This is the story of a man who was captured from Africa, the son of a king. He was given the name Amos, because no one could understand his native tongue. Through God's grace, he was educated and taught two trades. Eventually, he was able to buy his freedom. That is only half the story. The book clearly shows the way that he was looked down upon, because of his race, but it also shows his godly response. Amos was a man who worked his whole life to give freedom to others, to better his situation, and to do all of this while listening to the Lord. He knew that he was not a slave, because he knew freedom in his Heavenly Father. May all of us live such lives. I read this book and allowed my 12 year old son to read it, as well. I recommend it for ages 12 and above, because of the subjects of slavery, racism, the deaths of certain characters, and more difficult vocabulary.

the book is very good so far( up to chapter three) its a good book for your home library.

This novel was well crafted, but it persuaded my 12 year old to think that an enslaved man would be fine with turning down offers of freedom. Therefore I do not recommend this book by Elizabeth Yates. A better option be an autobiographical account from someone who experienced slavery, such as John P. Parker, who told his own story in the book His Promised Land.