Hahn, M.D. (2000). Promises to the Dead. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN: 9780547258386
· Plot Summary
Jesse Sherman is trying to attain a turtle for his uncle's soup when he is held at knife point by the desperate, runaway slave, Lydia. Pregnant by her newly deceased master, Peregrine Baxter, Lydia is attempting to escape before she is sold South or discovered by the vicious Colonel Botfield. When Lydia dies, she forces Jesse to promise he will take her son, Perry, to Baltimore where Peregrine's sister (Polly) lives. Unfortunately, America is on the eve of Civil War, and Jesse is only twelve. Just as he reaches Baltimore with his charge, the city is witness to the killing of several Yankees and civilians, and Jesse is found by the Colonel. In an odd turn of events, the Colonel knocks Jesse in the head with his gun, and steals Perry. Two weeks later, Jesse awakens in the house of Perry's grandfather, under the care of a house slave. When Jesse finally makes contact with Polly, she refuses to help, afraid of what her father will do. By the end of the novel, it is revealed that the Colonel was Lydia's father, and he is killed. With no recourse, Jesse must take Perry to Lydia's mother and sister in Ohio, but at least there he knows Perry will be safe.
· Critical Evaluation
A promising plot idea that ends up going awry. It is a stretch that even a dying woman would entrust her son to a twelve year-old boy, particularly one that is required to give up runaway slaves to his wealthier neighbors. The concept that Perry is Lydia's, Master's son, is not outside the realm of possibility. This did happen, although the number of twists begin to become overdone when the reader finds out the Colonel is, in turn, Lydia's father. This novel might have been better served by the insertion of more historical facts, and fewer characters that play questionable roles. In addition, Jesse is closer to Baltimore than Ohio, but it was not an ideal destination with all of the political unrest underway there.
· Reader’s Annotation
A relatively easy read, especially for tweens at the older end of the spectrum. The impregnation of a fourteen year-old slave is not suitable for those of younger than twelve or thirteen.
· Information about the author
Mary Downing Hahn grew up in Maryland, where most of her books take place. She was a children's librarian, and did not publish her first novel until she was forty-one. Making up for lost, she has published twenty novels to date, and won Scott O'Dell award.
· Genre
Historical Fiction
· Curriculum Ties
History
· Booktalking Ideas
Civil War events and their effect on the concept of brotherhood during the period.
Race relations in the U.S. 18th-21st centuries.
· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 8-9/Ages 13-14
· Challenge Issues
The impregnation of a fourteen year-old slave, by her master, is something many parents might consider too adult for their tweens. If it is pointed out that this was a reality, and famous examples are provided (such as Thomas Jefferson), it might be beneficial.
· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
I had already read Downing's other book, The Old Willis Place, when I picked up this title. I mistakenly thought this novel would also be about the paranormal. It did turn out to be a relatively good book, but had I known the stretches she made to make the events unfold, I probably would not have purchased it.
