About This Book
Elizabeth Yates's Newbery Medal-winning biographical novel, 'Amos Fortune, Free Man,' chronicles the remarkable life of an 18th-century African prince, At-mun-shi, who is captured and brought to Massachusetts as a slave. Renamed Amos, he endures decades of servitude, never losing his dignity or his dream of freedom. The book details his perseverance as he learns the tanning trade, eventually earns enough to purchase his own freedom at age 60, and then works tirelessly to free his loved ones. It's a powerful story of resilience, integrity, and the enduring human spirit, set against the backdrop of American slavery. Parents should be prepared to discuss the difficult realities of slavery, though the book focuses on Amos's strength and eventual triumph.
The life of the eighteenth-century African prince who, after being captured by slave traders, was brought to Massachusetts where he was a slave until he was able to buy his freedom at the age of sixty.
Character Death
Violence
peril_danger
discrimination
Discussion Prompts
1
What does freedom mean to Amos Fortune at different points in his life?
2
How does Amos maintain his dignity and courage even when he is enslaved?
3
What challenges did Amos face after gaining his freedom, and how did he overcome them?
4
The book mentions Amos's anger and his journey up Mt. Monadnock. What does this tell us about his character and his faith?
5
How does Amos's story help us understand the history of slavery in America?
6
What lessons can we learn from Amos Fortune about perseverance and helping others?
External Reviews
Awards
1 award
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