In Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves,
Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life, Ashley Bryan imagines the
realities, hopes and passion in the hearts of eleven individuals whose worth
was measured only in dollars and labor by their plantation owner. Bryan drew
inspiration for his moving narrative poems and vibrant artwork from actual
documents of a slave owner’s estate in 1828. Each person’s role on the
plantation is described and then, in a parallel profile, each individual
establishes his or her preferred name, most valuable skills and the “precious
secret” each holds inside – a dream of freedom. In January 2017 Bryan received the Newbery Honor award
and the Coretta Scott King Author and Illustrator awards for this powerful
book. In numerous books for young people throughout his distinguished career,
poet and artist Ashley Bryan has conveyed the richness of African American
culture. Ages 7-12.
