probably more realistic than Lin Manuel Miranda portrays him. He comes across as one of the villains.
October 24, 2020
Daniel Arabus was determined that his father's hard work in seeking his freedom and securing his family's future freedom from slavery be not wasted. When Mrs Ivers took the soldier's notes away from him and his mother, he stole them back and was punished by being sent to sea with Captain Ivers. Daniel survived the storm that incapacitated the ship and found that he had to run away to secure his freedom. And yet, he's unable to left his mother behind on her own. Nor was he able to neglect a promise he made to dying man.
Jump Ship to Freedom is a fantastic adventure story as well as an education historical tale. While the story itself is mostly fictional, it features some real historical personages at a critical time of birth of the United States of America and provides great topics of discussion ranging from a person's worth to the state of the country at the time.
Jump Ship to Freedom is a fantastic adventure story as well as an education historical tale. While the story itself is mostly fictional, it features some real historical personages at a critical time of birth of the United States of America and provides great topics of discussion ranging from a person's worth to the state of the country at the time.
April 19, 2019
Read it as a kid, re-read to my 9 year old son. He enjoyed it as much as I did when I was his age. On to the next book.
February 18, 2014
Awards:
William Allen White Award, Master List
National Council of Social Studies - Children's Book Council Notable Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
Newbery Award Honor Author
A strong first person narrative told from the perspective of Daniel Arabus, a 14 year old slave in Connecticut in 1787. Daniel and his mother should be free, because of his father's service in the American Revolution, but his slave owners, the Ivers, have taken the documents and sneakily trick Daniel on to a ship bound for the west indies and a life of slavery. Daniel has to jump ship to freedom and encounters a new nation that is struggling with the issue of slavery. The book provides a great vehicle for see the fight among the complex attitudes towards slavery in the new nation.
"Do you think they'll set us free, sir?" I asked.
"I don't think there is any chance of that, for now at least. Someday, perhaps. For the present we're trying to bargain for whatever limits on slavery we can get."
The book is full of real places, historical figures, and the issues tied to slavery (the fight between the states, economic dependence on slavery, attitudes towards Africans, etc). The book also highlights that slavery was legal in Connecticut after the revolutionary war (side note until 1840 actually). A great read that offers a chance to see the inequality, dysfunction, and problems of the times. Good dialogue helps to explain issues in an engaging manner that students learn in social studies class.
This book would be great for teachers to use in a book club, or an author study as the Colliers have written two other books dealing with the Arabus family.
William Allen White Award, Master List
National Council of Social Studies - Children's Book Council Notable Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
Newbery Award Honor Author
A strong first person narrative told from the perspective of Daniel Arabus, a 14 year old slave in Connecticut in 1787. Daniel and his mother should be free, because of his father's service in the American Revolution, but his slave owners, the Ivers, have taken the documents and sneakily trick Daniel on to a ship bound for the west indies and a life of slavery. Daniel has to jump ship to freedom and encounters a new nation that is struggling with the issue of slavery. The book provides a great vehicle for see the fight among the complex attitudes towards slavery in the new nation.
"Do you think they'll set us free, sir?" I asked.
"I don't think there is any chance of that, for now at least. Someday, perhaps. For the present we're trying to bargain for whatever limits on slavery we can get."
The book is full of real places, historical figures, and the issues tied to slavery (the fight between the states, economic dependence on slavery, attitudes towards Africans, etc). The book also highlights that slavery was legal in Connecticut after the revolutionary war (side note until 1840 actually). A great read that offers a chance to see the inequality, dysfunction, and problems of the times. Good dialogue helps to explain issues in an engaging manner that students learn in social studies class.
This book would be great for teachers to use in a book club, or an author study as the Colliers have written two other books dealing with the Arabus family.
