Philip Reid Saves The Statue of Freedom

• Age Range: 4 - 7 years

• Grade Level: 3 - 6

• 2015 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People

  For classroom and reading resources, click here.

SUMMARY

On December 2, 1863, a bronze statue was placed atop the dome of the United States Capitol Building. Standing more than 19 feet tall, the figure called “Freedom” was designed and created during a period of great turmoil in American history. But at one point during its creation, it wasn’t clear the statue would even get to its final destination.

Philip Reid, a slave, played an important role in completing the statue. He grew up on a South Carolina farm, helping various craftsmen such as the blacksmith and the potter. Eventually, he was sold to a man named Clark Mills, who was opening a foundry in Washington, D.C. Mr. Mills’s foundry is contracted to cast the Freedom statue but the project is jeopardized when a seemingly unsolvable puzzle arises.

No one, other than Philip Reid, steps in to solve the mystery.

REVIEW

”This book about a little-known historical figure and event includes fascinating endpapers… [and] Christie’s rich acrylic gouache illustrations evocatively convey Reid’s life as a slave and his work in the foundry. An important piece of history for kids to know.” — Booklist