Slavery picture books

Due to my decision to create a picture book that portraits the issue of slavery it was important to see what others had done previously. I managed to buy three picture books that deal with this subject matter, however they show the issue within a historical context. The Middle Passage by Tom Feelings is perhaps the most honest depiction of the sheer brutality of slavery. Many scenes of incarceration, murder and rape showing the anguish, pain and suffering of those enslaved. The is a clear division of race a the story is based upon a certain period of time in history. I admire Tom for creating such a piece of work and the publishers who were brave enough to take on such a book. The story is important, it is a part of history, I myself think that the types of things should not be hidden away. Every generation must move on from the past to create the future, however the past should be seen as a learning tool so the same mistakes are not made.

The second book is titled Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt written by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by James Ransome. This book depicts slavery through a young girl, the story is in a more hopeful tone. Again the images used define rough times or places, using the cotton fields which were a common place for slave workers.

The third book is titled MOSES When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. This book still remains within a historical context but speaks with a more spiritual voice. The book also offers hope of escaping such terrible atrocities, with the will of God. 

These books are inspiring in many ways, the stories, the illustration and the fact that they have tackled such a difficult topic. However my biggest inspiration is to try and do something outwith the traditional or historical context. The stories from history are still valid and definitely worth telling, but how can I tell them in a different manner? That is a question I can only answer through trial and error whilst experimenting with this project.