Historical Fiction Feature: Seven Miles to Freedom by Janet Halfmann

Growing up a slave in South Carolina, Robert Smalls always dreamed of the moment freedom would be within his grasp. Now that moment was here.

Robert stood proudly at the Planter’s wheel. Only seven miles of water lay between the ship and the chance of freedom in Union territory. With precision and amazing courage, he navigated past the Confederate forts in the harbor and steered the ship toward the safety of the Union fleet. Just one miscalculation would be deadly, but for Robert, his family, and his crewmates, the risk was worth taking.
Seven Miles to Freedom is the compelling account of the daring escape of Robert Smalls, a slave steamboat wheelman who became one of the Civil War’s greatest heroes. His steadfast courage in the face of adversity is an inspiring model for all who attempt to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Read an excerpt!

In late 1861 freedom suddenly grew closer for Robert and Hannah. The Union navy captured Fort Royal, just down the coast from Charleston. A Union fleet set up a blockade at the entrance to Charleston Harbor. Looking thorough the captain’s field glasses, Robert could see the northern ships. The Union lines and freedom were within reach—only seven miles away.

Read the Reviews!

"The daring Civil War escape of a slave, his crew and their families in a stolen Confederate supply boat receives appropriately inspirational treatment in this new picture book. . . .Smith, a newcomer to picture books, sketches out scenes and characters with broad daubs of oil, creating a sculptural effect that heightens the monumental nature of Smalls's deed. Page turns and textual pacing combine to relate the actual escape with pulse-pounding excitement; readers’ relief at Smalls's success is almost physical. A triumph."

–Kirkus Reviews, starred review


"This book is an excellent vehicle to bring [Smalls's] story to a wider audience. . . .The oil paintings employ thick, bold strokes and deep saturated colors to convey Smalls's strength and determination in successfully delivering his and his crew's family members to freedom."

–School Library Journal

"The story is simply told with the appropriate perspective of the era and the risks taken by the participants. Dramatically illustrated, this book should find a sympathetic audience among young readers and help reestablish in public memory the existence of a remarkable person."

—The Bloomsbury Review, Editor’s Favorite

The Book's Awards:

Starred Review: Kirkus Reviews

Honor Book: Society of School Librarians International

Best Children's Books of the Year: Bank Street College of Education

Editor's Favorites: The Bloomsbury Review

Honor Book: Paterson Prize for Books for Young People

Land of Enchantment Book Award Masterlist: New Mexico Library Association

Beehive Book Awards Nominee: Children's Literature Association of Utah

Reading Circle Program: Missouri State Teachers Association

Purchase Seven Miles to Freedom by Janet Halfmann at:


Lee & Low Books – http://www.leeandlow.com/books/173/hc/seven_miles_to_freedom

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Seven-Miles-Freedom-Robert-Smalls/dp/1600602320/

Barnes and Noble – http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Seven-Miles-to-Freedom/Janet-Halfmann/e/9781600602320/

Teaching guide for Seven Miles to Freedom by the National Museum of American History:

http://americanhistory.si.edu/ourstory/activities/smalls/

Janet Halfmann is an award-winning children’s author who strives to make her books come alive for young readers and listeners. She has written more than thirty fiction and nonfiction books.


Before becoming a children’s author, Janet was a daily newspaper reporter, children’s magazine editor, and a creator of coloring and activity books for Golden Books. She is the mother of four and the grandmother of four. When Janet isn’t writing, she enjoys gardening, exploring nature, visiting living history museums, and spending time with her family. She grew up on a farm in Michigan and now lives in South Milwaukee, WI.


Visit Janet online at:


Website: http://www.janethalfmann.com  


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/janethalfmann  


Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/janethalfmann

Author Spotlight: Donna McDine and The Golden Pathway

High-pitched screams echo each night. David’s cruel Pa always chooses the same victim. Despite the circumstances during slavery, David uncovers courage to defy his Pa.

Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David leads Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.

Read the Excerpt!

He clamped his hands over his ears, but it didn’t block the high-pitched screams from the barn. He knew they would stop. They always did. Yet, the silence scared David even more, knowing Pa would seek a new victim.

Thud. Thud. Pa’s heavy footsteps echoed on the porch.

Clank. The buckle from Pa’s belt hit the floor.

Buzz saw. Pa’s loud snores shook the windowpane.

David grabbed his boots and with shaky hands slid them on. His small size made it easy to hoist himself out the bedroom window and shimmy down the trellis. David did his best not to leave any footprints in Ma’s tomato garden. He made sure each night to leave the straw broom on the front porch leaning against the railing by the garden. David reached over the railing for the broom. He carefully brushed the dirt to hide his footprints, all the while backing out of the garden. Satisfied that he’d covered his tracks, David shook the dirt off the broom and placed it back on the porch.

If Pa found out what he was doing, he’d skin his hide for sure. David loved Pa, but he had to make this stop.

Read what they are saying about The Golden Pathway!

“The best thing about this book is that it raised other questions… Any book that can cause a child to crave more knowledge on a subject is a good one.”
–Lynn’s Reading Corner

“I thought this was a very well written story for children to understand.”
–Chrissy’s World of Books

“Once children have read about David and the part he played in the Underground Railroad, they’ll be eager to find other stories to enhance what they’ve learned in The Golden Pathway.”
–Beverly Stowe McClure, author of Rebel in Blue Jeans, Just Breeze, and Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines

“A tale sure to inspire anyone who doubts their own courage”.
–Lori Calabrese, author of The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade

“The Golden Pathway is a story about courage and friendship.”
–Renee Hand, author of The Crypto-Capers series and the award-winning, The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill: Case #1: The Great Pie Catastrophe

"I highly recommend the Golden Pathway to teachers, parents, and children. The story will be a valuable part of any classroom studying slavery in the US. In addition to being a good introduction to the history and life of the time, it will generate good discussion about the era, making it a valuable addition for libraries."
--A. R. Silverberry, award-winning author of Wyndano's Cloak

"This is definitely a book I would share with my children to help teach them what it means to care about other people."
--Debbie's Book Bag

"A great book that shows friendship and compassion even in children. I'm happy to add it to my children's reading shelves."
--A Moment with Mystee

Donna McDine is an award-winning children’s author, Honorable Mention in the 77th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. Donna’s stories and features have been published in many print and online publications, and her first book, The Golden Pathway, will be published through Guardian Angel Publishing. Ms. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, Musing Our Children, and The National Writing for Children Center. Learn more about Donna at http://www.donnamcdine.com/ if you sign the guestbook, you’ll receive a FREE e-Book Write What Inspires You: Author Interviews, and http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/  and http://www.thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/.