Unbound: A Novel in Verse by Ann E. Burg

Unbound: A Novel in Verse is a middle grade historical fiction book by Ann E. Burg. Told completely in verse, this is the story of Grace. When summoned to work in the Big House, Grace is forced to leave her family. Her mother warns her to "keep her eyes down and mouth shut," but this proves easier said than done. When Grace accidentally slips and reveals her thoughts out loud, she and her family are forced to leave and run to freedom.

Sex: None. Grace mentions that Uncle Jim, her mother's husband, isn't her father.

Language: None.

Drug/Alcohol Use: Grace's mother and aunt give the small boys something to make them sleep while they're trying to get away.

Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Because this is a book about a slave family running to freedom, there are several suspenseful scenes. The Missus in the Big House often threatens people with whippings.

Final Note: This is a perfect book for middle grade readers. It's not too graphic, but it still shows the struggles, heartache, and brutality of slavery. Grace, the narrator, has a powerful voice.

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