Prince Among Slaves - by N H Senzai (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The extraordinary and consequential biography of Abdulrahman Ibrahim Ibn Sori, a Muslim West African prince turned enslaved plantation worker, and his lifelong fight to be free and return home.

In 1762, Prince Abdulrahman Sori was born in West Africa's prosperous kingdom of Futa Jallon. His name meant "servant of God," and as a child, he was fascinated by the stories of the great prophets Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. Each had faced great challenges, and each had accepted their fate as determined by God, no matter how difficult.

Always curious, Abdulrahman grew up to become a scholar, fluent in five languages. He was also a warrior, a husband, a father, and an instrumental leader in his father's court.

But that happy life was cruelly ripped away the day Abdulrahman and his men were ambushed while on patrol by a rival tribe and sold to English traders. Forced aboard a ship, Abdulrahman was taken across the Atlantic to Natchez, Mississippi, and enslaved.

Resistant at first, Abdulrahman ran away, but ultimately, like the prophets he revered, Abdulrahman accepted his fate as determined by God. So with a heavy heart, he began a new life helping the plantation owner prosper, and after some time, though risky, Abdulrahman found love and became a father again. Then, by virtue of an incredible coincidence, Abdulrahman's life changed once more, setting into motion a series of events that would not only free Abdulrahman, but return him to African shores after forty years of enslavement.

Incredibly well-researched, N. H. Senzai chronicles Prince Abdulrahman's remarkable life and journey to freedom with extraordinary grace and care, illuminating not only the horrors of slavery, but how one Muslim man relied on his faith in God to persevere. Anna Rich's striking art makes each scene of Abdulrahman's life sing with emotion and meaning.

Review Quotes

Praise for Prince Among Slaves

A Junior Library Guild Selection

"[A] gripping biography of an enslaved man who never gave up."--Common Sense Media

★ "An engrossing historical tale of survival, endurance and faith entangled in the difficult history of enslavement in the United States...Striking acrylic illustrations [that do not shy away from the horrors of Abdulrahman's life] 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...Full of drama and heart, this is the story of a heroic man of faith who boldly spoke out against slavery...Highly recommended."--School Library Journal, starred review

★ "This affecting and powerful picture book biography recounts how Abdulrahman Ibrahim Ibn Sori...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...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."--Booklist, starred review

"The bittersweet story of Abdulrahman Ibrahima Sori's early life, enslavement, and eventual freedom...Senzai retells an incredible story of devastation and resilience, emphasizing the historical presence and impact of Muslim identity in America and beyond...The author balances tragedy with themes of hope and togetherness. 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."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Naheed Hasnat Senzai is a critically acclaimed author of middle grade novels, including Shooting Kabul, an APALA Asian/Pacific American Literature award winner; Edgar Award nominee Saving Kabul Corner; Ticket to India; Escape from Aleppo; and Flying Over Water. Prince Among Slaves is her first picture book. Naheed spent her childhood in San Francisco, California, and Jubail, Saudi Arabia, and attended high school in London, England, where she was voted "most likely to read a literary revolution" due to her ability to get away with reading comic books in class. Visit her online: NHSenzai.com.

Anna Rich is a painter and urban sketcher. A native New Yorker, she is always trying to share what she thinks and feels through painting and drawing. Children's picture books have also given Anna an opportunity to envision our history and share that as well.