There was some trepidation about reading a story of a child in slavery. I didn't want to read about the pain but at the same time I didn't want to read about a "happy slave."What I received was a wonderful surprise! Lessons for the here and now. Though the slave owners may have had control of the slaves physically, the slaves had ultimate control of their minds, the only place they could be free. Thank you for this wonderful story. Kimberly B. Eason