Activity Overview
There are many books related to Slavery in America that can help students better visualize and understand the time period. Some short picture books can be used as a whole class read-alouds, where other longer books can be used as longer novel studies. In this activity, students will create a plot summary of the book using visuals and descriptions. Students should describe the main events and details from the beginning, middle and end of the story in a narrative storyboard of about 6-8 cells using images and text to recreate scenes from the book.
Here are some examples of literature that relate to Slavery in America:
Grades 3-6
- Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
- Sojourner Truth's Stomp, Stomp Stride by Andrea Pinkney, Illustrated by Brian Pinkney
- Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by James Ransome
- Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
- Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill, Illustrated by Bryan Collier
- Unspoken: A Story from the Underground Railroad by Henry Cole
- Frederick Douglass: Words Set Me Free by Lisa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome
- The Escape of Oney Judge: Martha Washington’s Slave Finds Freedom by Emily Arnold McCully
- Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson
- What Was the Underground Railroad? by Yona Zeldis McDonough
- Who Was Harriet Tubman? by Yona Zeldis McDonough
- Who Was Abraham Lincoln? by Janet B. Pascal
- If You Lived When there was Slavery in America by Anne Kamma, Illustrated by Pamela Johnson
Grades 6+
- Lest We Forget: The Passage from Africa to Slavery and Emancipation by Velma Maia Thomas
- Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons: The Story of Phillis Wheatley by Ann Rinaldi
- Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass
- Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper
- Day of Tears by Julius Lester
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Summarize the story in a 4-8 cell storyboard describing the main events in the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Student Instructions:
- Read the story.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a 4-8 cell storyboard with descriptions and illustrations showing the sequence of major events in the story.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
There are many books related to Slavery in America that can help students better visualize and understand the time period. Some short picture books can be used as a whole class read-alouds, where other longer books can be used as longer novel studies. In this activity, students will create a plot summary of the book using visuals and descriptions. Students should describe the main events and details from the beginning, middle and end of the story in a narrative storyboard of about 6-8 cells using images and text to recreate scenes from the book.
Here are some examples of literature that relate to Slavery in America:
Grades 3-6
- Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
- Sojourner Truth's Stomp, Stomp Stride by Andrea Pinkney, Illustrated by Brian Pinkney
- Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by James Ransome
- Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
- Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill, Illustrated by Bryan Collier
- Unspoken: A Story from the Underground Railroad by Henry Cole
- Frederick Douglass: Words Set Me Free by Lisa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome
- The Escape of Oney Judge: Martha Washington’s Slave Finds Freedom by Emily Arnold McCully
- Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson
- What Was the Underground Railroad? by Yona Zeldis McDonough
- Who Was Harriet Tubman? by Yona Zeldis McDonough
- Who Was Abraham Lincoln? by Janet B. Pascal
- If You Lived When there was Slavery in America by Anne Kamma, Illustrated by Pamela Johnson
Grades 6+
- Lest We Forget: The Passage from Africa to Slavery and Emancipation by Velma Maia Thomas
- Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons: The Story of Phillis Wheatley by Ann Rinaldi
- Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass
- Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper
- Day of Tears by Julius Lester
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Summarize the story in a 4-8 cell storyboard describing the main events in the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Student Instructions:
- Read the story.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a 4-8 cell storyboard with descriptions and illustrations showing the sequence of major events in the story.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Slavery Literature Summary
How can I guide students to make meaningful connections between slavery literature and their own lives?
Encourage reflection by asking students how the characters’ experiences relate to feelings or challenges they have faced. This deepens empathy and understanding as students see history’s relevance to their world.
Prompt students to share personal reactions after reading key scenes.
Invite students to discuss or write about moments from the story that surprised, saddened, or inspired them. Connecting emotions to events helps lessons stick and engages reluctant readers.
Facilitate small group discussions to compare story characters’ choices with real-life decisions.
Have students talk in groups about what choices characters made and what choices they might make in similar situations. This builds critical thinking and personal connection to the text.
Use journaling activities to relate historical events to present-day issues.
Ask students to write short journal entries linking themes from slavery literature—like freedom or courage—to things they see in today’s world. Making these links strengthens comprehension and relevance.
Celebrate student insights through creative projects.
Let students express connections through art, poetry, or digital presentations. Showcasing their perspectives encourages pride in learning and reinforces meaningful engagement with the literature.
Frequently Asked Questions about Slavery Literature Summary
What are some recommended books about slavery for elementary and middle school students?
Recommended books about slavery for grades 3–6 include Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom, Henry’s Freedom Box, Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, and Sojourner Truth’s Stomp, Stomp Stride. For grades 6+, options include Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson and Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. These titles help students visualize and understand slavery in America.
How can I help students summarize a book about slavery using a storyboard?
Guide students to create a storyboard with 4–8 cells. Have them illustrate and describe the main events from the beginning, middle, and end of the story, using both text and images to show key moments. This helps improve comprehension and visualization.
What is a plot diagram activity for slavery literature?
A plot diagram activity involves students mapping out the sequence of major events in a story about slavery. Using a storyboard, they break down the narrative into essential parts—beginning, middle, and end—using illustrations and short descriptions for each part.
Why is it important to use literature to teach about slavery in America?
Literature about slavery helps students visualize historical experiences, develop empathy, and understand the complex realities of the past. Stories provide age-appropriate entry points for discussing difficult topics and engaging students in meaningful learning.
What grade levels are best suited for slavery literature storyboarding activities?
Storyboarding activities for slavery literature are ideal for grades 4–6, but can be adapted for students in grades 3–8. These grades can handle narrative sequencing and basic analysis, while older students can explore more complex themes.
More Storyboard That Activities
Slavery in America
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