March 25, 2014
Jump Ship to Freedom by James Lincoln Collier is about a boy named Daniel Arabus. He was born into a family of slavery, and therefore became a slave. His father was said to be a brave, strong man that died at sea shortly after Daniel's birth. His father fought in the Revolutionary war, and was granted his freedom after doing so. His soldier notes were left to his family after his death to allow Daniel and his mother to buy their freedom once the notes were granted a certain amount of money after the constitution was to be made. Daniel bravely voyages to New York from Connecticut with news from a dying congressman to be carried to the Constitutional Convention. This book takes place on the East coast of America during the late 19th century, after the Revolutionary War, but before the passing of the Constitution af the United States of America. Daniel and his mother are treated very poorly, and are taken for granted by their owners like other slaves at the time. These elements give the story a theme of sadness, yet apprehension at the fact that anything could happen next in Daniel's journey. Some elements of the story are true such as the characters, but some of the events in te plot such as an enslaved boy bringing news to the Constitutional Convention are not proven true. I would recommend this book to people who like stories about history, and slavery.
January 17, 2021
I read this book as a child and enjoyed it just as much as I did then. I originally checked this out for my neighbors granddaughter and she didn't read it. I figured since I had a break in library books might as well re-read it.
The bravery that Daniel Arabus shows is extraordinary. He is the son of Jack Arabus who was signed up for the Revolutionary War by his master Captain Ivers. After serving 6 to 8 years in the war he was free given his soldier notes. After Captain Ivers wife stole the notes and hid them, Daniel is determined to steal them back and use them to buy back his and his mother's freedom.
The journey and all the twists and turns this tore my heart out multiple times. Its sad to think that Daniel thought himself stupid as to how The White Man made him feel. It sucks that some people still feel this way. Daniel, in fact, was extremely smart.
This is a book I will definitely read with my girls once they are old enough.
The bravery that Daniel Arabus shows is extraordinary. He is the son of Jack Arabus who was signed up for the Revolutionary War by his master Captain Ivers. After serving 6 to 8 years in the war he was free given his soldier notes. After Captain Ivers wife stole the notes and hid them, Daniel is determined to steal them back and use them to buy back his and his mother's freedom.
The journey and all the twists and turns this tore my heart out multiple times. Its sad to think that Daniel thought himself stupid as to how The White Man made him feel. It sucks that some people still feel this way. Daniel, in fact, was extremely smart.
This is a book I will definitely read with my girls once they are old enough.
October 30, 2021
I liked this book better than I expected to, considering the extremely dour cover. I was expecting a depressing tale of a runaway slave, but instead got a, if not lighthearted, at least somewhat encouraging, story of a young black boy - the fictionalized son of a true historical man, Jack Arabus, who fought in the Revolutionary War and then sued his owner after being denied the release from bondage that was owed to him - and his courageous efforts to free himself and his mother.
I appreciate when middle grade authors are able to walk the fine line between the serious issues that need to be addressed and not overwhelming young readers with the tragedies of the past, and I thought the Colliers did it well. They also allowed for nuance and left ethical questions for the reader to wrestle with instead of spoon feeding answers.
I guess my main critique is just that it was kind of boring and I had a hard time reminding myself to pick it up. So that part was a bummer.
Planning to keep it on the shelf for my kids, maybe they'll dig it.
I appreciate when middle grade authors are able to walk the fine line between the serious issues that need to be addressed and not overwhelming young readers with the tragedies of the past, and I thought the Colliers did it well. They also allowed for nuance and left ethical questions for the reader to wrestle with instead of spoon feeding answers.
I guess my main critique is just that it was kind of boring and I had a hard time reminding myself to pick it up. So that part was a bummer.
Planning to keep it on the shelf for my kids, maybe they'll dig it.
September 22, 2020
Daniel Arabus is a 14year old slave. His father fought in the revolutionary war and won his freedom but Daniel and his mother are still slaves. Daniel's father drown and Daniel is determined to contact a member of the continental congress to get his father's war notes changed into money to buy his and his mother's freedom. Though it is historically accurate the book uses the n word a lot which is disturbing. The historical parts of the book were interesting. The ending was very abrupt and rather disappointing.
