Which Way Freedom (Walker's American History Series for Young People)
#1 of 3 in Obi and Easter Trilogy Series
on Goodreads (119)
What’s inside...
Obi had never forgotten the sounds of his mother's screams on the day he was sold away from her. Making plans to run away to find her was a secret game he played with friend Buka, an old African who lived at the edge of the farm. When the Civil War began, Obi knew it was time to run -- or be sold again. If he was caught, he'd be killed...or worse. But if he stayed, he might never know freedom. In this classic Coretta Scott King Honor Book, a young enslaved man makes a daring run for freedom, then battles to free his people.
Character compass
Obi
Lily
Toby
Discussion points
How do you think Obi felt when he was trying to find freedom? Can you relate to his emotions in any way?
Why do you think having friends and allies like Easter and Nathan was important for Obi during his journey?
What are some of the challenges Obi faced, and how did he overcome them?
How do you think the story would have changed if Obi had made different choices at key moments?
What did you learn about the history of slavery and the fight for freedom from Obi’s story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by asking your child how they felt about the book, and use their emotions to delve deeper into specific scenes or decisions made by the characters.
Relate the historical context of the book to current events to help your child see the relevance of the past in today's world.
Encourage critical thinking by asking your child what they would have done differently if they were in Obi’s shoes.
Discuss the importance of resilience and hope, themes central to Obi’s journey, and how they can be applied in your child's own life.
Praise your child’s insights and thoughts to boost their confidence in expressing ideas and opinions about complex issues.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Obi, demonstrates resilience as he escapes from slavery and navigates through numerous challenges in his quest for freedom.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their own challenges, whether it's solving a hard task or coping with setbacks in daily activities.
Example Lesson: Importance of hope and freedom
Explanation: Throughout the story, Obi's actions are driven by his hope for freedom and a better life, which keeps him moving forward despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of having goals and aspirations, and the positive mindset needed as they work towards achieving their own dreams.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Obi's journey allows readers to empathize with the struggles faced by slaves and understand the deep impact of kindness and cruelty.
Real-World Application: Children learn to empathize with others' experiences and feelings, fostering a sense of compassion and kindness in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Consequences of choices
Explanation: The book illustrates how Obi's decisions, both good and bad, have consequences that affect his life and the lives of others.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that their choices matter and encourage them to think about the potential impacts before making decisions.
Example Lesson: Importance of history and personal identity
Explanation: Through Obi's story, the reader learns about a significant historical period and how understanding one's past can shape one's identity and future.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their own heritage and learn history, helping them build a stronger sense of identity and appreciation for where they come from.