47

Starred review from May 16, 2005
This thought-provoking, genre-bending account of one slave's emancipation, Mosley's (Fear Itself
) first book for young adults, makes for harrowing reading. The narrator, called simply by his number, 47, recalls his life as an enslaved teen on a Georgia plantation in 1832, occasionally interjecting the wisdom he has gleaned in the intervening years. At the "most likely" age of 14 ("Slaves... didn't have ages like the white people did," he explains), 47 is sent to the fields to pick cotton. His life in the slave quarters begins with having his number literally branded on his shoulder in a brutal scene, which palpably captures the cruelty of the period. Mosley's novel is more than a work of historical fiction, however—47 starts off by explaining that these events "happened over a hundred and seventy years ago," and hints that something supernatural is coming. It arrives in the person of "Tall John from beyond Africa," who masquerades as a runaway from a neighboring farm, but who is, in fact, an extraterrestrial searching the galaxy for 47. Those familiar with African-American folklore will recognize him as a variant of High John the Conqueror, a spirit who ultimately sets the slaves free. "Neither master nor nigger be," Tall John repeatedly tells 47, who must unlearn a lifetime of subservience in order to grasp the nature of freedom and its relationship to responsibility. Equal parts history and tall tale, this engaging story related by an endearing narrator is so full of dramatic tension that few readers will realize they're learning something, too. Ages 12-up.

September 1, 2005
Gr 6-10 -Esteemed adult mystery writer Walter Mosley has written a compelling story (Little, 2005) for young adults about life on a Georgia plantation in 1832, including a futuristic interpretation of the slave trickster tale, -High John the Conqueror. - The late actor Ossie Davis narrates with authority in his distinctive, rich baritone, imparting dignity and vivacity to each of the characters using subtle changes in his gravelly voice. Slaves often didn't have real names, but were called by their assigned numbers. A slight boy of 14, Forty-seven is sent to live in the slave quarters and to work in the cotton fields after having lived under the protection of another slave since he was orphaned at birth. Forty-seven meets and becomes friends with a young runaway slave, Tall John, whose constant refrain to the teen is -neither master nor nigger be. - Tall John explains that he came from another world in a sun ship hundreds of years ago to find 47, who is destined to save the world. After the plantation owner's daughter falls ill, Tall John convinces him that he can find herbs in the woods to save her. When they take too long to return, a fight ensues and harsh punishments are meted out. Subsequently, Tall John and and Forty-seven try to organize an escape to freedom. Mosley brilliantly documents the day-to-day life of slaves. The story is built on the themes of friendship, loyalty, freedom, and responsibility. Where it seems to falter and become confusing is in the futuristic plot of other worlds and battles to come. Perhaps that hints at a sequel and might be a good hook for young adults. A good listen for those who want a solid historical fiction story about American slavery, and for fans of Nancy Farmer and Gary Paulsen's "Nightjohn" and "Transall Saga". -"Jo-Ann Carhart, East Islip Public, NY"

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