Independent Reading Reflection #7

Freedom Over Me by Ashley Bryan is a compelling historical fiction picture book that
explores the lives of enslaved individuals who worked on a plantation in the United States during
the 18th century. Through powerful illustrations and moving poetry, the book tells the stories of
eleven enslaved men and women who had been sold at an auction and the value their owners
placed on them. Ashley Bryan's book sheds light on the brutal reality of slavery, but also
highlights the strength and resilience of the individuals who were subjected to it.
One teaching idea that could be used in the classroom when reading Freedom Over Me is
to have students explore the historical context of the book. This could include examining primary
sources such as newspaper articles and advertisements for slave auctions, as well as studying the
historical events and laws that contributed to the establishment and maintenance of slavery in the
United States. Students could also research the lives of individuals who were enslaved during
this time period and compare and contrast their experiences with those depicted in the book.
Another teaching idea is to have students create their own poems or stories inspired by
the book. Students could use the format of the book, with each character's story told in a poem,
or they could explore different narrative structures. This activity could be an opportunity for
students to reflect on the themes and messages conveyed in the book, as well as to develop their
own writing skills.
When it comes to connections between the book and the teaching of writing, one aspect
to focus on is the power of poetry. Freedom Over Me uses poetry to convey complex emotions
and experiences in a way that is both accessible and impactful. Students could learn about
different poetic forms and devices used in the book, such as metaphor and repetition, and apply
these techniques to their own writing. Additionally, the book's emphasis on individual voices and
perspectives can inspire students to explore their own unique voices and viewpoints in their
writing.
The book also provides an opportunity to explore the use of illustration in storytelling.
The vivid and evocative illustrations in Freedom Over Me help to bring the characters and their
experiences to life. Students could learn about different techniques used in illustrating picture
books, such as color palettes and composition, and use these techniques in their own artwork.
They could also explore the ways in which illustrations can work in tandem with text to convey
meaning and emotion.
Freedom Over Me could be used to prompt discussions about social justice and human
rights. The book's exploration of the lives of enslaved individuals can help to spark conversations
about historical and contemporary issues related to race and oppression. Students could explore
the ways in which slavery and its legacy continue to impact society today, and brainstorm ways
in which they can work towards a more just and equitable future.
In conclusion, Freedom Over Me by Ashley Bryan is a powerful and thought-provoking
book that can be used in the classroom to explore a wide range of themes and topics related to
history, writing, and social justice. By examining the historical context of the book, creating their
own poetry and stories, exploring the use of illustration in storytelling, and engaging in
discussions about social justice, students can deepen their understanding of these important
issues and develop their own critical thinking and writing skills.