Freedom in Congo Square

Freedom in Congo Square chronicles a unique piece of New Orleans history, focusing on Congo Square - the one place where enslaved people could legally gather on Sundays during the 1800s. The book's text follows a rhyming pattern that counts down the days of the week. R. Gregory Christie's chalk-style illustrations earned both Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor recognition. The artwork draws inspiration from Jacob Lawrence's distinctive style and uses bold colors to depict both daily life and weekend gatherings. The main narrative is supplemented by historical notes and context in the introduction and afterword. These additions provide readers with factual background about Congo Square's significance in American history. This picture book illuminates the human spirit's capacity to find moments of joy and community even within the brutal system of slavery, making it relevant for discussions about resilience, freedom, and African American history.

Readers appreciate how the book teaches children about slavery while maintaining age-appropriate content and ending on a hopeful note. Parents and teachers note the rhythmic, poetic text helps engage young listeners while addressing a difficult subject. Readers highlight the illustrations by R. Gregory Christie, which earned a Caldecott Honor. Many point to how the art style conveys both the hardship of slavery and the joy of Congo Square gatherings. The counting structure (counting down days until Sunday) resonates with young readers who connect with the anticipation building throughout the week. Some readers mention wanting more historical context about Congo Square included in the main text rather than just the author's note. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (430+ ratings) School Library Journal: Starred Review Horn Book: Starred Review The book won the Charlotte Zolotow Award and was named a Coretta Scott King Honor Book.

Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine This story follows an enslaved man who mails himself to freedom in a wooden crate, depicting his determination through moments of darkness and hope.

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford The narrative chronicles Harriet Tubman's journey from slavery to freedom and her missions to guide others to liberation through the Underground Railroad.

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill The book reveals the life of an enslaved potter who created art and wrote poetry on his ceramic vessels, leaving a permanent mark on history.

Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass by Lesa Cline-Ransome The biography traces Frederick Douglass's path from childhood slavery to literacy and eventual freedom through his own words and experiences.

Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome The text presents Harriet Tubman's life in reverse chronology, revealing her roles as suffragist, spy, nurse, and conductor of the Underground Railroad.

⚜️ The drumming, dancing, and music in Congo Square helped preserve African cultural traditions that influenced the later development of New Orleans jazz. 🏆 The book received multiple prestigious awards including the Charlotte Zolotow Award and was named a Caldecott Honor Book in 2017. 📚 Author Carole Boston Weatherford has written over 50 children's books, many focusing on African American historical figures and civil rights themes. 🗺️ Congo Square, now part of Louis Armstrong Park, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and still hosts musical and cultural events today. 🎨 Illustrator R. Gregory Christie is a three-time Coretta Scott King Honor Award winner whose distinctive style is influenced by both African art and modern expressionism.