Letters from a Slave Boy

A parent might reach for this book when their child is beginning to ask difficult questions about the reality of American history and the specific strength required to survive injustice. While the provided description mistakenly references To Kill a Mockingbird, this story actually follows Joseph, the son of Harriet Jacobs, as he navigates the perilous journey from enslavement to freedom. It is a deeply moving exploration of family ties and the yearning for autonomy. Parents will find this to be an essential tool for discussing the systemic cruelty of the past through the eyes of a resilient young boy. It is most appropriate for middle schoolers who are ready for a raw but ultimately hopeful look at the pursuit of liberty and the enduring power of letter writing as a form of resistance.