Freewater

Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson

Some slaves escape the plantation and find "Freewater", a colony of free blacks. There are many others there, including those living in the trees. People enjoy their freedom. However, some want to return back to the plantation to find family members. One had promised to show where the escaped slaves were. Others tried alternative ways to get freedom. 

Meanwhile, back at the plantation, there is a big wedding celebration coming up. There is also a side story where a little girl follows a slave on an errand and sees how cruelly the whites treated the "darkies". A multitude of different events culminate in the wedding celebration, with the wedding tent burned down and many slaves escaping.

Slavery is viewed through very modern sensibilities. The term "darky" is used as the racial slur, rather than terms that would be more offensive today. Family is also viewed as extremely important. Would slaves really find it worth sacrificing freedom for many slaves just to be with one of their family members? The book implies that family binds are even more powerful than the whip in keeping slaves in order.  The slave community is portrayed as a bit of Utopia, with the plantation whites as primarily materialists. The ending destruction seems to be a set for a hollywood film. the book really bumps up the drama to tell the story. 

Out of My Mind

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Melody Brooks has cerebral palsy and has little control of her body. However, she has a very bright mind. Much of the book deals with her struggles to live a life where she that recognizes her skills. A doctor thinks she has low mental capacity. However, she has advocates in her family and a friend. The friend helps to let her develop skills. She also helps her to get better ways to communicate.

Melody's school experience is different from others. At first she is isolated with others with disabilities. They have good teachers as well as teachers that treat them like idiots. She eventually gets integrated into the regular school system. She joins the quiz bowl team and is the focus of attention. She is both smart and different and the media loves her. Alas, the teammates don't like that she gets all the attention. They chose to meet without her for breakfast before their flight to the championship. They make it there while Melody misses it. The team doesn't do well. However, this experience, and a subsequent injury to Melody's sister helps her to grow and improve her relationship.

It can be difficult for people to manifest their skills when they have disabilities that make it difficult. Stephen Hawking was known for his smarts, even though he was mostly paralyzed. However, he had lived his youth "normal". Are there other people that have great skills that we cannot view because of physical challenges? On the other hand, we can't pretend that life is the same with them. They need help and can't participate in activities that others can. What sacrifices should others make? How can somebody with disability communicate? This book explores some of these themes from the Melody's view.