I’m intrigued by little-known historical figures. Why are some people remembered while others remain unknown? It seems that serendipity might sometimes play a role in bringing to the fore previously unknown people.

I wonder, for example, how Ellen Levine learned about Henry Brown, a slave in the mid-1800s who mailed himself to freedom. His story is told with stunning, award-winning illustrations by Kadir Nelson in Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad (Scholastic). How did the author find Henry’s story?

Elisa Carbone came across the story of another young slave whose dramatic escape from slavery involved courage and a dog named Zeus while she did research for another book. Night Running: How James Escaped with the Help of His Faithful Dog (Knopf) is told with arresting illustrations by watercolorist E.B. Lewis.

These books bring history to life through the lives of two of the people who made it out of slavery. I wonder who among young people living today will be remembered for their bravery, who will have an impact on history, how it will be passed down to succeeding generations.

I hope these — and other books — convey the sense of mystery about history to young readers. Maybe they’ll become detectives and look for more. After all, isn’t history dynamic?

About the Author

Maria Salvadore is Reading Rockets’ consultant for children’s literature and literacy. Maria curates our themed booklists and writes the blog, Page by Page, which explores the best ways to use kids’ books both inside and outside of the classroom. She leads parent workshops for Ready To Learn (RTL) at WETA Public Broadcasting in Washington, D.C. She has also taught children’s literature at the University of Maryland, reviewed books for School Library Journal, and has served on various book award committees, including the Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards, Golden Kite, and the Caldecott Committee.

Publication Date
February 7, 2008

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Comprehension, Curriculum and Instruction
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