UNDER THE FREEDOM TREE

Myra Lucretia Taylor’s dramatic performance successfully delivers the powerful message about freedom in this prose poem for children. During the Civil War, three slaves flee north to Virginia, where they’re protected as “contraband of war” and begin a new life. Taylor’s expert modulations in pacing and tone, along with breathless whispers in moments of suspense, capture the fear and heightened emotions of the escape. Smooth and confident articulation conveys the free men’s jubilation when the story culminates with the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. This engaging and educational recording includes background on the story’s events and the significance of the Freedom Tree, in addition to a read-along. M.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2014]