Nelson, V M (2003). Almost to Freedom. Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books, Inc.  Illustrated by Colin Bootman.  ISBN:  1-57505-342-X.

Told through the voice of the rag doll, Sally, this book describes a little girl, Lindy and her family as slaves in the South and their desire for freedom through the Underground Railroad.

Most of the illustrations are done in dark colors and set in nighttime where the white headscarves of the women are illuminated.

Curriculum Use:

Black History 

Pre-Civil War 

Slavery

Personification:

The book, Almost to Freedom describes a rag doll, Sally, as she tells the story of her life with a slave girl Lindy and her escape to freedom with her mother on the Underground Railroad. 

“When she’s done sewin’, Miz Rachel give me to her little girl.  Lindy hugs me hard and says, “Your name be Sally.  We gonna be best friends.” From that first day, when Lindy be somewheres, I be there with her.”  Page 5  

Rating: 4Q/3P

MWood