When Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, he set in motion a series of events that changed the course of American history. Since then, African Americans have worked tirelessly to achieve equality between the races and bring new meaning to the phrase All men are created equal. Free at Last is a graphic history focusing how slaves responded to their new freedom. It also chronicles the obstacles to emancipation. Free at Last is a wonderful way for reluctant readers to learn about this important period in history.
Caroline learns the meaning of freedom while struggling to maintain the family cotton plantation during the Civil War.
Rifle barrels pointed at the family as they stepped into the open. Tilly cowered behind her father. "We're headed for St. Augustine," Kwaku explained. The men lowered their guns. "Where are you from?" one of them asked. "Are you runaways?" "Please let us go on our way," Catbird begged. "Get in the wagon," the man said. "These men are armed," Kwaku said quietly. "We must do as we are told." When everyone was aboard, the wagon rumbled on down the road. They were headed away from St. Augustine and their chance for freedom.
After Byron receives a whipping for stealing a ham for his pregnant wife and she dies giving birth to twins, Byron decides to escape slavery via the Underground Railroad.
African American twin brothers, one a slave on a Virginia plantation and one a free man in Pennsylvania, are reunited after years of separation when they accompany soldiers on opposing sides of the Civil War.
Young Sam Clemens and his friend Tom Blankenship suspect Tom's brother, Bence, has found their secret buried treasure and is involved in stealing slaves.
Tall Shadow struggles with his desire to adopt the white man's ways and his father's wish to maintain their culture.
