Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles

Title: Freedom Summer
Author: Deborah Wiles
Illustrator: Jarome Laqarrique
Publisher / Date: Simon & Schuster / 2005
Genre: Historical fiction; picture book
Themes: Civil Rights, friendship, discrimination, segregation, history
Summary:  Joe and his friend, John Henry enjoy spending the summer together as buddies. These good friends are alike in a lot of ways and enjoy many of the same things, like playing marbles and swimming. Set in 1964 in Mississippi, Joe and John Henry experience first hand the effects of discrimination. The boys decide to go swimming at the pool only to discover that John Henry is not allowed because of the color of his skin.  They become hopeful once the Civil Rights Act is passed but quickly learn that the new law will not bring on instant change.
Curriculum Connections: Grades 2-5: Social Studies, Civil Rights
Personal Note: I attended a recent author visit by Deborah Wiles in which she explained that this story is a work of fiction but it is based on events from her own life. This is a moving story appropriately written for children about this historic time in our nation's history. 

Naming Liberty by Jane Yolen

Title: Naming Liberty
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Jim Burke
Publisher / Date: Philomel / 2008
Genre: Historical Fiction, Picture Book
Themes: History, Freedom, Immigrants, Social Studies
Summary: Yolen weaves parallel stories in this beautifully illustrated picture book. While telling the true story of how the Statue of Liberty was built, she also tells the story of a young Jewish girl from Ukraine and how her family came to America. As they journey to the new land of freedom, she ponders what her American name will sound like. She is welcomed to America first by the Statue of Liberty and decides to share her name: Liberty, or Libby, for short. 
Curriculum Connections: Upper Elementary: Social Studies (coming to America, religious freedom, significance of the gift of the Statue of Liberty and how and why it was made) 
Notes: The parallel story format of this book may be confusing to younger readers, but provides a fantastic historical picture for upper elementary students.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

Title: Esperanza Rising
Author: Pam Munoz Ryan
Publisher / Date: Scholastic / 2002
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Themes: Overcoming the odds, Mexican Revolution, Great Depression
Summary: Esperanza is the only child of a wealthy Mexican farmer. During the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution her father is killed. Esperanza and her mother face many hardships and tragedy which leads them to seek new life in California as they work and live at Mexican farm labor camp. Esparanza is challenged to find a strength she didn't know she had to care for her mother and herself in a new place during the Great Depression.
Curriculum Connections: Social Studies / History: Grades 4-8: Mexican Revolution, Great Depression
Notes: This book is categorized "YA" or "Teen" but would also be appropriate for ages 9+. Pam Munoz Ryan's website has some great links for curriculum connections on the Mexican Revolution, recipes that pertain to the story, discussion guide for the book, and teacher and student notes from the author. http://www.pammunozryan.com/esper.html

Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan by Mary Williams

Title: Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan
Author: Mary Williams
Illustrator: R. Gregory Christie
Publisher / Date: Lee & Low Books, Inc / 2005
Genre: Fiction, Picture Book
Themes: Refugees, Hope, Africa, war, orphans
Summary: Based on a true story. During the aftermath of a civil war in Sudan, an 8 year old boy walks in search of safety to Ethiopia and Kenya with other orphaned boys. Together they find courage and hope to survive. They eventually end up in the US. 
Curriculum Connections: Grades 3-6 Social Studies: History, Africa, Cultures, Refugees; Character Traits: Courage, Diligence, Inner Strength 
Notes: Amazing story appropriately written for children.

Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine

Title: Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad
Author: Ellen Levine
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Publisher / Date: Scholastic / 2007
Genre: Historical Fiction, Picture Book
Themes: Historical fiction, Slavery
Summary: Henry is a slave who takes a risk in search of freedom by hiding in a shipping box and mailing himself to a northern free state.
Curriculum Connections: Grades 2-5 Social Studies: Slavery, Underground Railroad
Notes: The title suggests this is a true story but it is listed as fiction, which may confuse some readers. Click below to access a free lesson plan about the underground railroad using this book from Scholastic.
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=32442
Click below for a letter to students from the illustrator.
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=38913