Meet Addy by Connie Porter

Porter, Connie. Meet Addy. Middleton, WI: Pleasant Company Publications, 1993. 78 pages $6.95 ISBN 9781562470753

Plot Summary: Addy and her mother escape from the plantation on which they are slaves after Addy's father and brother are sold to another master. Addy, only nine-years-old, and her mother must leave Esther in the care of other slaves in order to escape. Separated on their way to a safe house, Addy worries she will never see her mother again and whether they will make it to Philadelphia.

Critical Evaluation: Rereading this book as an adult I am even more drawn to Addy's character. The book is so powerful and emotional, even when geared towards younger readers. I forgot that they have to leave Esther, Addy's baby sister, with other slaves in order to escape. This really caught me and I was surprised by the tragedy of the book. Although the subject is intense and tragic, it is necessary that kids learn about this time in our history.

Reader's Annotation: Nine-year-old Addy and her mother make the perilous journey from their plantation in the south to Philadelphia on foot.

Author Bio: Connie Porter grew up in a housing project, the second youngest of nine kids. She earned degrees from both SUNY Albany and Louisiana State University and has taught English and creative writing at Milton Academy, Emerson College and Southern Illinois University. Connie has published several books for children and young adults including the Addy Walker series for American Girl/Pleasant Company, and modern day fiction. Connie currently lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties: A great choice for pairing with Civil War/Slavery studies.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about not only the dangers and hardships of traveling hundreds of miles on foot, but also the terror of being caught and brought back to slavery.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 8 and up, Grade 2 and up.

Challenges: The subject matter is very intense and emotional, and may be too much for some kids to handle.

Reason for including: I was a BIG American Girl fan when I was a kid, and Addy was one of my favorites. I still have my Addy doll. This seemed like an essential pick for tweens, at least tween girls. I read the books until I was thirteen.