Shackles From the Deep by Michael Cottman
National Geographic, 2017
Nonfiction
Summary:
A pile of lime-encrusted shackles discovered on the seafloor in the remains of a ship called the Henrietta Marie, lands Michael Cottman, a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and avid scuba diver, in the middle of an amazing journey that stretches across three continents, from foundries and tombs in England, to slave ports on the shores of West Africa, to present-day Caribbean plantations. This is more than just the story of one ship – it's the untold story of millions of people taken as captives to the New World. Told from the author's perspective, this book introduces young readers to the wonders of diving, detective work, and discovery, while shedding light on the history of slavery.
Why You'll Love It:
- Every bit of this concise, detailed book feels personal, and Cottman’s exploration and investigation of the wreck is rich with intrigue and poignant, thought-provoking questions.
- Cottman weaves his personal story of discovery with history of the slave trade, helping readers understand why a sunken slave ship from the 1700s still matters.
- Color photographs show artifacts from the Henrietta Marie, and end material includes references and additional reading. It's part mystery, part history, and part self-discovery.
Great for 6th-9th graders.
What Else You Should Read:
- Forgotten Bones by Lois Miner Huey
- In the Shadow of Liberty by Kenneth Davis
- At Home in her Tomb by Christine Liu-Perkins
