Prisoner for Liberty

August 1, 2008
Gr 2-4-This easy reader presents an episode from the life of an African American who took part in the American Revolution. The son of free African-American parents, 15-year-old James Forten was proud to be fighting for freedom from Great Britain. When the ship that he served on was captured, he was taken aboard the British warship "Amphion" as a prisoner, where he befriended the captain's son during a game of marbles. Impressed with Forten's bravery and kindness, Captain Bazely offered him an education and privileged life in Britain. Forten was no traitor, however, and chose the prison ship, where he spent seven months under terrible conditions. A preface and afterword supply more details about Forten's life before and after the war. Although there may be fictionalization, a bibliography with primary sources suggests the depth of the author's research. Orback's paintings add to the narrative's dramatic moments and provide period details, though the figures sometimes appear stiff. Forten's life has been covered at a slightly higher reading level in Eloise Greenfield's "How They Got Over: African Americans and the Call of the Sea" (HarperCollins, 2003). Figley's accessible account will prove useful in studies of the American Revolution and African-American history."Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR"

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