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seyfert's review against another edition
5.0
This one surprised me. While I had no expectations going in, it was so incredibly well done and the writing was phenomenal. The story, while focused on slavery and set in the era of slavery, is told from the perspective of a young slave girl and written in such a way that I think it's perfect for any child to read. It's informative and almost optimistic, but still touches on the horror of slavery without delving too deep into topics best save for older children. There is certainly some of it implied, but a younger kid might not pick up on it allowing such a conversation to be had when an adult might feel it's time to talk about it. It's just such a good read and a great way to learn more about the era of slavery no matter the age - you will definitely learn something new.
The audiobook version is so, so good and highly recommended.
The audiobook version is so, so good and highly recommended.
klnbennett's review against another edition
5.0
Grace is a 9 year old slave living in 1860s Virginia. She is just learning how the world works, and her own worth as a black person born in America. She is brought to the master's house to work and finds herself and her family in trouble. This story was moving and impossible to put down.
jengennari's review against another edition
5.0
Wow -- I am a huge fan now of Ann Burg's work. Her third novel-in-verse, this one kept me turning pages, completely enthralled with the voice of Grace, her spirit and choices. Beautiful, and beautifully describes a piece of lesser known history about where some people found freedom.
lisaanne_90's review against another edition
5.0
This book will make you bawl your eyes out. I empathized with the characters so much. This was such an easy and great read. I highly recommend this book to anyone of all ages. I read some parts out loud to my children, and tried teaching them what slavery really was like. With it being from a nine-year-old point of view, I think it really hit my kids more with what she had to go through.
kerib's review against another edition
4.0
What a treasure this book is! I always love when I get to learn a little about a piece of history that I had little knowledge of, and it is even better when you get to learn it through a well told story. So glad I stumbled upon this great read.
bethanymiller415's review against another edition
3.0
Student Review by Anita (11th Grade)
Promises carry a heavy meaning with young Grace. When the people she holds dear provide her with important promises of keeping her eyes down and her thoughts to herself in the big house, Grace is determined to hold on to them. But when she is sent to the “Big House” and witnesses the unfair ways of the Master and Missus, she can’t help but let out her voice of reason. What will happen when Grace gets her family in trouble because of her broken promises?
My feelings on this book are very hazy. The book is written in verse, which was strange to me at first, but I quickly got used to it. It isn’t the worst book I’ve ever read; however, it isn’t the best book I’ve ever read either. When Grace and her family are forced to run from the plantation, you would expect the plot to become more dramatic and exciting. However, the author fails to create suspense, and the book was a bit boring at times.
Recommendation(s): I would recommend this book to readers of other books by the author such as All the Broken Pieces and Serafina’s Promise. For readers looking for more complex books that deal with slavery, I highly recommend Kindred by Octavia E. Butler. Kindred not only deals with slavery in the 1800s but also uses a blend of Sci-Fi which--even though it seems to contrast with the subject of slavery--truly enhances the book, and provides ideas that readers reading the book in the present can relate to.
Grade: 5-8
Genre: Historical Fiction, Poetry
Library Merit: Mediocre
Characterization: Mediocre
Promises carry a heavy meaning with young Grace. When the people she holds dear provide her with important promises of keeping her eyes down and her thoughts to herself in the big house, Grace is determined to hold on to them. But when she is sent to the “Big House” and witnesses the unfair ways of the Master and Missus, she can’t help but let out her voice of reason. What will happen when Grace gets her family in trouble because of her broken promises?
My feelings on this book are very hazy. The book is written in verse, which was strange to me at first, but I quickly got used to it. It isn’t the worst book I’ve ever read; however, it isn’t the best book I’ve ever read either. When Grace and her family are forced to run from the plantation, you would expect the plot to become more dramatic and exciting. However, the author fails to create suspense, and the book was a bit boring at times.
Recommendation(s): I would recommend this book to readers of other books by the author such as All the Broken Pieces and Serafina’s Promise. For readers looking for more complex books that deal with slavery, I highly recommend Kindred by Octavia E. Butler. Kindred not only deals with slavery in the 1800s but also uses a blend of Sci-Fi which--even though it seems to contrast with the subject of slavery--truly enhances the book, and provides ideas that readers reading the book in the present can relate to.
Grade: 5-8
Genre: Historical Fiction, Poetry
Library Merit: Mediocre
Characterization: Mediocre
margaretann84's review against another edition
4.0
I genuinely love fictional books where I come away knowing something new. It can be some rules for a sport, something about the human condition, ways Fargo is like Philly—as long as the author drops some knowledge on me, I tend to have a good time.
In Unbound, Burg introduced me to the “maroons.”
So, back in the antebellum era, slavery was all over the South (thanks, 8-year-old me and Addy Walker). They worked on small farms and massive plantations, and things were capital-b Bad. Escape, though not unheard of, was definitely discouraged. Everyone knew what would happen to a slave who was caught. Obviously it would be harder to escape the farther south a slave lived, but even in the border states it could be dangerous.
Full review on A Writer Reads.
In Unbound, Burg introduced me to the “maroons.”
So, back in the antebellum era, slavery was all over the South (thanks, 8-year-old me and Addy Walker). They worked on small farms and massive plantations, and things were capital-b Bad. Escape, though not unheard of, was definitely discouraged. Everyone knew what would happen to a slave who was caught. Obviously it would be harder to escape the farther south a slave lived, but even in the border states it could be dangerous.
Full review on A Writer Reads.