There is no question as to why this book was a Caldecott Honor book. The illustrations and perspective alone in this book are so interesting, diverse and fun. I love how they show how contorted Henry was while his box was upside down and the struggle on the the little part of his face we could see. I loved how it showed the cut out of what Henry was thinking while the men on the outside were sitting on him. Such a fun play on the illustration and what a great jumping off point for lessons on inference.
The story though was both sad and uplifting. It was sad that his wife and children were sent off, never to be seen again without a goodbye. This alone is a great discussion point for children, what would it be like if today were the last they would have been to see someone they loved.
Yet Henry's freedom (and another new way in which I've never read about how slaves got free) is very positive. He had to make sacrifices and put himself in danger but it is what he wanted.
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