Amos Fortune, Free Man cover
CE Pick ✦ Award Winner

Amos Fortune, Free Man

Featured Reading List Award Winners Enrichment & Readiness

Overview & Summary

Born a prince in Africa, Amos Fortune is captured and sold into slavery in colonial America, where he spends decades in bondage before finally purchasing his own freedom -- and then working tirelessly to buy freedom for others as well. Elizabeth Yates's 1951 Newbery Medal-winning biography, based on the real historical figure, follows Amos's quiet, determined dignity across a lifetime spent working toward liberty for himself and his community.

Available Formats

  • 🎧Audiobook
  • 📚Other Bindings
  • 📖Paperback

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Who This Book Is For

A great pick for Middle school students (Grades 6–8) studying History and Humanities. Helps students connect historical events with real human stories and broader perspectives.

Grade LevelMiddle (6-8)
Lexile ComplexityMiddle School (800L - 1100L)

Why CE Recommends This Book

Selected for Academic Enrichment & Readiness. Pushing slightly beyond standard classroom expectations, this title widens vocabulary, supports steady Lexile growth, and builds the academic rigor needed for advanced middle and high school courses.

Academic & Admissions Takeaways
Grade & Readiness: Aligned for Middle (6-8).
Lexile Complexity: Targeted for Middle School (800L - 1100L).
Subject Alignment: Enhances historical understanding and essay writing in History.
Reading Goal: Lexile growth, classroom discussion readiness & essay depth.