Amos Fortune, Free Man

Amos Fortune, Free Man chronicles the life of an African prince born in 1710, who is captured and sold into slavery in colonial America. After being renamed Amos, he serves multiple masters in New England while maintaining his dignity and determination to become free. Through decades of hard work as a tanner, Amos pursues his goal of purchasing freedom - not only for himself, but for others. He develops his craft, establishes his own business, and builds a life in New Hampshire despite numerous obstacles. The story follows Amos from youth to old age, documenting his marriages, his business dealings, and his quest to own property. His journey takes him from the coast of New England to the town of Jaffrey, where he seeks to establish himself as a respected craftsman. This biographical novel explores themes of perseverance, personal dignity, and the meaning of freedom in early American society. It stands as a testament to one man's refusal to let his circumstances determine his destiny.

Most readers found this biography to be educational but sanitized. Parents and teachers report it helps introduce slavery to middle-grade students in an accessible way. Readers appreciated: - Clear, straightforward writing style - Focus on Fortune's determination and dignity - Historical details about colonial New England - Themes of perseverance and faith Common criticisms: - Oversimplifies complex issues around slavery - Outdated 1950s perspective on race - Lacks emotional depth - Some historical inaccuracies - Uses stereotypical language A teacher on Goodreads noted: "The book avoids the brutal realities of slavery, making it feel incomplete as historical fiction." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (280+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 Many teachers pair this book with more contemporary slave narratives to provide broader context. Several reviewers recommend it as a "gentle introduction" to the topic while acknowledging its limitations in addressing slavery's harsh realities.

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To Be a Slave by Julius Lester Through firsthand accounts and narratives, this book presents the experiences of enslaved people from capture through emancipation and beyond.

Master of Mahogany by Faith Ringgold The story follows the life of a freed slave who becomes a master furniture maker in colonial America, reflecting themes of craftsmanship and perseverance.

Letters from a Slave Girl by Mary E. Lyons Based on true events, this narrative tells the story of Harriet Jacobs through her letters as she transforms from an enslaved person to a free woman.

Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman by Dorothy Sterling This biography details Harriet Tubman's path from slavery to her work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad and her continued fight for freedom.

🔸 The book won the 1951 Newbery Medal for excellence in American children's literature, marking Elizabeth Yates as the first New Hampshire author to receive this prestigious award. 🔸 Amos Fortune lived to be 91 years old, passing away in 1801, and his gravestone still stands in the Jaffrey Center Cemetery in New Hampshire. 🔸 As a tanner in colonial America, Amos Fortune practiced a highly valued trade - leather was essential for everything from shoes to bookbinding, making tanners among the most important craftsmen in early American settlements. 🔸 The book's subject, Amos Fortune, purchased not only his own freedom but also that of several others, including his wives, demonstrating extraordinary generosity despite his circumstances. 🔸 Upon gaining his freedom at age 60, Fortune established his own tannery business in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, where he became a respected businessman and left money in his will to establish the town's first school fund.