June 22, 2018
Rather a fast read, this book centers around a young boy named Daniel who is planned to be sold away to the cane fields. However, Daniel is going to try to escape, for he needs to take care of his mother at home. Can he escape and can he get back to his mother?
To let everyone know, there are a few words that some readers may find offensive, but they were used fairly often during this time. Below I have listed them.
nigger
Negro
To let everyone know, there are a few words that some readers may find offensive, but they were used fairly often during this time. Below I have listed them.
nigger
Negro
June 7, 2017
The subject matter and story line were very good and creative, but the writing. to me, seemed flat without much to keep my attention. For those interested in this part of history might find it a good read. I recommend it to mature readers over age 13 because of the subject matter and many references to violence.
April 29, 2024
So, there have been books which spoke of the truth of the way slavery became part of the Constitution and of the culture which put it there. I suppose this is why it has been on the banned books list?
November 20, 2019
It was horrible. The grammar was off and it was super boring. Would not recommend
February 6, 2023
Brilliant again!
February 4, 2024
In today's political turbulence, people need to read the real story about slavery. It was not a blessing to teach Africans skills they could use to improve themselves.
January 4, 2025
In today's political turbulence, people need to read the real story about slavery. It was not a blessing to teach Africans skills they could use to improve themselves.
February 15, 2025
I appreciated the attempt at historical accuracy but the racist language was jarring in a middle grade book. The story is compelling, though, and the pacing worked.
August 3, 2025
I read this story as part of a reading challenge to read a banned book. I give it 3.5 stars.
Currently reading
March 9, 2010A interesting story about slave period in eighteen century telling us how the life in that time was. Daniel with intensive thinking of freedom trying to release himself and his mon from Captain Ivers, their owner after his father's death. He stole back his father's notes to send to Congress with hopefullness to have enough money for buying freedom. Although Captain lashed him much, he still said nothing about it. Finally, he decided to sell Daniel to Stacia where Daniel could be treated badly by new owner. On the way of journey, the ship encountered a fierce storm and get a bad damage about goods, animal and members, Birdsey, cousin of Captain and three more people were drowned. This thing make Daniel a much thinking innermost feelings about his friendship with Birdsey. Arabus was blocked in the captain quarter, he tried to get out in vain, and finally burned the woolen blanket to smoke all the room. When people opened the door and he escaped out by jumping to the sea and swam to the land. At there, he met Mr Fraunces and Mr Fathercreft, an old Quaker, and Rosy, servant of Mr Fraunces. He planed to take his father's note with Rosy' help but let Captain traced his place. With Fraunces' help, he went to a convention to meet for uniting all states to a nation in Philadelphia with Mr Fathercreft, who died on the way to go there. Before dying, he asked Arabus to send a message to Dr Johnson, and Arabus kept his promiss althought he knew that he will be at risk there. The story did not give a clearly conclusion about Arabus and his Mom fates, but open a promising happy ending for their freedom.
4. If i lives as Birdsey in this story, i will tell the truth to Daniel. Birdsey has a dilemma when have to choose to talk or not to his friend, Daniel, about his fate. Maybe Birdsey will have a revolution to free his friend at least from his uncle who is truly amoral; althought it is very fdifficult in reality.
11.I hope in the next part of story that Daniel will find his way to run away from Captain Ivers and can help his family to be free from his father's note or getting some help from his father friends. I wish this because i always love a happy ending for stories i read.
4. If i lives as Birdsey in this story, i will tell the truth to Daniel. Birdsey has a dilemma when have to choose to talk or not to his friend, Daniel, about his fate. Maybe Birdsey will have a revolution to free his friend at least from his uncle who is truly amoral; althought it is very fdifficult in reality.
11.I hope in the next part of story that Daniel will find his way to run away from Captain Ivers and can help his family to be free from his father's note or getting some help from his father friends. I wish this because i always love a happy ending for stories i read.
