Prince Among Slaves: The Remarkable True Story of an African Prince Enslaved in Mississippi, and His Journey Home

Gr 1-5–An engrossing historical tale of survival, endurance and faith entangled in the difficult history of enslavement in the United States. Born a prince in the West African kingdom of Fouta Djallon in 1762, Abdulrahman grew up in privilege and excelled as a scholar and warrior in preparation for his eventual role as king to his nation. When he was 26 he was captured by a rival tribe. He was sold to slave traders and journeyed to the United States in the horrific Middle Passage that cost the lives of many of his fellow captives. Upon arrival in Mississippi, he was sold to a white farmer, who mockingly referred to him as “Prince” when made aware of his lineage. Through decades of enslavement, he never gave up on his Islamic faith and his dream of one day returning to his beloved homeland and the family that he was forced to leave behind. Striking acrylic illustrations capture the dignity of the man, his devotion to his faith, and his desire to be free. This biography serves as a reminder that Islam has been a part of the American experience from its founding, and the author states in her note her desire to make difficult history accessible to a younger audience. She has succeeded marvelously with the assistance of illustrations that do not shy away from the horrors of Abdulrahman’s life but keep the focus on a man determined to recapture his freedom while also maintaining his own dignity and his faith, no matter the circumstance.