January’s Sparrow by Patricia Polacco

Polacco, Patricia January’s Sparrow, 94 p. Philomel (Penguin), 2009. $22.99. Violence: PG (whipping). The Crosswhite family has decided to take a chance and run from their slave masters. They have just witnessed the brutal beating of another slave and hear rumors that their boys are going to be sold at auction. After running and finding safe haven, however, they may not be that safe after all. Polacco has parted from her regular short picture book style to create a deep, detailed picture book telling the story of one family’s escape to freedom and the town that stood up for them. EL – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher.