Freedom Braids

“A captivating tale of struggle, female empowerment, and redemption that will leave you awestruck” – Leo Boix, poet and author

“Freedom Braids pays loving homage to an imagined child’s journey, embodying the experiences of countless people who endured the horrors of the Translantic Slave Trade, and honouring traditions forged in community.” —Uma Krishnaswami, author of Threads of Peace: How Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. Changed the World

"A poignant tale of courage and resistance and of long-standing cultural traditions. Quietly tinged with hope, Duncan's narrative demonstrates how those in bondage used skills passed down over generations to find the liberty they desired. Moses’ digitally rendered art depicts intricate braid patterns; his dramatic use of color during the escape scene heightens the drama, bathing characters in deep blues as they make their way to freedom." – Kirkus Reviews

“A show-stopper of a picture book. The combination of a fantastic storyline, based on historical facts, and wonderful illustrations has created a book that simply has to be read. Put simply, this book should be in every school library!” - Spy Readers

“As picture books go this is a stunning book to behold. An absolute must for Black History Month and for all year round. This book is essential for Primary Schools and Children’s sections in public libraries, and parents looking to share Black history with young readers.” – The Kids Book Curator

"Nemy’s story leaves us to consider what a miracle it is that a body can grow the strands of her own survival, and what ingenuity it takes to comb and style a path to freedom." – The New York Times

“Duncan’s words and Moses’s illustrations work together in a deeply original harmony, as in a two-page spread that captures the zigzagging rainforest traveled by enslaved people that matches the pattern braided into the back of Nemy’s hair perfectly. This book offers a fascinating glimpse into a real-life secret code that guided many toward freedom during this dark chapter in history.” – Oprah Daily

"This is an engrossing and fascinating story of bravery, of courage and love. It has so many layers to share with younger readers, not least of which are all the hair styles and braids on the end pages." – Armadillo

“The simplicity of the storytelling fits the gravity of the conditions these enslaved people were subjected to, their courage and resourcefulness, and tells movingly of Nemy’s longing for her family. Matching this simple dignity, the muted shades of Oboh Moses’ artwork, the details of daily life and the women’s quiet subversion, with a burst of sunrise as they reach a place of freedom, adds depth to this story of resilience. Readers from 6 or 7 years upwards will be fascinated by a glimpse into an extraordinary secret of history.” – Just Imagine