The Emancipation Act, meant to free slaves, was passed in 1863.
Over 50 years later, five year old Robert Sadler and his two sisters were sold as slaves by their father. They were treated as slaves, too. Eventually Robert ran away, but not before suffering terribly—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Although his mother had told him about Jesus, the white people at the plantation said black people had no souls, and therefore would not go to heaven. That lie devastated young Robert, but he experienced Jesus’ help, regardless. Eventually, after a life full of searching, sin, missed opportunities, and narrow escapes, he overcame the horrors and hopelessness of his past. Then God called him to be a preacher.
The Emancipation of Robert Sadler is a story of brutality, terror, and despair told in a dispassionate way. It is also a story of incredible hope and healing, of God’s goodness in the midst of anguish. It is a story of a man, bound for glory, who encouraged others on the way.
You can read an excerpt here.
Suitable for older teens and adults, this book would be a significant addition to a US history study. It also gives added meaning to Bound for Glory, a moving book about African-American spirituals and history.
Disclosure: This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. and is available at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
This is my eighth book in the in the 2012 52 Books in 52 Weeks Challenge.
This sounds like such a powerful book.
It is very powerful. It kept me busy in my dreams, too, but it is also full of hope.