About This Book
Walter Dean Myers's "Amistad: A Long Road to Freedom" recounts the harrowing true story of the 1839 Amistad rebellion. It follows Sengbe Pieh and a group of illegally enslaved Africans who fought for their freedom aboard a slave ship, only to face imprisonment and a landmark trial in the United States. The book sensitively explores themes of injustice, bravery, and the fight for human rights, culminating in their acquittal by the Supreme Court. It's an excellent resource for parents seeking to introduce children aged 4-11 to a crucial moment in American history, sparking conversations about slavery, civil rights, and the power of perseverance.
Traces the 1839 revolt of Africans against their Spanish captors aboard the slave ship Amistad, their landing in the United States and arrest for piracy and murder, and trials which ended in their acquittal by the Supreme Court.
discrimination
peril_danger
Violence
war_themes
Discussion Prompts
1
What does freedom mean to you? How was the idea of freedom different for the Amistad captives than for their captors?
2
Sengbe Pieh showed great leadership. What qualities made him a good leader?
3
Why was it important for the abolitionists to help the Amistad captives, even though they were strangers?
4
How did the Supreme Court's decision in the Amistad case impact the fight against slavery in the United States?
5
What can we learn from the Amistad story about standing up for what is right, even when it's difficult?
External Reviews
If Your Family Enjoyed This
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share how this book landed with your family.