Come August, Come Freedom

November 1, 2012

Gr 7 Up-Inspired by Patrick Henry's proclamation, "Give me liberty or give me death," a young slave dreams of a better future. This epic, but quiet novel set against the backdrop of Colonial Virginia, follows Gabriel through manhood. Imagined from the life of a real person, this important narrative illustrates the early American experience often undocumented by history books. It begins by examining the complex relationship between slave and master, as Gabriel grows up alongside, not as an equal but as a companion to his owner's son, Thomas Henry. The relationship ultimately comes full circle, as Thomas Henry ultimately holds Gabriel's fate in his hands when they come of age. The book is also a love story, as Gabriel falls slowly but deeply in love with a young laundress while working as a blacksmith apprentice in Richmond. His love for Nanny drives him to hire himself out for wages, in hopes that he can buy her freedom and that they can be together as free people. His struggles to succeed, combined with the Revolutionary fever, inspire Gabriel to plan a revolt against the Commonwealth of Virginia. A suitable and interesting companion to any unit on the American Revolution, Come August, Come Freedom examines the many different freedoms inspired by its ideals. The novel also links the American fight for independence with the French Revolution and the slave revolt in Saint-Domingue. Some awkward language may lessen its widespread appeal, but the scope and topic make it a relevant choice for any school library.Maura Bisogni, Pratt Institute, New York City

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 15, 2012
Inspired by the Haitian slave uprising led by black general Toussaint L'Ouverture, Gabriel, a literate Virginia slave and blacksmith, attempts to parallel that effort on his own turf. Gabriel and Thomas Henry Prosser, the master's son, were raised together since both were nursed at Gabriel's mother's breast, Gabriel rarely getting his fair share. But the power dynamics of slavery fully destroys their relationship as they age, until they are at odds with one another's goals--Gabriel, hoping to lead his people to freedom in the aftermath of the American Revolution; Thomas, aiming to squelch the effort. Based on a true story of planned rebellion by "Prosser's Gabriel," Amateau deftly tucks well-researched period documents into the narrative at opportune moments. Her use of language is both startling ("To Gabriel, Ma's whip marks resembled the earth between the tobacco hills, newly tilled and ready for planting") and gratifying (."..he went only to find the girl who could look into his smile and see the deep and secret life inside him"). As an adjunct to classroom study, readers will be drawn in by Gabriel's determination and motivations, including his devotion to his beloved bride, Nanny. Yet while historically accurate and beautifully written, the plotting ultimately lacks the tension or uncertainty that will drive readers to the finish. Despite inevitability, an anguished tale told with poetry and heart. (Historical fiction. 12 & up)

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October 1, 2012
Grades 8-12 In 1800, long before the Civil War, there was a slave uprising in Richmond, Virginia, and this stirring fictionalized biography imagines the life of the young rebel leader, Gabriel. Born a slave on a plantation, young Gabriel learns to read with the owner's son, Thomas, and is trained as a blacksmith in town. But he also witnesses unspeakable brutality: his father is sold away, his mother is whipped, and when Thomas takes over as master, he refuses to allow Gabriel to marry fellow slave Nanny. Inspired by the slave revolt led by Touissant Louverture on Saint Domingue Island, 24-year-old Gabriel calls on his people to fight for freedom, and thousands follow him. With his blacksmith training, he helps forge swords from pitchforks and scythes, but the plot is discovered. The line between fact and fiction is not always clear: Are the slave-owner's journal entries invented or archival documents? But the authentic newspaper reports put the history in context, and the thrilling role of the unrecognized young hero will grab teen readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2013
Slave Gabriel Prosser grew up with freedom in the air and news of Haiti's revolution. "Can I not do for Virginia what Toussaint has done for his people?" Gabriel asks his wife, and goes on to lead a doomed rebellion. In this beautifully written novel based on fact, Amateau considers the tricky business of liberty in a new nation dedicated to freedom.

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)