60 pages • 2 hours read
Trouble Don't Last
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Book Brief
256
Novel • Fiction
Northern United States • 1850s
2001
Middle grade
9-12 years
720L
Super Short Summary
Trouble Don’t Last by Shelley Pearsall follows 11-year-old Samuel, who was born into enslavement in Kentucky and raised by Harrison and Lilly after his mother was sold away. Samuel and Harrison undertake a perilous journey to Canada in pursuit of freedom, facing numerous challenges along the way and utilizing the Underground Railroad and the kindness of strangers to navigate dangers and evade capture. The story contains descriptions of enslavement, abuse, death, and the forced separation of families.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Challenging
Emotional
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
1,321 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Shelley Pearsall's Trouble Don't Last receives praise for its vivid storytelling and well-developed characters, particularly the portrayal of young Samuel and the urgency of his plight. Critics highlight the novel’s historical accuracy and emotional depth. Some find the pacing slow at times, but overall, it captivates readers with its heartwarming and intense narrative.
Who Should Read Trouble Don't Last?
A reader who enjoys Trouble Don't Last by Shelley Pearsall appreciates historical fiction, gripping narratives of escape from slavery, and transformative journeys. This book is ideal for fans of Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson and Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, targeting middle-grade audiences and history enthusiasts.
1,321 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
256
Novel • Fiction
Northern United States • 1850s
2001
Middle grade
9-12 years
720L
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