April 14, 2008
Jump Ship to Freedom By: James Lincoln and Christopher Collier Book Review
Brian Bredemann
Reading 8-McG Book Review 4/14/08
If you enjoy historical fiction, then you will love Jump Ship to Freedom. This novel is about a fourteen year-old slave boy named Daniel Arabus, who works for a merchant named Captain Ivers and his wife, along with his mother. Daniel’s father had served six years in the United States Army, receiving money for being a slave to gain his freedom. He drowned during a storm on a ship, leaving Daniel and his mother with soldier’s notes that will give them money for their freedom, if Congress approves the notes. For “safekeeping”, Mrs. Ivers holds tightly onto the notes.
The story begins in Stratford, Connecticut with Daniel successfully and secretly retrieving the notes from Mrs. Ivers. The next day, Daniel’s dreams of becoming a sailor come true when Captain Ivers takes him on a voyage. Daniel hopes the captain will travel to New York, where the Congress is meeting, but instead the ship is heading for the West Indies, where Daniel is to be sold into slavery forever.
A storm takes the ship off course back to New York. There, Daniel escapes and meets Peter Fatherscreft, a friend of his father. Fatherscreft tells Daniel that the delegate of Stratford, William Samuel Johnson, has traveled to Philadelphia. So, with Captain Ivers and his crew on his tail, Daniel travels with Fatherscreft to Philadelphia, who has to deliver a message to Congress but dies of an illness along the way. Alone, Daniel makes it to the Congress, meets Alexander Hamilton and George Washington, and finally gets the notes approved by Johnson, winning freedom for him and his mother.
This book does a good job at describing historical information in such little space. The characters were convincing and determined, the scenery was fantastic, and the storyline made sense. However, I did feel that there were some loose ends that did not tie to the ending of the book.
Overall, I still would recommend this book to history lovers and out of ten, I would give this book a six.
Brian Bredemann
Reading 8-McG Book Review 4/14/08
If you enjoy historical fiction, then you will love Jump Ship to Freedom. This novel is about a fourteen year-old slave boy named Daniel Arabus, who works for a merchant named Captain Ivers and his wife, along with his mother. Daniel’s father had served six years in the United States Army, receiving money for being a slave to gain his freedom. He drowned during a storm on a ship, leaving Daniel and his mother with soldier’s notes that will give them money for their freedom, if Congress approves the notes. For “safekeeping”, Mrs. Ivers holds tightly onto the notes.
The story begins in Stratford, Connecticut with Daniel successfully and secretly retrieving the notes from Mrs. Ivers. The next day, Daniel’s dreams of becoming a sailor come true when Captain Ivers takes him on a voyage. Daniel hopes the captain will travel to New York, where the Congress is meeting, but instead the ship is heading for the West Indies, where Daniel is to be sold into slavery forever.
A storm takes the ship off course back to New York. There, Daniel escapes and meets Peter Fatherscreft, a friend of his father. Fatherscreft tells Daniel that the delegate of Stratford, William Samuel Johnson, has traveled to Philadelphia. So, with Captain Ivers and his crew on his tail, Daniel travels with Fatherscreft to Philadelphia, who has to deliver a message to Congress but dies of an illness along the way. Alone, Daniel makes it to the Congress, meets Alexander Hamilton and George Washington, and finally gets the notes approved by Johnson, winning freedom for him and his mother.
This book does a good job at describing historical information in such little space. The characters were convincing and determined, the scenery was fantastic, and the storyline made sense. However, I did feel that there were some loose ends that did not tie to the ending of the book.
Overall, I still would recommend this book to history lovers and out of ten, I would give this book a six.
