Other editions of book Addy's Surprise: A Christmas Story

Addy Walker's family is planning a dangerous escapefrom slavery in the summer of 1864. But before they can make the escape, the worst happens--Master Stevens decides to sell some of his slaves, including Poppa and Addy's brother, Sam. Addy and Momma take the terrible risk of escaping by themselves, hoping that the family eventually will be together again in Philadelphia. Set during America's own struggle over slavery, the Civil War, Addy's story is one of great courage and love--love of family and love of freedom.

Addy knows that Christmas will be hard without Poppa, Sam, and Esther. When Addy spots a beautiful red scarf in a secondhand shop, she's determined to save her money and buy it for Momma to brighten her holiday. But when Addy sees the plight of newly freed slaves, she's torn. Can she help them and still save money for Momma's scarf? In the end, Addy's Christmas surprise for Momma is different from what she had planned. And a surprise awaiting Addy is better than she even dared to hope for.

Addy and her mother arrive in Philadelphia to begin life as free people. Everything is new to them in the big city. Addy is happy--she has a friend for the first time, Sarah, and she is learning to read and write. In school, Addy sits next to Harriet. Harriet is smart, wealthy, and popular. She has the life that Addy thought freedom would bring her. Addy hopes to be friends with Sarah and Harriet, but she ends up having to choose between them. Addy's choice teaches her about real friendship and real freedom.

One night during the summer of 1864, Addy Walker overhears her parents talk about an exciting yet terrifying idea - escaping slavery. But before Addy's family can make the escape, the worst happens to them. The family is separated when Master Stevens decides to sell some of his slaves. Addy and her mother take the terrible risk of escaping by themselves because they want to be free, and because they hope the family eventually will be together again in Philadelphia. Set during America's own struggle over slavery, the Civil War, Addy's story is one of great courage and love - love of family and love of freedom.