Irresistibly illustrated in uncommon detail, this book tells a story you wish you'd heard earlier in a way you'll never forget. Discover the Heroic Journey of Captain Robert Smalls: The Greatest Civil War Hero Explore the inspiring story of Captain Robert Smalls , an enslaved man who commandeered the steam ship "Planter", sailed it to freedom, and became a pivotal figure in the Civil War. True Story, Graphic Novel Format: Engages readers aged 9-18+ with vibrant illustrations and accessible storytelling. - Empowering Black History: Focuses on teamwork, family, and overcoming injustice, offering a positive narrative with minimal trauma. - Educational Value: Includes real-life photos and bibliographies for deeper learning. - Author Expertise: DaShan Thomas brings a unique artistic and narrative style, blending historical accuracy with adventure. Great Granddaddy says when Robert Smalls made a plan to escape slavery, he brought as much of the community with him as he could. Together, they would work as a team and do the impossible. But the story doesn't end there! Robert Smalls, born and raised as an enslaved person, commandeered a steamer ship with his crew and all of their families. They sailed to freedom, and then won several pivotal battles in the Civil War, which in turn won the freedom of all enslaved people in the United States. This is the true story Great Granddaddy shares one evening, from the warmth of his backyard garden in the Historic Black Pullman neighborhood. At 12 years old, Robert Smalls is standing on the docks at Charleston. He is alone, his family is far away. Unfair describes every day. He remembers his mother telling him they were supposed to be free, and the encouragement from the carriage driver that brought him here: "learn to love to learn." Young Robert Smalls looked at the boats in front of him and decided to learn everything he could about them. Years later, Hannah Smalls is on board The Confederate Steamship Planter. Lazy, mean Confederate Officers just left, and Hannah's husband Robert is telling her he has a plan to take this boat and everyone on board past enemy lines to safety. Together, they have worked as a team throughout their marriage, always aiming for freedom. What Robert suggests is dangerous, risky, and wildly brave. Hannah agrees completely with the plan. Burress is a different kind of runaway. He hates the plan. Burress is the type of slave who thinks he can get his freedom by telling on all the other slaves. He thinks they should listen to HIM, and be more grateful to massa. Smalls will soon join the Union Navy to fight the confederates. At first Robert will be given the commission of Pilot of the Planter. But circumstances in a battle that the Union Navy wasn't supposed to be a part of, will force Robert to make the choice of being a brave man or a coward that will get his Black Crew Mates Killed. Today, Jelani is a kid in his Great Granddaddy's backyard, listening to him tell the life story of Captain Robert Smalls. As he helps Great Granddaddy choose basil and tomatoes, Jelani learns how essential each of Robert Smalls' crew members were, how they worked as a team, and how Smalls never stopped working to help his people. Surrounded by his cousins Jaleesa, Jazmine, Jaleel - and new little cousin Izzy - Jelani learns how Smalls became a legendary boat pilot. Great Granddaddy says Robert Smalls would achieve wealth, success and fame as soon as he had the opportunity, but he always remained driven to help other Black People. Hard truths about the realities of slavery are told honestly but gently, and Great Granddaddy uses a vibrant ensemble cast of characters, a good dose of adventure and some occasional comic relief to make each part of the story easier to understand and enjoy.