Download or read book My Family Shall Be Free! written by Dennis Brindell Fradin and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2001-02-28 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: At the beginning of the nineteenth century, approximately one million people of African descent were slaves in the United States, and this number rose to almost four million by the beginning of the Civil War in 1861. Sold like cattle, slaves belonged to the highest bidder. Their lives were sad and often short. There was, however, a small number who, through sheer bravery and perseverance, managed to buy their freedom. My Family Shall Be Free! Is the amazing and powerful true story of one such hero, Peter Still. On a summer night around 1860, Peter's mother made the difficult decision to flee north with her baby daughters, leaving Peter and his brother Levin behind in Slavery. After more than forty years in bondage, Peter bought his freedom, then searched for and found his mother -- and the younger brothers and sisters he never knew he had up north. Then risking his own precious liberty and safety, Peter returned to the South to set in motion the events leading to freedom for his wife and children. In clear and simple language, Dennis Brindell Fradin brings to light a poignant and inspirational story about one man's drive, patience, and endurance in the face of inhumanity.