Literature & Fiction
![Amina Luqman-Dawson - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B00202PM2M.jpg)
Freewater (Newbery & Coretta Scott King Award Winner)
Winner of the John Newbery Medal
Winner of the Coretta Scott King Author Award
An Indiebound Bestseller
Award-winning author Amina Luqman-Dawson pens a lyrical, accessible historical middle-grade novel about two enslaved children's escape from a plantation and the many ways they find freedom.
Under the cover of night, twelve-year-old Homer flees Southerland Plantation with his little sister Ada, unwillingly leaving their beloved mother behind. Much as he adores her and fears for her life, Homer knows there's no turning back, not with the overseer on their trail. Through tangled vines, secret doorways, and over a sky bridge, the two find a secret community called Freewater, deep in the swamp.
In this society created by formerly enslaved people and some freeborn children, Homer finds new friends, almost forgetting where he came from. But when he learns of a threat that could destroy Freewater, he crafts a plan to find his mother and help his new home.
Deeply inspiring and loosely based on the history of maroon communities in the South, this is a striking tale of survival, adventure, friendship, and courage.
Winner of the Coretta Scott King Author Award
An Indiebound Bestseller
Award-winning author Amina Luqman-Dawson pens a lyrical, accessible historical middle-grade novel about two enslaved children's escape from a plantation and the many ways they find freedom.
Under the cover of night, twelve-year-old Homer flees Southerland Plantation with his little sister Ada, unwillingly leaving their beloved mother behind. Much as he adores her and fears for her life, Homer knows there's no turning back, not with the overseer on their trail. Through tangled vines, secret doorways, and over a sky bridge, the two find a secret community called Freewater, deep in the swamp.
In this society created by formerly enslaved people and some freeborn children, Homer finds new friends, almost forgetting where he came from. But when he learns of a threat that could destroy Freewater, he crafts a plan to find his mother and help his new home.
Deeply inspiring and loosely based on the history of maroon communities in the South, this is a striking tale of survival, adventure, friendship, and courage.
Editorial Reviews
"In Freewater, Amina Luqman Dawson shines a bright light on a little-known piece of history. Set against a forbidding landscape, the bright promise of freedom is illuminated in all its myriad shapes and forms. And it couldn't be more timely. Solidly researched and beautifully written, this is storytelling at its finest. Dawson's voice and the voices of her cast will linger long after the last page is closed."―Kathi Appelt, National Book Award Finalist and Newbery Honor Winner
"A compelling, gripping story told in an imaginative and lyrical way, Freewater is a moving, powerful homage to the men, women, and children who rejected slavery and dared invent a free life in the American wilderness."―Dr. Sylviane A. Diouf, author of Slavery's Exiles: The Story of the American Maroons
"What a gorgeously told, thrilling, and deeply empowering story. Amina brings to life so vividly this important but overlooked chapter in history, in a way that all readers can relate to - and through the eyes of young characters so compelling you'll miss them when you put the book down. Not that you'll want to put it down, even for a second."―Meena Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"With both stirring emotion and apparently effortless skill, Dawson braids the many compelling strands of this story into a stunning conclusion. A remarkable accomplishment-a sheer triumph of a book."―Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medal winner and New York Times bestselling author
"This is detailed and well-researched historical fiction. The characters are varied, complex, and fully realized. . . .The page-turning action will engage readers as the story reaches a satisfying conclusion. An exceptional addition to the resistance stories of enslaved people."―Kirkus, starred review
"Skillfully drawing memorable characters and moving them towards an exciting, heartfelt resolution, Luqman-Dawson does not shy away from the realities of slavery. This lyrical st...
"A compelling, gripping story told in an imaginative and lyrical way, Freewater is a moving, powerful homage to the men, women, and children who rejected slavery and dared invent a free life in the American wilderness."―Dr. Sylviane A. Diouf, author of Slavery's Exiles: The Story of the American Maroons
"What a gorgeously told, thrilling, and deeply empowering story. Amina brings to life so vividly this important but overlooked chapter in history, in a way that all readers can relate to - and through the eyes of young characters so compelling you'll miss them when you put the book down. Not that you'll want to put it down, even for a second."―Meena Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"With both stirring emotion and apparently effortless skill, Dawson braids the many compelling strands of this story into a stunning conclusion. A remarkable accomplishment-a sheer triumph of a book."―Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medal winner and New York Times bestselling author
"This is detailed and well-researched historical fiction. The characters are varied, complex, and fully realized. . . .The page-turning action will engage readers as the story reaches a satisfying conclusion. An exceptional addition to the resistance stories of enslaved people."―Kirkus, starred review
"Skillfully drawing memorable characters and moving them towards an exciting, heartfelt resolution, Luqman-Dawson does not shy away from the realities of slavery. This lyrical st...
Readers Top Reviews
HostesswithapurposeS
I bought the book to read with my grandchildren who are 7 and 9 on my visit. Captivating and an easy read. I love imagining the characters. I bought it in audible, kindle and hardbook. I had to leave them but I am halfway through it and still loving it.
Shawnoge
Heard about the book on NPR & couldn’t wait to get my hands & 👀 on it; oh yeah and my kids. Is based on the true stories on enslaved people living a free life away from the cruelty of the slave owners. A story of hope, perseverance, and humanity…history is vital!! All children should read.
TLD
A must read for any late elementary/middle school student. An emotional and beautifully written story of resistance. Highly rec!
Hope Jones
Sometimes you read a book and you realize very early into it that you are experiencing something special. This is that book. From the beginning of Freewater, I was fully immersed in the world and completely invested in these characters. I realize it's too early to call, but I can't imagine another middle grade book topping this one for me this year. The characters, the story, the community, the heart, gah! A book that pulled all my heartstrings and that will stay with me for a long time. Surely this one is going to bring home some awards. SURELY.
Shopper123
This book is a Newbery award winner but does not have a sticker… how do I get a sticker for my book?
