Fall 2024

Freedom Braids

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

Gather the midnight strands,
tend the roots that gave you life,
weave hopes into pathways—
paths that lead you home.


Day after day, Nemy sows seeds, pulls weeds, and strips leaves in the sugarcane plantation where she is enslaved. But one night, she follows a woman called Big Mother to a hidden shack. There, she finds a group of women braiding each other’s hair. But these are no ordinary braids. Hidden in each elaborate pattern is a secret—a message signaling their intent to flee and a map to guide them in their escape. Will the paths these courageous women weave bring Nemy to a new home where she can be free?

A picture book of love, liberation, and legacy inspired by the true story of enslaved African women in Colombia braiding maps to freedom.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-915244-80-2
$14.24
978-1-915244-82-6
$23.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books
Category Diverse Books: Race & Ethnicity, Diverse Books: Social Justice, Diversity, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2024
Publisher Lantana Publishing
Imprint Lantana Publishing
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2024-09-10
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV016010, JUV011010, JUV030040
Dewey [E]
Dimensions 10 x 10
Guided Reading Level S
Features Author/Illustrator note, Original artwork, Reviewed, and Teaching Guides

Author: Monique Duncan

Monique Duncan is an American author of Jamaican descent who aims to inspire and affirm children through her books. Her book When Mama Braids My Hair was nominated for the Ezra Jack Keats Award. She lives in New York City.

Illustrator: Oboh Moses

Oboh Moses is a black digital illustrator who has been passionate about art since he was seven years old. In 2021, his work was selected for the American Illustration 40th Anniversary Annual. He lives and works in Lagos, Nigeria.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

Freedom Braids

Gather the midnight strands, tend the roots that gave you life, weave hopes into pathways— paths that lead you home. Day after day, Nemy sows seeds, pulls weeds, and strips leaves in the sugarcane plantation where she is enslaved.… View available downloads →

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

“A poignant tale of courage and resistance and of long-standing cultural traditions.”—Kirkus Reviews