Unbound

Gr 4–8—Grace, age nine, is enslaved on a plantation with her mother, brothers, and stepfather. She tends the boys while the others work in the field, but now, because of her light skin, she has been called up to the big house. Grace promises her mother she will keep her eyes down and not speak what is on her mind, but she finds that nearly impossible, especially when the master's wife is cruel to both Grace and the slaves around her. Grace and her family are forced to flee after she breaks her promise, and face the dangers of the swamp. This novel in verse highlights a little-known hiding place of escaped slaves, the Great Dismal Swamp, which covers parts of Virginia and North Carolina. Burg gives voice to enslaved children and their heartbreaking stories. Bahni Turpin brings the tale alive with her narration, while occasional music adds atmosphere. An author's note at the end discusses the historical aspects.