Box Brown's Freedom Crate Readers Theater

When Henry’s wife and children are sold away, Henry devises a plan to mail himself to the North in a wooden crate. With help from members of the Underground Railroad and Philadelphia’s Ant-Slavery Society, Henry defies death as his crate is tossed from one train to the next. Historically-accurate, Box Brown’s Freedom Crate is based on Brown’s actual autobiography, The Narrative of the Life of Henry “Box” Brown. It’s also the subject of a picture book, Henry’s Freedom Box (Scholastic, 2007), which makes for an interesting compare and contrast activity. The play was originally published in the Feb/Mar 2001 issue of Storyworks. It's well-suited to RT, stage production, or podcast. Includes parts for 10 to 18 students, depending upon your casting needs. Use it with students in grades 4 through 8. Includes comprehension activity and key. Note: this item has been screened for culture sensitivity, but given the content, be sure to preview before purchasing and discuss with students before reading.