Rabbiea Manzoor

Dr. Burke
ENGL 414
18 September 2014
Evaluating Picture Books: Henrys Freedom Box
Written by: Ellen Levine
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson
1. Illustrations
How well do the illustrations correspond to the text?
The illustrations correspond to the text extremely well. They show the reader what is
happening between the characters and they include any objects discussed in the text so
that they reader can see how the object being discussed relates to the characters. The
reader can tell that the main character, Henry, is getting older because the illustrations
show him getting taller and having a mustache towards the end of the book.
How well do the illustrations complement the setting, plot, and mood of the book?
The illustrations depict the appropriate time period through the details that are not
discussed in the text, such as showing horse-drawn buggies instead of cars. They also
show Henry playing the banjo, they have a quilt hanging in the background on one page,
and the carpet in the last illustration looks old-timey. The illustrations help give the
reader insight into the plot by drawing out certain things that the reader may not
understand through text, like how tobacco was twisted or how Henry was packaged up in
a crate. Most of the color in the book is earthy tones and the characters look melancholy
in the beginning to help create a somber mood so the reader can understand the slaves
limited freedom. Towards the end the characters look more hopeful and happy to show
that Henry is getting to freedom.
In what ways do the illustrations enhance characterization?
The facial expressions of the characters help the reader understand how they feel. We
first see Henry as a little boy and then are able to watch him grow up, have kids, and
escape to freedom. The story is much more powerful when we see these things happening
rather than just reading the words. We can better understand how the factory looked and
worked and what the town square looked like where Henrys family was sold.
In what ways do the illustrations use color, lines, frames, etc. to extend the story beyond
its literal details?

When Henrys mother talks about how leaves are torn from trees the same way slave
children are torn from their families, the trees illustrated in the distance are brightly
colored and under an open blue sky. Most of the book is earthy colors, so the bright
colors of the trees stand out. On the page where Henry meets Nancy the road is drawn
with lots of curved lines that make it look bumpy so the reader could imagine the rough
texture of walking on it. When the book talks about Henrys happy family there is a
bright, warm fire burning in the background to emphasize how comfy and loving they
are. After Henrys family is sold his house looks dark and gloomy. One of the last pages
shows four smaller pictures on the page of two men moving Henrys box around to sit on
it. The picture shows how large the box is, how Henry is positioned inside of it, and how
much effort it takes from the two men to be able to move it around.
What is there about the illustrations that make them seem likely to stimulate the child
readers imagination?
The pages have color from top to bottom and have lots of details, but they also arent too
busy. They show interesting aspects of Henrys life, like the factory he worked in, the
banjo he played, and the many different positions he laid in while in his box. The
characters in the illustrations have a lot of expression in their faces and kids would be
able to guess how they feel without having to read the text. Also, the illustrations are
depicting a culture and historic time period that children probably dont know a lot about,
so they are intrigued by them.
2. Text
Are the words in the book appropriate for the children who are reading it? Is the text
lively? believable within this particular context?
Yes, none of the words in the book are too difficult for children to understand or decode.
The text doesnt mention anything that could be considered inappropriate to learn about. I
dont think the text has a very exciting tone, but that is because the book is somewhat
melancholy. The voice of the text matches the plot and illustrations.
In what way does the language used enrich the story? (Obviously, a story usually depends
on the words that tell it; but a good writer will choose words and phrases that take readers
well beyond the basic denotative meaning.)
The author starts the story with Henrys mother using a metaphor of the trees to explain
to Henry how slave children are sometimes taken from their families. It is simple enough
that children can understand it, but it can also be expanded on for more advanced readers
to be challenged. The author also uses a lot of new vocabulary that a child who hasnt
learned about slavery wouldnt know, but he writes the book in a way that is easy to
follow and child could understand. Words such as tobacco, master, slave market, and oil
of vitriol are intriguing for children and would peak their interest, but they arent too
complicated that they would hinder the child from reading the book. The author also
includes a pun in the story when the two men are wondering what is in the box and they
say maybe its mail. Henry thinks I am mail but not the kind they imagine! This allows

the reader to experience a pun and homonym, but it isnt the focus of the book and can be
explained easily. All of these small experiences with new vocabulary and new concepts
are enriching for students even though they dont realize it.
How does the book make the main character(s) appealing? Does the plot strike you as
being appealingly imaginative and/or original? Is the theme of the story a natural part of
the story or is it all-too-obvious?
Henry is appealing at first because the reader has sympathy for him and wants him to be
free. Henry becomes more appealing when he mails himself in a box to a free state. He is
daring and the reader is hoping he will make it safely. The plot is definitely original.
Even if children have learned that slaves would try to ship themselves to a free state, they
probably have never read a childrens book about it before. The theme is definitely a
natural part of the story. The book is about Henrys quest for his family and freedom, but
it also talks about other obstacles that he faced along the way.
3. Final Thoughts
What is important in the book to share with children? How does this book compare
with other books with a similar subject or theme?
This book is educational because it is about a slave searching for freedom, but it doesnt
focus too much on the politics or racism of the era. Most of the other books about this
topic are more factual and dull because they tend to read more like a history textbook.
This book is age-appropriate and doesnt reveal too much about the gruesome or cruel
aspects of a slaves life, but it still tells a remarkable story about a slave searching for
freedom.
What qualities do you find in this book that make it likely to be a significant addition to
childrens literature?
It teaches young children about the struggles that slaves faced while searching and
fighting for their freedom. It is educational in so many ways but is still fun and
entertaining so kids dont even realize theyre learning. The illustrations are so detailed
and hold so much wonder for kids.
Would you add this book to your personal library?
Yes! Its educational, interesting, and beautiful.