Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Powerful tale of enslaved life near end of U.S. Civil War.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
African American brothers Samuel and Joshua are freeborn Black boys who live in a Northern orphanage. When Samuel takes the blame for an offense for which Joshua is suspected, he's taken away, renamed, and sold into slavery. Sent to a slowly failing plantation owned by a Mrs. Allen and her son Gerald, Samuel, now known as "Friday," must learn to work with his fellow enslaved people and pretend that he doesn't know how to read, lest he put them all in mortal danger. Through all kinds of hardship, Samuel perseveres, sure he'll one day be reunited with Joshua.
Is It Any Good?
Finding a new perspective on slavery in America is a daunting task, but author Jon Walter proves more than capable in this sharply detailed and immersive account of one boy's struggle to survive. As freeborn Samuel copes with the enormity of being sold into slavery in Mississippi, his ordeal illuminates the resilience of the human spirit.
There are heroes and scoundrels on both sides of the battle lines, and through thoughtful, suspenseful, and sometimes heartbreaking plotting, MY NAME IS NOT FRIDAY demonstrates the many ways in which hope can shine through the darkest circumstances.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the institution of slavery in America. How has it shaped U.S. history, and how are its ramifications felt today?
Why were enslaved workers forbidden from learning how to read? What did plantation owners think was so dangerous about their literacy?
What strategies did enslaved people use to maintain their sense of self-esteem? Why were religion and music important to so many of them?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Historical Fiction
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : David Fickling Books
- Publication date : January 5, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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