About This Book
Joseph Slate's 'I Want to be Free' is a poetic and moving chapter book for ages 4-11, adapted from a sacred Buddhist tale. It tells the story of an escaped slave who, despite breaking his physical chains, still feels bound by an iron ring around his ankle and the pursuit of his former master. His journey to true freedom takes an unexpected turn when he encounters and rescues an abandoned baby from slave hunters. The unconditional love and gratitude from the child provide the spiritual strength needed to finally shed his shackles. This book offers a gentle yet powerful introduction to themes of freedom, empathy, and resilience.
Based on a sacred Buddhist tale as related in Rudyard Kipling's novel "Kim," tells of an escaped slave who rescues an abandoned baby from slave hunters.
slavery
peril_danger
abandonment
Discussion Prompts
1
What does 'freedom' mean to the runaway slave at the beginning of the story, and how does that meaning change by the end?
2
Why do you think the runaway slave decided to help the abandoned baby, even though it put him in more danger?
3
How did the baby's love and gratitude help the runaway slave become truly free?
4
What are some ways we can show kindness and empathy to others, even when we are facing our own challenges?
5
The story says the 'Big Man' believes he owns the slave. What do you think about that idea?
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