Prince Among Slaves

November 15, 2024
The bittersweet story of Abdulrahman Ibrahima Sori's early life, enslavement, and eventual freedom. Warrior, scholar, devout Muslim: Abdulrahman (1762-1829), son of the king of West Africa's Fouta Djallon, is everything a prince should be. But when he's captured by an enemy tribe and sold to English traders who traffic enslaved African people, his royal title cannot shield him from the brutal reality of the Middle Passage and the nearly 40 years of enslavement by a Mississippi planter that will follow. Abdulrahman gains a reputation for integrity, wisdom, and expertise. Having never forgotten his home, his faith, or himself, he leverages the influence of several white men--from an acquaintance he first met in Fouta Djallon to a newspaper printer to President John Quincy Adams--and finally secures his freedom. Drawing directly from Terry Alford's biography as well as from the work of various African studies scholars, Senzai retells an incredible story of devastation and resilience, emphasizing the historical presence and impact of Muslim identity in America and beyond. The text is heavy with weighty truths of racial violence and enslavement, and although Abdulrahman dies in Liberia without seeing his home again, the author balances tragedy with themes of hope and togetherness. The narrative ends with Abdulrahman's dream realized as his African and American descendants gather nearly 200 years later. Rich's illustrations strike a similarly nuanced balance, offering visual counterweights of gentleness and community alongside powerful emotional spreads. A captivating biography and history made accessible for younger readers. (author's note)(Picture-book biography. 7-10)

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Starred review from December 1, 2024
Grades 2-5 *Starred Review* This affecting and powerful picture book biography recounts how Abdulrahman Ibrahim Ibn Sori, born 1762, a West African prince, scholar, warrior, husband, and father, was captured and enslaved at a Natchez, Mississippi plantation but, after 40 years, won his freedom. When Sori was 26, a rival African tribe captured him and his army and sold them to English slave traders, who then shipped them to America. Sori's knowledge of growing cotton helped the plantation prosper, and in return, his owner allowed him to practice his Muslim faith, marry, and raise a family. An Irish doctor who'd known Sori as a child confirmed he was a prince and used his influence to try to free Sori. Upon being freed, he was forced to leave the United States for Liberia, leaving his enslaved children behind. Sori hoped important men, including President Adams, would help him free his children, to no avail. He died months after arriving in Liberia, at age 67, never having seen his children or his birthplace again. His dream was finally realized 177 years later in 2006, when his relatives reunited at the Natchez plantation. Abdulrahman Sori's resilience in enduring enslavement, keeping his Muslim faith, and having the courage to publicly condemn slavery is truly inspiring. Rich's illustrations sensitively depict how the enslaved community lived amidst the horrors of slavery. Highly recommended.

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Starred review from December 13, 2024

Gr 1-5-An engrossing historical tale of survival, endurance and faith entangled in the difficult history of enslavement in the United States. Born a prince in the West African kingdom of Fouta Djallon in 1762, Abdulrahman grew up in privilege and excelled as a scholar and warrior in preparation for his eventual role as king to his nation. When he was 26, he was captured by a rival tribe. He was sold to slave traders and journeyed to the United States in the horrific Middle Passage that cost the lives of many of his fellow captives. Upon arrival in Mississippi, he was sold to a white farmer, who mockingly referred to him as "Prince" when made aware of his lineage. Through decades of enslavement, he never gave up on his Islamic faith and his dream of one day returning to his beloved homeland and the family that he was forced to leave behind. Striking acrylic illustrations capture the dignity of the man, his devotion to his faith, and his desire to be free. This biography serves as a reminder that Islam has been a part of the American experience from its founding, and the author states in her note her desire to make difficult history accessible to a younger audience. She has succeeded marvelously with the assistance of illustrations that do not shy away from the horrors of Abdulrahman's life but keep the focus on a man determined to recapture his freedom while also maintaining his own dignity and his faith, no matter the circumstance. VERDICT Full of drama and heart, this is the story of a heroic man of faith who boldly spoke out against slavery; his story has a place in all library collections serving upper elementary students. Highly recommended.-John Scott

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