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Freedom Train

Illustrated by David Riley

About The Book

An enthralling account of a young boy’s struggle to help freedom triumph over fear in the 1940s American South.

It’s 1947, and twelve-year-old Clyde Thomason is proud to have an older brother who guards the Freedom Train—a train that is traveling to all forty-eight states carrying the country’s most important documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.

Clyde hasn’t told his parents he won’t perform the Freedom Pledge because of stage fright, nor has he mentioned his confusing friendship with a boy of color. So when the townspeople threaten William’s family, Clyde has a choice to make: Will he keep quiet, or stand up for real freedom?

Ideal for classrooms, Freedom Train contains historical photos of the Freedom Train and its guards, as well as an author’s note that provides additional information about the history of the Freedom Train.

About The Author

Evelyn Coleman’s books include To Be a Drum; White Socks Only; The Riches of Oseola McCarty, a Smithsonian Notable Book and a Carter G. Woodson Honor Book; and Born in Sin. Evelyn lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where she received the Atlanta Mayor’s fellowship for achievement in children’s literature. Visit Evelyn online at EvelynColeman.com.

About The Illustrator

Product Details

  • Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (January 3, 2012)
  • Length: 160 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781442436534
  • Ages: 8 - 12

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Awards and Honors

  • CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book
  • "25 Books All Georgians Should Read" Selection

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