Education means true emancipation in this powerful story set in the
rural post-Civil War South, written and illustrated by an award-winning
author/artist team.
When Lizzie's parents are granted their freedom from slavery, Mama says
its time for Lizzie and her brother Paul to go to a real school--a new
one, built just for them. Lizzie can't wait. The scraps of learning she
has picked up here and there have just made her hungry for more.
The walk to school is long. Some days it's rainy, or windy, or freezing
cold. Sometimes there are dangers lurking along the way, like angry
white folks with rocks, or mysterious men on horseback. The schoolhouse
is still unpainted, and its very plain, but Lizzie has never seen a
prettier sight. Except for maybe the teacher, Mizz Howard, who has brown
skin, just like her.
They've finally made it to Freedom's School. But will it be strong
enough to stand forever?