The Slave Dancer
 The cover of the first edition of the book, published in 1973 | |
| Author | Paula Fox |
|---|---|
| Translator | Bruce Davis |
| Illustrator | Eros Keith |
| Cover artist | Eros Keith |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Historical novel |
| Publisher | Bradbury Press |
Publication date | November 1974 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 176 pages |
| ISBN | 0-87888-062-3 |
| OCLC | 804264 |
| LC Class | PZ7.F838 Sl |
[1][2]The Slave Dancer is a children's book written by Paula Fox and published in 1973. It tells the story of a boy called Jessie Bollier who witnessed first-hand the savagery of the African slave trade. The book not only includes an historical account, but it also touches upon the emotional conflicts felt by those involved in transporting the slaves from Africa to other parts of the world. The book received the Newbery Medal in 1974.
Plot
The Slave Dancer tells the story of a thirteen-year-old boy named Jesse Ollier. He gets captured at his home in New Orleans and taken to an American ship where he is forced to play his pipe so the other slaves can dance and keep their physical strength.
Author's opinion
Paula Fox expresses that for her The Slave Dancer was the most difficult book she has written so far. Being her first historical book she had difficulty trying to be the most accurate with historical events and the descriptions of the time.
References
| Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Julie of the Wolves |
Newbery Medal recipient 1974 |
Succeeded by M. C. Higgins, the Great |