May 24, 2013
SEWING THE SEEDS OF THE CIVIL WAR
This book is Volume 2 of the Arabus Family History. I have not read the first volume, about his father who was paid by his owner to serve in his stead during the American Revolution. How he helped General Washington and earned the respect of many white men and a certain fame among Blacks. But this book stands on its own merit. Fourteen-year-old Daniel Arabus and his mother are slaves in Connecticut, the property of Captain Ivers. Their secret dream is to buy their freedom with the soldiers' notes (military scrip) which Daniel's father had earned for his war service. That is--if there ever is a federal government which will honor those notes.
Daniel is obsessed with obtaining those notes for the future--his owners virtually stole them from his mother. So he concocts a clever plan to steal them back, but sets in motion a chain of events which threatens to take him by ship to be sold down in the West Indies' cane fields--a kind of liviing hell.
He must use both his and courage, plus call on his father's memory, in order to combat his harsh master, a string of bad luck and his own poor judgment. But he remains true to the way his brave father would want him to behave--even honoring a promise to a man on his deathbed, despite his natural desire to save his own neck. Daniel becomes the unwilling messenger for a major political issue as the delegates meet in Philadelphia to write our honored but much-maligned Constitution. A scrappy youth proves his integrity and true grit--honoring his father's memory--as he meets some famous men in post Revolutionary history. An exciting book which will captivate readers while
instructing them about our American past in an entertaining manner.
(May 17, 2012. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
This book is Volume 2 of the Arabus Family History. I have not read the first volume, about his father who was paid by his owner to serve in his stead during the American Revolution. How he helped General Washington and earned the respect of many white men and a certain fame among Blacks. But this book stands on its own merit. Fourteen-year-old Daniel Arabus and his mother are slaves in Connecticut, the property of Captain Ivers. Their secret dream is to buy their freedom with the soldiers' notes (military scrip) which Daniel's father had earned for his war service. That is--if there ever is a federal government which will honor those notes.
Daniel is obsessed with obtaining those notes for the future--his owners virtually stole them from his mother. So he concocts a clever plan to steal them back, but sets in motion a chain of events which threatens to take him by ship to be sold down in the West Indies' cane fields--a kind of liviing hell.
He must use both his and courage, plus call on his father's memory, in order to combat his harsh master, a string of bad luck and his own poor judgment. But he remains true to the way his brave father would want him to behave--even honoring a promise to a man on his deathbed, despite his natural desire to save his own neck. Daniel becomes the unwilling messenger for a major political issue as the delegates meet in Philadelphia to write our honored but much-maligned Constitution. A scrappy youth proves his integrity and true grit--honoring his father's memory--as he meets some famous men in post Revolutionary history. An exciting book which will captivate readers while
instructing them about our American past in an entertaining manner.
(May 17, 2012. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
Read
January 16, 2009Jump Ship to Freedom by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
Rating: 8/10. A historical novel, which is always fun, especially because Collier & Collier books have a "debriefing" section at the end entitled "How much of this book is true."
Basic plot: Daniel Arabus, a 14 year old slave in 1787, has to escape his dishonest master and cash in his father's (American Revolution) service notes to buy freedom for his mother and himself. Along his journey, Daniel faces moral dilemmas and comes to have respect for himself as a black man.
Why challenged? My guess? The language, especially the use of derogotorary terms for blacks (although the reasons for use are explained in the debreifing section), disobedience, lawbreaking, or, conversely, the part at the end where the characters choose to obey the laws could be offensive to some.
Research Says: for including racial epithets and scenes of racial violence
deemed "damaging to the self-esteem of young black students Here I want to say that in the beginning of the book, the main character often talks about how he is not as smart as white men, and how black people are dumber because it is God's will. This is interspersed with examples of black ingenuity, but a young reader might not get that. However, it is there for a reason-- to show the character's development, because later in the book, his self esteem/respect for black men (women are more or less a non issue in this book) grows tremendously.
Oddly enough, I couldn't find a source that said this book was challenged for use of the "n-word" which surprised me greatly, as it seems that many "anti-racism" books are challenged as "racist" because of the use of this word.
Rating: 8/10. A historical novel, which is always fun, especially because Collier & Collier books have a "debriefing" section at the end entitled "How much of this book is true."
