Stealing Freedom

I'm 50 and I loved this book!

Fascinating read...learned a lot about runaway slaves and their motives for doing so. Based on true story!

A vivid profile of a slave

Ann, a slave, gets separated from her family and may never see them again. She risks her life and embarks on a dangerous journey to freedom. This journey is made even harder by knowing that she¿s leaving her boyfriend behind. Stealing Freedom describes Ann¿s awful life as a slave and her struggle to be free. This is a great story that will keep you cheering for Ann and shows you how difficult it was to be a slave. This book does a great job of describing how bad slavery was. Most slaves were treated like animals. Ann¿s mom was forced to have kids so the master could own more slaves. Lots of slave families were split up and sold, even to other states. For example, Ann¿s brothers were sent to Alabama while she stayed in Virginia. Some slave owners made their slaves whip other slaves. The master forced Thomas to whip Alfred because Alfred was late with some groceries. I like how the slaves could be sly and could find ways to resist their masters. Thomas and Alfred had practiced whipping each other, but not quite hitting. They knew the master had a weak stomach, so Thomas would crack the whip a few inches away from Alfred. Ann has to take care of the master¿s young daughter. Ann tricks the daughter into studying the alphabet with her. That way, Ann could learn to read. Some slaves would run away. Part of the book describes Ann¿s epic journey as she escapes to the North. I admired one character named Jacob Bigelow. He was a white man who helped free slaves. First, he tried to buy Ann from her master and reunite her with her family. But the two men couldn¿t agree on a price. Eventually, Mr. Bigelow hired two men to kidnap her and take Ann to Bigelow¿s house. Ann had to hide for a while before she could leave the area. Mr. Bigelow fed her and gave her books to read. Every Sunday, Mr. Bigelow would invite Ann¿s family to come over and visit Ann. This is a great book that vividly tells you how much worse slaves were treated just because of the color of their skin. Stealing Freedom also makes you love and care for Ann. Fortunately, at the end of the story, Ann finally lands in Canada where her aunt and uncle live, and where there is no slavery. Anyone who wants to understand the daily struggle of slaves should read this book. S.Howard

A Journey from Slavery into Freedom

In the summer of 1853, many African-Americans were under the law slavery. In Unity, Maryland, the Weems family were one family owned by planters, or owners of the plantation. These planters were Master Charles and Mistress Carol, to which they were called. On the Maryland plantation, corn, tomatoes, beets and cabbage, along with many other harvest vegetables were grown, all by the slaves and their fairly large families. Jobs consisted of growing and pruning, which were work to the men, and inside the home or slave cabin. Labor was very constant, usually from dawn till dusk, and sometimes later to finish the duties in time, risking beatings. Mr. and Mrs.Weems and their children worked a steady and constant pace. Anne Maria was one of the oldest, and one who was put to work most often. Ann Maria enjoyed the constant work and pace. She met many new people, either being brought in or being shipped out. Alfred was one slave friend that Ann Maria grew very close to. Ann Maria had various jobs, such as harvest work and house work. While in the house one day, Ann heard of a man named Mr. Bigelow. She didn¿t know what business he had at their master¿s home. Days and days went by along with the tiresome work. Harvest time was beginning as well as the Great County Fair. Ann had always wished to someday visit the fair, but that day hadn¿t come, yet. Days later, Ann got out of some work and caught up with the fair. So many people and so many things were going on. During the visit to the fair, Ann saw a strange looking man, starring at her everywhere she went. She didn¿t know who he was. She didn¿t know what he was doing. One thing that I really enjoyed about this book, because I knew in my mind that all of the events in the story actually happened in real life, to a real person. This book really pulled me into the story, making me want to know what was going to happen next. I had no real dislikes about the book, because of how real the author put the events. Being able to relate to not just this book, but any book makes, makes it a little bit easier to understand. I think I really liked this book so much was because I could relate. My grandfather has always told me about my grandfathers, and how they conducted the slaves, and how many were actual slaves. My grandfathers took many slaves to their farmsteads, and then farther north to freedom. This book, Stealing Freedom is a great and truthful book. Reading the story really made you realize what really happened in the slavery era in history. This book is not a series. I personally think that anyone would like this book if they are interested in the slavery times or adventure because of the bold and brave steps taken to freedom.

Stealing Freedom

It is a great story, about Ann Maria Weems. I felt like I was Ann at some parts just saying, 'Come on.' or convincing myself that i can do it. This autour makes you feel happy and sad. The book also gives you a good taste of the mied-1800's and travling on the Underground Railroad. i reccomend this books to 11-year-olds or any age around that.

Stealing Freedom

This is the best book on earth. You feel like you are Ann Maria Weems with so many decisions to make adn everything happening. You have lost your family and you have to care for a little girl named Sarah, she is cute but annoying. You must walk her to school, get her a drink of water in teh middle of the night... It feels so weird, yet it is amazing since you know it isn't happening to you right now. Ann Maria is sort of like me, just a little. Not really, but pretty close.

a touching story

This story is one of the most enjoyable, touching, and awesome stories i have ever read. I have enjoyed this book very much, and it has touched my heart. If you think that this book is 'boring' you might have not really looked into the true meaning of the whole story. This book is a book that i am sure most people will enjoy, and i know that I enjoyed it as well.

A wonderful book

This book was a great book about slavery. This true story is hard to belive that it ever happend! I recomend this book to everyone!

Just Good Book

You Must read this book. But I am not sure that you will find the intrest in this book. This book is not special or outstanding. This book has lots of lesson. This book is not different from other just 'good' books. But after all, it is good book.

Exceptional!

I was entralled by this book. Couldn't put it down. Loved every minute as you were never sure what was going to happen to her or her family. Understand a little bit more of how slavery really affected families. This is a true story which means a lot of research went into telling the story. You must read!!

AWESOME!!!!

I thought that the book Stealing Freedom was very touching. Also I thought that is was kind of sad in some parts because Ann lost her brothers and the rest of her family. Plus she falls in love with Alfred and she was kidnapped from him.

BORING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I read this book several months ago, and found several problems with it: 1. The slaves spoke like middle-class white people 2. There was little excitement or tension in the text 3. a week later I couldn't remember the story!

'Stealing Freedom'

I thought that this book was not only inspiring but it really helps anyone- no matter 6 or 60 years understand what it was like to be a slave, during the civil war. I am 13 years old, like the main charactor, Ann Marie Weems, who is a slave on a plantation,i can relate to some things, but not a lot. I got the privilage to meet Elisa Carbone (the author) and she told me about how she researsed slavery. I think that it is an outstanding book, that you must read for yourself. PS: it is based on a true story :)

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