The Story of Jonas, by Maurine F. Dahlberg tells the story of an eleven-year-old boy who is enslaved on a plantation in Missouri. He is forced to go on a trip to the goldfields in the Kansas territory with Master William's immature 24-year-old son, Percy. On the trip, Jonas learns what it feels like to be treated with respect when he meets Mr. Quincy and Miss Skye. He also secretly learns to read and write. After overhearing that his friend from the plantation was killed while trying to escape, Jonas decides to run away from Master Percy and his buffoon friends. Can Jonas survive the dark depths of the desert trail and get to freedom? Readers from 8 to 108 will enjoy reading about the adventures of Jonas as he travels the harsh trail in hope of freedom, on a trip that will change his life forever.
Review written by Mrs. Bittner’s Third Grade Class at Sheridan Elementary School, Williamsport, PA