Basic plot: Daniel Arabus, a 14 year old slave in 1787, has to escape his dishonest master and cash in his father's (American Revolution) service notes to buy freedom for his mother and himself. Along his journey, Daniel faces moral dilemmas and comes to have respect for himself as a black man.
Why challenged? My guess? The language, especially the use of derogotorary terms for blacks (although the reasons for use are explained in the debreifing section), disobedience, lawbreaking, or, conversely, the part at the end where the characters choose to obey the laws could be offensive to some.
Research Says: for including racial epithets and scenes of racial violence
deemed "damaging to the self-esteem of young black students Here I want to say that in the beginning of the book, the main character often talks about how he is not as smart as white men, and how black people are dumber because it is God's will. This is interspersed with examples of black ingenuity, but a young reader might not get that. However, it is there for a reason-- to show the character's development, because later in the book, his self esteem/respect for black men (women are more or less a non issue in this book) grows tremendously.
Oddly enough, I couldn't find a source that said this book was challenged for use of the "n-word" which surprised me greatly, as it seems that many "anti-racism" books are challenged as "racist" because of the use of this word.
February 1, 2010
In my search for juvenile historical fiction relating to the Revolution, I found this book. It's actually set after the Revolution, but close enough. Daniel Arabus is a slave whose father served in the War. Since his father was sent in place of his master, he should have been given some War notes, or money and set free. However, his master did not keep his side of the bargain. This injustice ended up going to court and was an actual historic case. He won his own freedom but not that of his family. This story starts after all this and Daniel's father has since died at sea. Daniel steals back the notes to buy his own freedom, but at this point they are worthless. They will only be worth something if the loose federation of states actually forms a stronger government, which is a subject of debate at the upcoming Continental Congress. Daniel's owner finds out he steals the notes and puts him on a ship heading to the Caribbean to be sold. His ship is washed ashore during a storm outside of NY and Daniel finds himself as a runaway slave heading to the Continental Congress. If a new Constitution is formed, then his notes are worth money and he can buy his freedom. However, he is also considered a runaway slave and so will be extradited back to his owner under the new slavery compromise. If the delegates do not form a nation, he has a better chance of staying free as a runaway. I thought it posed an interesting dilemma and a unique perspective on the war and it's aftermath. I'm adding it to my collection.
March 1, 2024
When Jack Arabus drowns in a fishing accident, his mistress, Mrs. Ivers, takes Jack's soldier notes. Knowing that the notes are vital to buying their freedom, Daniel Arabus creates a mock fire in the house and steals them back. Captain Ivers, suspecting that Daniel took them, forces him into service on the Junius Brutus which is bound for the West Indies. Daniel overhears a conversation and knows that the captain intends to sell him when the ship reaches its destination so Daniel hides the notes in a Cherrywood chest in the hold. A violent storm cripples the ship before it leaves New England waters. Limping to New York, the ship weighs anchor for repairs. Locked in the captain's quarters, Daniel sets a fire and escapes through a window. Making his way into the city, he finds shelter at Sam Fraunces' tavern. Sam Fraunces and Daniel’s father, Jack Arabus, were friends. When the ship's cargo is unloaded, Carrie, a slave girl, helps him retrieve his notes from the chest. Mr. Fatherscreft, a Quaker gentleman staying at the tavern, befriends Daniel and spirits him out of New York under the very nose of Captain Ivers. Mr. Fatherscreft, already very ill, dies enroute to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Daniel continues to Philadelphia and finds William Samuel Johnson who helps insure Daniel’s safety even after he is returned to Captain Ivers’ service.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
February 25, 2013
I listened to this book on my MP3 player. It's told through the voice of a 14 year old run away slave. It's historical fiction. The boy Daniel, has stolen his dead father's Revolutionary War papers. His father had been promised his freedom, if he took his masters place in the war. His master wanted him back after the war, and the father sued his master for his freedom. Daniel and his mother were still held in slavery. The mother got her husbands papers, which included vouchers for payment for service in the war. If a country were to form, the vouchers could be used to free the wife and her son from slavery. The masters wife talked her slave into giving her the papers for safe keeping. Daniel stole the papers, and ran with them. He ends up carrying a message to members, who decided on forming one country.
