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ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSHenry Brown is a young enslaved boy who doesn't even know his own birthday, because slaves were not allowed to know such things. He grows up working in his master's house, then is sent to work in a tobacco factory in Richmond, Virginia, where he meets and marries a woman named Nancy. Together they build a small family, but Nancy worries constantly that her master, deep in debt, will sell their children. When Henry's worst fears come true and his entire family is torn away and marched down the road, he is left completely alone. Desperate for freedom, Henry forms a plan so bold it seems impossible: he will mail himself to Philadelphia in a wooden box.
Free Battle of the Books questions for Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a boy watch autumn leaves swirl in the wind as he says goodbye to his family?
✓ Answer
Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine
When Henry is given away to his master's son, he has to leave his family behind. As he says goodbye, he looks across the field and sees the leaves swirling in the wind, echoing his mother's earlier warning about families being torn apart.
- First half
In what book does a lonely man meet a woman who is shopping for her mistress?
✓ Answer
Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine
Henry is lonely after being separated from his birth family. One day he meets Nancy, who is out shopping for her mistress. They walk and talk and agree to meet again. This meeting leads to their marriage and the family they build together.
- First half
In what book does a man twist tobacco leaves while his heart twists in his chest?
✓ Answer
Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine
After learning that his family has been sold, Henry is forced to keep working at the tobacco factory. The boss pokes him and orders him to twist tobacco. As Henry twists the leaves, his heart twists in his chest. This powerful image connects his physical labor to his emotional pain.
- Second half
In what book is "THIS SIDE UP WITH CARE" printed in big letters on a shipping crate?
✓ Answer
Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine
Dr. Smith writes a shipping address on Henry's box and prints 'THIS SIDE UP WITH CARE' in big letters. This detail becomes important later because workers ignore the instructions and flip the box upside down, causing Henry great suffering during the journey.
- Second half
In what book does a friend point to a sore finger, but the injury isn't bad enough?
✓ Answer
Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine
James points to Henry's sore finger as a possible excuse to miss work, but Henry knows it isn't bad enough to convince the boss. So Henry takes the much more extreme step of pouring oil of vitriol on his hand to create a serious injury.
- Near the end
In what book does a man inside a crate think his head will burst but is afraid to move?
✓ Answer
Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine
Stuck upside down on the steamboat, Henry feels blood rushing to his head and terrible pain. He thinks his head will burst, but he is too afraid to move because someone might hear him and discover his hiding place.
