Unbound: A Novel in Verse

Grace has grown up in slavery. As difficult as life on the Virginia plantation is, at least she has her family: Momma, her younger brothers, Thomas and Willy, Aunt Sara, and Uncle Jim. When she overhears Master and Mistress plotting to sell her brothers, she and her family decide to run away that same night. But without time to plan their escape and go north along the Underground Railroad, their only choice is to head deep into the woods of the Dismal Swamp — a remote wilderness, filled with wild animals; daily searches for food, water, and shelter; and the ever present anxiety of being caught.

Historians have recently discovered evidence of the Dismal Swamp, and a community of slaves who sought refuge there. Ann Burg's unflinching story, written in her signature luminous verse, sheds light on this little-known story and the courage of a people who risked everything for the chance to be free.

Author: Ann E. Burg was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to New Jersey when she was in the third grade. Her earliest book, bound in brown construction paper and red yarn, was entitled Pomes and contained short but memorable stanzas dedicated to her baby brother and her favorite doll. An English teacher for more than 10 years, Ann pursued her interest in writing throughout her teaching career and had several articles published in newspapers throughout New York and New Jersey. She continued to write stories, plays and lullabies for her siblings, her students and eventually her own children. In 2003, Ann finally decided to leave teaching and write full time. She now lives in Rhinebeck, New York with her husband, her children and one exceedingly cute but ill-behaved dog. Visit her website at annburg.com.

Publisher: Scholastic Press, 2016

ISBN: 9780545934275

Recommended for ages 8-12