Seeking Freedom: The Untold Story of Fortress Monroe and the Ending of Slavery in America

A New York Public Library Best Book for Kids

In this dramatic Civil War story, a courageous enslaved fugitive teams with a cunning Union general to save a Union fort from the Confederates-and triggers the end of slavery in the United States. This is the first children's nonfiction book about a Black unsung hero who remains relevant today and to the Black Lives Matter movement.

On the night Virginia secedes from the Union, three enslaved men approach Fortress Monroe. Knowing that Virginia's secession meant they would be separated from their families and sent farther south to work for the Confederacy, the men decided to plead for sanctuary. And they were in luck.

The fort's commander, Benjamin Butler, retained them--and many more that followed--by calling them "contraband of war." Butler depended on the contrabands to provide information about the Confederates. He found the perfect partner in George Scott, one of the contrabands, whose heroism saved the fort from enemy hands. And, it was the plight of the contrabands that convinced President Lincoln that slavery MUST be abolished and inspired him to write his Emancipation Proclamation, ending slavery in the rebellious states.

Author: Selene Castrovilla
Publisher: Calkins Creek Books
Published: 01/04/2022
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 11.20h x 9.20w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9781635925821
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 11/01/2021
Booklist 11/01/2021 pg. 53
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 12/01/2021
Publishers Weekly 11/29/2021
Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2022 pg. 131

About the Author
Selene Castrovilla is an award-winning nonfiction and fiction author who holds an MFA in creative writing from The New School and a BA in English from New York University. She is the Regional Advisor of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators' Long Island Chapter.

E. B. Lewis is award-winning illustrator and fine artist, who has illustrated over 70 books for children, including THE OTHER SIDE by Jacqueline Woodson, PREACHING TO THE CHICKENS by Jabari Asim, and THE SECRET WORLD OF WALTER ANDERSON by Hester Bass. Lewis attended the Temple University Tyler School of Art where he majored in graphic design, illustration and art education. After graduating, he taught art in public schools for twelve years. Presently, E.B. teaches at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.
Illustrator site: eblewis.com