Stealing Freedom

This tale of Ann Maria Weems's life as a slave in mid-1800s Maryland, and her subsequent escape to freedom on the Underground Rail Road is an enthralling blend of history, the true story of a young girl fighting her way North to freedom, and the love (and hatred) that man heaps on man. Ms. Carbone brings the 1850s, slavery, and the Railroad to life with precise, well-researched, taut writing that's never maudlin or preachy. Ann Maria is unforgettable. Ms. Carbone is a masterful writer. Please check out her other books, including Blood on the River: James Town, 1607. My son, a 7th grader, is reading it right now, and can't put it down. I'm next in line for that one!I purchased the Random House Yearling Paperback version in November, 2013. Trade paperback size, color photo cover on slick white paper, card stock. One photo inside of Ann Maria Weems "Wanted" poster. Regular off-white school library book paper, bound with glue. Typeface appears to be a regular serif, easy to read. Prices on back: US $6.99/$7.99 CAN. English version. Suggested RL: 5.3 ages 10-13. ISBN: 0-440-41707-4. No typos found. Looks like educators who want to order in quantity can contact the publisher directly.

I received one that the spine has a few scratches.

I am a fourth grade teacher and chose this book to read aloud to my class after having read Blood on the River. Ms. Carbone does a wonderful job of presenting the history of this time in a way that keeps the reader engaged and guessing. Her portrayal of the trials of the main character, Ann, is captivating and emotional. I thoroughly enjoyed using this book to show my class how wonderful writing can be when done properly. The only caution I have is that there are a few spots in the book that have physical violence and where the "N" word is used which may merit some discussion with younger readers. My class thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful novel.

My daughter had to read this for summer reading. For a kid who hates reading, she surprisingly enjoyed the book. I read a few chapters myself and think it’s a good read. This book was for her social studies grade 7 summer reading, just to give an idea of her age group. However, my 10yo also read it and liked it as well.

I have long been interested in the history of the Underground Railroad and of the ordinary people caught up in the Civil war. This book captures both elements - the desperation felt by families enslaved by white landowners as they face the selling off one by one of their children and loved ones and their attempts over many decades to reunite the family in the free world.The other side of the story focuses on ordinary families - slave owners and non slave owners as they face the slow but inevitable destruction of their way of life by war, disease and poverty. I loved the characters and was totally immersed in the story from page one.

Stealing Freedom is a great read aloud for 4th or 5th grade students. My students looked forward to hearing each chapter after lunch as a transition back into our class routine. They became attached to the main character and learned quite a bit about the realities of slavery. It is realistic, exciting, and honest without being horrific for the age group.

My granddaughter, Samantha, had read this book.. She loved it and knew I would too. We've watched the movie, Harriet, and loved it , also. This book about Ann Maria Seems is very touching. I think Ann is a very brave little girl who believes in herself.

My daughter first read this book in 3rd or 4th grade, and has re-read it every year since then (she's now in 8th grade). It has ignited in her a passion to learn more about the treatment of African-Americans and their struggle for civil rights. I'm sure it was the gateway for her reading "The Help", as well as seeing the movie made from the book. Isn't that what you want a story to do: encourage further investigation and thought on the subject?