About This Book:
tend the roots that gave you life,
weave hopes into pathways―
paths that lead you home.
Day after day, Nemy sows seeds, pulls weeds, and strips leaves in the sugarcane plantation where she is enslaved. But one night, she follows a woman called Big Mother to a hidden shack. There, she finds a group of women braiding each other’s hair. But these are no ordinary braids. Hidden in each elaborate pattern is a secret―a message signaling their intent to flee and a map to guide them in their escape. Will the paths these courageous women weave bring Nemy to a new home where she can be free?
*Review Contributed by Adrien Guerra, Social Media Assistant and Staff Reviewer*
Freedom Braids is a picture book inspired by the true story of enslaved African women in Colombia who braided maps to freedom. Nemy sows seeds pulls weeds, and strips leaves on the plantation where she is enslaved. One night she follows a woman called Big Mother to a hidden shack where she finds women braiding each other’s hair. The braids hide secret messages within their elaborate patterns that signal an intent to flee and maps to guide them through their escape.
What I liked: I have heard various stories of how enslaved African women used their braids to assist with their freedom but these stories were brief mentions in history books. I was thrilled to see a story that went into more detail about this and followed women who used this tactic to aid in their escape.
The author included a letter to the reader at the closing of this book to explain the history of braiding during the times in which African people were enslaved. The author explains what each type of braid signifies and what texture each of the braids is. The front and back inside covers of the books show the various braid styles with their names.
The images in this book go from being dark and hard to see each of the characters to being full of life and joy once they have escaped. I appreciate this distinction in colors as it sets the mood and shows the danger that the women are in as they are en route to escape.
Final Verdict: Freedom Braids is a great picture book to explain to children the history of braids for African women who were enslaved. Adults will enjoy the conversations that begin through the use of this book and how children can learn about the importance of braids for African Americans.
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