Grade 2–5History & Social Justice

Henry's Freedom Box

A True Story from the Underground Railroad

Written by Ellen Levine

Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Based on the true story of Henry 'Box' Brown, an enslaved man who mailed himself to freedom in a wooden crate in 1849. This powerful picture book follows Henry from his earliest memories of slavery through his daring, dangerous escape — and the moment he breathed free air for the first time.

View Teacher Guide

From the Library Director

Kadir Nelson's illustrations are among the most powerful in all of children's literature, and Ellen Levine's spare, precise text makes this story land with full weight. This is essential reading for any classroom studying American history, civil rights, or the meaning of freedom. Have tissues nearby.

Big Idea

Freedom is worth any risk — and the courage of one person's story can change how we see history forever.

Discussion Questions

1
What did it mean to be enslaved? How did Henry's life as an enslaved person differ from the lives of free people around him?
2
Henry had no birthday because enslaved people were not allowed to know when they were born. Why do you think that was? What does a birthday represent?
3
When Henry's family was sold away from him, how did he feel? Have you ever been separated from someone you love? How did it feel?
4
What was Henry's plan to escape? What made it so dangerous? What do you think gave him the courage to try?
5
What does the word 'freedom' mean to Henry in this story? What does it mean to you?
6
How do Kadir Nelson's illustrations help you understand Henry's emotions? Which illustration affected you the most and why?
7
Why is it important that we know Henry's story? What can we learn from it today?
8
Henry gave himself a new middle name — 'Box' — to remember his journey. If you could give yourself a name that represented something important about your life, what would it be?

Activity: What Freedom Means to Me

Students reflect on Henry's journey and connect it to their own understanding of freedom — through writing, art, and discussion.

1
Think about what Henry had to give up and what he risked to be free. Write two to three sentences describing what freedom meant to Henry based on evidence from the book.
2
Now write two to three sentences about what freedom means to you. What freedoms do you have that Henry did not? What freedoms do you think everyone deserves?
3
Draw a 'freedom box' — not a crate, but a box that represents something important you would carry with you if you had to start over somewhere new. Label each item and explain why you chose it.
4
Share your freedom box with a partner. Discuss: what do your choices say about what matters most to you? What do they have in common with Henry's story?

Standards Connections

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.3 — Describe characters and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.3 — Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1 — Write opinion pieces supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1 — Engage effectively in collaborative discussions with diverse partners.
Social Studies — Understand the causes and consequences of slavery in American history and the Underground Railroad.
Social-Emotional Learning — Develop empathy, perspective-taking, and an understanding of social justice and human dignity.