Samuel's Choice [Hardcover]

Richard Berleth (Author), James Watling (Illustrator)

Book Description

Grade Level: 3 and up

The year is 1776, the place, Brooklyn, New York, and slaves who work for a British-sympathizing mill owner are troubled. One slave in particular, fourteen-year-old Samuel, listens to his outspoken friend Sana and wonders about freedom.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Fact and fiction are woven together seamlessly to create this richly textured story of a 14-year-old black slave during the early days of the American Revolution. Samuel works from dawn to dark in the Brooklyn flour mill owned by the stingy, strict Isaac van Ditmas. When ferrying his master's wife and daughter to Staten Island, Samuel gazes at the soaring seagulls and wonders what it would be like to be free. A very effective parallel emerges as Samuel and van Ditmas's other slaves hear the sounds of drums, fifes and cannons driftng across the water from Manhattan, signaling the colonists' determination to win their freedom from England. Samuel seizes an opportunity to come to their aid, and performs a heroic act that enables General Washington's weary troops to escape from the victorious British after the Battle of Long Island. Samuel's first-person narrative is at once affecting and informative, making this a history lesson that readers will absorb with their hearts as well as their minds. Filled with the strife of wartime, Watling's dramatic paintings enhance the story's power. Ages 8-11.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-6-- Berleth describes in simple, undramatic language the story of Samuel, a black 14-year-old who belongs to a Dutch Tory in 1776 Brooklyn and whose life is one of heavy labor. He longs for freedom, and his flagging courage is renewed by his fiery friend Sana, a fellow slave. Samuel watches as Washington's ragged army marches forth to engage the British on Long Island. In the midst of a furious storm he makes the decision to take his owner's boat across the East River, dragging a rope to guide the army across to Manhattan, and the rebels escape. Thus, this dark low point in American history is transformed into a triumph, as Samuel earns his freedom. Watling's watercolors on almost every page give chilling life to a despairing rebel army. Samuel's initial uncertainty and his later resolution are beautifully portrayed. If students say history is boring, give them this book. --Ruth Semrau, Lovejoy School, Allen, TX
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (January 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807572187
• ISBN-13: 978-0807572184
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,074,421 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, February 6, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Samuel's Choice (Hardcover)

This book was amazing! Never before has the Revolutionary War been so colorfully illustrated. I am now officially fan of Richard Berleth and have taken to reading all of his works. I only hope that he will write again soon.

2 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Samuel's Choice, May 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Samuel's Choice (Hardcover)

I read this book with a group of fifth graders. I find fault with the book because it is presented to students as fact when it is a work of fiction. More should be made of fact. Students come away from the book with the wrong impression.