Why Write A Story About Slavery?

Blog For Parents and Educators

Many people have asked me why I chose to write about American slavery. After all, I could have written about vampires, or a week at camp, or Molly’s trip to California with her dog. But I quickly determined there were already plenty of books like that on the Internet and in libraries. Many of them just didn’t seem educational and moving enough to me. And where were the examples of kindness and empathy that I always have in my stories and look for in other children’s stories?

Truth be told, I had never written historical fiction before, except for two stories about Ute girls in Colorado in 1850. All my twenty or so children’s stories I have written are about animals and the Colorado landscape. My characters were bears and ospreys and baby pigs and bull snakes and red-tailed hawks – you get the picture.

So why did I write a book about slavery?  The first reason is simple. I have always wanted to have a good friend who was African American, but all these years of living I had never managed to find one. But I could make it happen in a story. The second is that it is important for Americans to understand the Civil War and the economic, social and moral ramifications of slavery. When we understand what four million slaves endured by 1865, then we can appreciate the resilience and courage of their children and grandchildren suffering through Jim Crow laws and racism at every turn. The legacy of slavery is still with us.

Young readers who read my story will be reminded that we are all human beings, as Ann says in the story. They will build empathy and respect for African Americans who are the descendants of slaves and for this country and our complex history. They may realize that American history is about the striving for freedom for a diverse group of Americans, including women. We have come a long way from the shackles of slavery.

I am trying to help families and teachers discover my book. An honest Amazon review, even two or three sentences, would make a great difference. Thank you!

Margaret Ann Brown