Journey Back to Freedom: The Olaudah Equiano Story

Description

Born in what is now Nigeria in 1745, Olaudah Equiano's peaceful childhood was brought to an abrupt end when he was captured and enslaved aged 11. He spent much of the next eight years of his life at sea, seeing action in the Seven Years' War. When he was finally able to buy his freedom, he went on to become a prominent member of the abolition movement and in 1789 published one of the first books by a Black African writer.Journey Back to Freedom focuses on Equiano's early life, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit and one man's determination to be free.

Catherine Johnson is a screen-writer and bestselling author of several books for children and young adults. Her acclaimed novel Sawbones won the Young Quills Award for Historical Fiction, and The Curious Tale of the Lady Caraboo, was nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal and the YA Book Prize. Catherine has been a Writer in Residence at Holloway Prison, a Royal Literary Fund Writing Fellow at the London institute and has mentored writers in Africa for the British Council.

"Olaudah Equiano's story is one that everyone should read & know, and I can't think of anyone better than [Catherine Johnson] to tell it" -- S.F. Said "Expertly researched and written, accessible and absolutely vital" -- Sophie Anderson "Johnson's lively, lightly fictionalised account of Equiano's life makes gripping reading for 9+" -- The Guardian "Meticulously researched, richly imagined and beautifully written ... [Johnson's] nuanced approach will lead to thought-provoking discussions, and her engaging style means the book will fly off the shelves" -- Reading for Pleasure and Progress