Journey of Little Charlie, The

When 12-year-old Charlie’s father dies in an accident he is responsible for a family debt to the neighbouring plantation owner and must accompany the plantation’s overseer on a business trip. When young Charlie realizes that their purpose is to capture escaped slaves, he questions his view of the world as he witnesses the reality of slavery and oppression, especially when he sees the child of the slaves who is about his age. This novel for grades 4-8 can be used, with teacher guidance, as part of a unit on human rights and freedoms, or as an individual choice for mature readers with advanced reading skills. Social considerations noted.