Nearer My Freedom: The Interesting Life of Olaudah Equiano by Himself
Nearer My Freedom: The Interesting Life of Olaudah Equiano by Himself
Nearer My Freedom: The Interesting Life of Olaudah Equiano by Himself
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Description
Description
Millions of Africans were enslaved during the transatlantic slave trade, but few recorded their personal experiences. Olaudah Equiano's The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano is perhaps the most well known of the autobiographies that exist. Using this narrative as a primary source text, authors Monica Edinger and Lesley Younge share Equiano's life story in "found verse," supplemented with annotations to give readers historical context. This poetic approach provides interesting analysis and synthesis, helping readers to better understand the original text. Follow Equiano from his life in Africa as a child to his enslavement at a young age, his travels across the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, his liberation, and his life as a free man.
Critical Reviews
Critical Reviews
"This moving found-verse adaptation of the formerly enslaved Equiano's 1789 memoir makes a seminal work of history accessible to young readers."--New York Times Book Review
-- (3/1/2023 12:00:00 AM)"Monica Edinger and Lesley Younge--former fourth grade co-teachers--brilliantly transform the autobiography into 'found poems' by cutting and rearranging Equiano's original into verse . . . Their deft transformation of Equiano's odyssey is well-equipped to inspire and empower new generations."--starred, Shelf Awareness
-- (3/9/2023 12:00:00 AM)"In this unique work of nonfiction, Edinger and Younge transform the words of Olaudah Equiano's 1789 autobiographical slavery narrative into found-verse poetry. . . . [An] absorbing, singular creation."--starred, Booklist
-- (2/1/2023 12:00:00 AM)"Without losing the source text's emotional heft, Edinger and Younge's visceral poems respectfully provide an effective entry point into the seminal work."--starred, Publishers Weekly
-- (1/30/2023 12:00:00 AM)"Highly readable as well as informative. An excellent way to understand a remarkable individual and his times."--starred, Kirkus Reviews
-- (12/15/2022 12:00:00 AM)"[T]he story makes for compelling reading that moves quickly. . . . This important and unique work introduces this pivotal man to a new audience and will make for interesting classroom discussions."--starred, School Library Journal
-- (4/1/2023 12:00:00 AM)"This flawless and well-composed performance is an invaluable addition to youth collections, giving listeners the important story of a truly remarkable man."--starred, Booklist, audio book published by Listening Library
-- (10/1/2023 12:00:00 AM)"This combination of "found poetry" from Equiano's autobiography and other writings and non-fiction essay reveals the depth of feeling held in Equiano's heart as he suffered through kidnapping, transportation across the ocean to strange countries, and a desperate search to understand his place in a new and strange world. Reviewer Rating: 5"--Children's Literature
-- (1/5/2024 12:00:00 AM)
Publishing Information
Publishing Information
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