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About the Book The Slave Dancer

The story begins in 1840s New Orleans, where thirteen-year-old Jessie Bollier is kidnapped and forced onto a slave ship, The Moonlight. His task? To play his fife and make the enslaved Africans dance, ostensibly to keep them fit for sale. This harrowing experience serves as Jessie’s brutal introduction to the slave trade.

Jessie’s voyage aboard The Moonlight is fraught with tension and danger. He witnesses the unspeakable cruelty inflicted on the enslaved Africans and the moral decay of the ship’s crew. Through Jessie's eyes, readers experience the dehumanizing conditions of the Middle Passage.

The climax occurs when a storm wrecks The Moonlight, leading to Jessie’s and a young African boy named Ras’s struggle for survival. They form an unlikely bond, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the despair. Eventually, Jessie is rescued and returns home, forever changed by his experiences. The novel concludes with Jessie reflecting on the horrors he witnessed and the deep scars left on his soul.

The Slave Dancer is a Newbery Medal Award winner.

Themes in the book The Slave Dancer

The Horrors of Slavery: The central theme of The Slave Dancer is the brutal reality of slavery. Fox spares no detail in depicting the inhumane conditions aboard the slave ship, forcing readers to confront the atrocities of the past. This theme is crucial for teaching students about the moral complexities and historical significance of slavery.

Loss of Innocence: Jessie's transformation from an innocent boy to a disillusioned survivor is another key theme. His loss of innocence highlights the devastating effects of witnessing and participating in human cruelty. This theme can prompt valuable discussions about morality, empathy, and personal growth.

Friendship and Humanity: Despite the grim setting, The Slave Dancer also explores the theme of friendship and humanity. Jessie and Ras’s bond transcends their initial mistrust and fear, illustrating the power of human connection in even the darkest of times. This theme can inspire students to think about the importance of compassion and solidarity.

Racism and Prejudice: The novel also touches upon themes of racism and prejudice through the character of Crixus, a brutal slave trader. His violent actions towards the African captives demonstrate how hate and ignorance can fuel oppression and violence. This theme encourages critical thinking about discrimination and its impact on society.

Activity Ideas for the book The Slave Dancer

Discussion Questions: Engage your students with thought-provoking questions that encourage critical thinking and personal reflection. For example:

• How does Jessie’s perception of the enslaved Africans change throughout the novel?
• What are the moral dilemmas Jessie faces, and how does he handle them?
• How does the author use imagery to convey the horrors of the Middle Passage?

Creative Writing Assignments: Encourage students to explore the novel’s themes through creative writing. Assign tasks such as:

• Writing a journal entry from Jessie’s perspective after returning home.
• Creating a poem that captures the emotions of the enslaved Africans.
• Crafting a letter from Jessie to his family, describing his experiences.

Role-Playing and Dramatizations: Bring the story to life with role-playing activities. Have students act out key scenes, focusing on character emotions and motivations. This can help them understand the complexities of the characters and the historical context. For example, have students perform the auction scene or the moment when Jessie realizes his complicity in the slave trade.

Collaborative Projects: Encourage teamwork and critical thinking with collaborative projects. Some ideas include:

• Researching and presenting on a historical figure related to slavery, such as an abolitionist or a plantation owner.
• Creating a visual representation of key themes in the novel, such as a timeline of major events or a character analysis chart.
• Writing and performing a song that captures the emotions and themes of The Slave Dancer.