The Slave Dancer by Paula Fox

The Slave Dancer by Paula Fox

Date of Medal: 1974

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 127

Lexile: 970 (according to Scholastic Bookwizard)

What students might like this? Reluctant readers, students interested in history, students who want to see slavery through a personal lens, students interested in sailing.

                This might be one of the smallest Newbery Award books I’ve read to date. The plot centers around a young boy named Jessie. Jessie is 13 year old boy who helps his family by playing his fife on the street. While not a carefree life he seems genuinely happy. Jessie is kidnapped by a slaving ship and forced to join their crew. While sailing, he befriends two sailors Ben Stout and Clay Purvis. Throughout the book, Jessie learns that while someone may be outwardly friendly it is important to discern their inner nature. This is an excellent book for discussing characterization. Jessie narrates some of his confusion over whether Ben Stout is a kind or evil character. Ben Stouts words are kind, but his actions tell a different story altogether.  The author paints a vivid image of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Characterization throughout this book helps young writers to see that characters don’t have to be archetypal but can be painted in shades of grey.

                This book also discusses in depth the emotional turmoil that Jessie faces about slavery. He feels guilt about his actions towards the slaves but then he also expresses hatred and disgust. Page 69 is a very provocative inner monologue in which Jessie describes this hatred. It would be an excellent starting point for how good people can let evils exist in society.  

                The Slave Dancer would be an excellent read during a unit about slavery. One note of caution; though, is that it describes the raw cruelties of slavery and the emotions that accompany it for a thirteen year old boy. Slaves are beaten, starved, thrown overboard alive, and dressed up. This book gets under your skin mentally and emotionally without being overly graphic.

                Other historical fiction about slavery includes Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson,  The Wagon by Tony Johnston, and Freedom Crossing by Margaret Goff Clark. It might also be interesting to read historical documents about The Amistad. The Amistad was a slaving ship that the Africans on board took over. They then had to fight for their freedom in the US court system in 1839. You can find some historical documents on The Amistad here: http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/amistad/.

                The ending of the book is very true to life neither joyous nor sorrowful. The crew dies in a storm. Only Jessie and one African boy, Ras, survive. They are then left to build what life they can for themselves in America. This book is a poignant emotionally charged journey leaving the reader with only a sense of calm at the end.

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