Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story

by: Janet Halfmann; Illustrated by Duane Smith

Published by: Lee and Low Books Inc.

Reviewed by Laura V. Hilton

Robert Smalls grew up as a privileged house slave in South Carolina, but still, he dreamed of freedom. When Robert married and started a family, that dream because more important than ever. Robert hated that his daughter belonged to his wife’s master, as a slave.

When Robert got a job working on the river boats, it was a dream come true. Robert was able to save money toward purchasing his wife and daughter’s freedom. But before he earned enough money, the Civil War began. Robert came up with a plan to help his family and friends escape to “Up North,” where blacks could be free. But just having a plan wasn’t enough. Robert had to face formidable adversity before he obtained his goal.

Seven Miles to Freedom is a wonderful story about one of our country’s war heroes. Robert Smalls is heralded as one of the Civil War’s greatest heroes, and in addition to all he accomplished in the war, Robert Smalls went on to accomplish many other great things.

School children learning about the Civil War, and about the role African Americans played in the development of our nation need to pick up Seven Miles to Freedom. This book is inspiring, educational, and entertaining. The age level recommended for this book is from four to eight years of age. My six-year-old enjoyed the story, but my almost four-year-old was bored by it. On the other hand, my twelve-year-old enjoyed it. So I think it depends a lot on the maturity and interest level of the child.

Armchair Interviews says: Plenty of colorful illustrations go along with the text.