April 23, 2012
This book is for ages 10-12. Jump Ship to Freedom is about a young slave named Daniel Arabus and his mother who are owned by a Captain Ivers of Stratford. Daniel and his mother should be freed slaves because his father fought in the Reveolutionary War and has earned enough notes to buy his family's freedom. But Daniel's father has died and Mrs. Ivers has stolen the notes. Daniel steals them back and now Captain Ivers is angry. He send Daniel on a ship that is sailing to the West Indies where slavery is certain. Now Daniel has to decide if he wants to risk jumping ship in New York and whether he can survive.
This is a great book for children when learning about slavery. It allows kids to connect with the characters. I would recommend this book to be read.
This is a great book for children when learning about slavery. It allows kids to connect with the characters. I would recommend this book to be read.
May 24, 2013
Jump ship to freedom> by Collier, James Lincoln we are going back in time when slavery still existed. Daniel is a little boy that is in slavery. However he is supposed to be freed since his father had got enough money to buy his freedom. But the father dies and a sure Mrs. Ivers has taken the money. Daniel tries to get it but they found him and he was forced to go on a ship to the West-Indies where is slavery. But Daniel is smarter and jumps of the ship and manages to go to New York and buy his freedom. I would have been friends with Daniel because he is against slavery just like me. It certainly is not my favorite book however it went smooth and wasn`t too hard to read.
January 12, 2016
This book is about a young boy named Daniel Arabus. He was born into slavery during the Revolutionary War. His father fought in the war and his family was promised freedom. That didn't happen. After his father's death, Daniel and his mother were sent back to be slaves. Did they escape? Did they spend there rest of their lives as slaves? Read to find out.
I would recommend this book to readers who become emotionally invested in the main characters. This book got me very emotional, but I also learned a lot about history. This book was truly one of the best books I ever read. It had it all: emotion, history, bravery, and conflict.
L.G. Grade 7
CLPK Young Adult Readers Advisory Board
September 23, 2011
This book is awesome!!!!!!!!!!! It's my favorite book in the world. It's about a boy who is a slave and his dad went to fight a war and earned soldier notes. If you go to the government and give them the soldier notes, then they will give you money. The boy wants to go to the government, get the money, and buy him and his mom out of slavery. But his owners confiscated the soldiers notes from him, so he steals them back and goes on a big adventure to get to the government to get the money and buy him and his mother out of slavery.
October 21, 2014
Daniel Arabus's family were slaves but after his father fights in the Revolutionary War their papers say the family should be free -but the owners are sneaky and send Daniel by ship to the West Indies. Before he can arrive, he manages to jump ship (thus the title).
This is an educational book, probably more accessible to adolescents than any history textbook could be. For me, it was interesting, but not something I'd want to read again. It was an average book, but not something I'd pick up unless I was told to read it (and I was).
This is an educational book, probably more accessible to adolescents than any history textbook could be. For me, it was interesting, but not something I'd want to read again. It was an average book, but not something I'd pick up unless I was told to read it (and I was).
February 7, 2011
Follow the money:
Daniel’s father earned money in the American Revolution to free his wife and son from slavery.
Money is stolen from Daniel’s father.
Daniel steals the money from the thief.
Daniel hides the money.
Daniel is kidnapped to be sold as a slave in the West Indies.
Is the money lost forever?
Daniel’s father earned money in the American Revolution to free his wife and son from slavery.
Money is stolen from Daniel’s father.
Daniel steals the money from the thief.
Daniel hides the money.
Daniel is kidnapped to be sold as a slave in the West Indies.
Is the money lost forever?
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