Freewater (2023)

Newbery Award Medal Winner - 2023

Freewater tells the story of enslaved siblings, 12-year old Homer and his 7-year old sister Ada who, in their quest for freedom, get separated from their mother. They escape from "slave catchers" by plunging into the river. Afterward, they meet Suleman, who takes them to the swamp community of Freewater. In Freewater, Homer and Ada have found freedom and new friends like Billy, Sanzi, and Sanzi's older sister Juna. While Homer gets used to his newfound freedom, he can't help but miss his mom and his best friend Anna, whom he left behind. Will he and his friends be able to rescue them and protect their new home from danger?

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.