Freewater

Under the cover of night, twelve-year-old Homer flees Southerland Plantation with his little sister Ada, unwillingly leaving their beloved mother behind. Much as he adores her and fears for her life, Homer knows there’s no turning back, not with the overseer on their trail. Through tangled vines, secret doorways, and over a sky bridge, the two find a secret community called Freewater, deep in the swamp.

In this society created by formerly enslaved people and some freeborn children, Homer finds new friends, almost forgetting where he came from. But when he learns of a threat that could destroy Freewater, he crafts a plan to find his mother and help his new home.

Deeply inspiring and loosely based on the history of maroon communities in the South, this is a striking tale of survival, adventure, friendship, and courage.

Language of Document: English

Title: Freewater  

Author: Amina Luqman-Dawson

Name of award: Newbery Medal Winner, 2023

Name of award: Coretta Scott King Author Award Winner, 2023

Publication Statement: New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2022.

Subject: African Americans/ Slavery/ Siblings/ Communities