Reading Journal: Henry’s Freedom Box

Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Before I read this book, my eight-year-old son read it first. When I asked how it was, he said that this book is interesting and sad. Also he said it was a really unfair thing that there were slaves. Even to a small child’s eye, this story is sad and slavery is unjust. I do not have much information related to slavery in the U.S., and through this story, I could understand more about it. When I read this book, I felt as if I were watching a movie. It is really impressive and sad when Henry’s mother said to Henry that “Do you see those leaves blowing in the wind? They are torn from the trees like slave children are torn from their families.” I am able to feel a little bit how all slave families suffered from the sorrow of parting like Henry’s family did. I am even sad whenever I say goodbye to my family to come back to Lubbock after every summer vacation in Korea. Thus, Henry’s sadness must have been indescribable when he separated from his lovely family. From the past even until now, many people of many countries have struggled to find their freedom like Henry did. Through this story, I am able to realize again how important my freedom and family are.