finalefile's review against another edition
2.0
I feel bad rating this so low, but for me it was "just okay" so 2 stars it is. I appreciate the intent of this book, but I found it to be missing a lot of context. Was it a historical recounting, or a legend? When more legendary elements were added in, I still didn't know if it was based on historical events, or an entirely "made up" folktale.
I finished the story with a lot of questions - is Bok Chitto a real place? Was it really a safe place for slaves to run away to? How did the Natives' religious beliefs compared to the slaves' beliefs? What is the significance of the Native ceremonies mentioned in the story? I also noticed a biblical reference to Moses crossing the river - a lot of readers will probably not understand that.
I finished the story with a lot of questions - is Bok Chitto a real place? Was it really a safe place for slaves to run away to? How did the Natives' religious beliefs compared to the slaves' beliefs? What is the significance of the Native ceremonies mentioned in the story? I also noticed a biblical reference to Moses crossing the river - a lot of readers will probably not understand that.
chadstep's review against another edition
4.0
Unique and specific story on a regional native tribe and their African American slave neighbors across the river in Mississippi.
hldillon's review against another edition
5.0
A boy and a girl from a great friendship even though they belong to different cultures. Martha Tom and Little Mo eventually end up visiting each other often. There eventually becomes a time when the friendship comes in handy when his family has to make an escape at night for the safety of their lives.
gloryfink's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent picture book! The emotionally nuanced illustrations pair beautifully with this heartwarming story about friendship, family and a brave Choctaw community who became like angels for an escaping slave family
bethnellvaccaro's review against another edition
4.0
The biographical and background info at the end of the book really adds to this book.
jennybeastie's review against another edition
5.0
Tells a story that is not well known, about how Choctaw members helped slaves escape, and blended their communities. Beautiful picture book, powerful story.
e_ramirez_ortega's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book is a perfect sample for early American history. It has a brief mystical quality to it that doesn't become overbearing.
bookbrig's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I found this story fascinating, and as an adult reader I really loved the book. The art style wasn't my favorite because it felt muted and a little simplistic for such an interesting story, but I'm really glad I read it.