The Slave Dancer
The Slave Dancer
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1973
Book Brief
148
Novel • Fiction
The Atlantic Ocean • 1840s
1973
Middle grade
10-14 years
910L
Super Short Summary
In The Slave Dancer by Paula Fox, thirteen-year-old Jessie Bollier is kidnapped in New Orleans and forced to play fife on a slave ship to keep enslaved people dancing and healthy for sale, witnessing the brutal realities of the slave trade. Themes of violence against enslaved people and their suffering are depicted vividly.
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Challenging
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
10,671 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Slave Dancer by Paula Fox receives praise for its powerful prose and historical accuracy, with readers noting its emotional depth and complex characters. However, some criticize it for being too graphic for younger audiences and having an abrupt ending. Overall, it’s regarded as a compelling yet challenging read appropriate for mature readers.
Who Should Read The Slave Dancer?
Readers who appreciate historical fiction with moral depth, such as Number the Stars by Lois Lowry or Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor, will enjoy Paula Fox's The Slave Dancer. This novel suits those interested in exploring complex social issues through the eyes of young, relatable protagonists.
10,671 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
148
Novel • Fiction
The Atlantic Ocean • 1840s
1973
Middle grade
10-14 years
910L
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