Here is the story of Henrietta Wood, who was enslaved twice—but who demanded justice and was awarded the largest reparations ever granted for enslavement.
A nonfiction book for ages 9–12 that puts a human face on the current issue of reparations.
Henrietta Wood was born enslaved. As a teen she was ripped from her family and sold. Years later, a miracle happened, and she was given freedom papers. But Henrietta’s freedom was short-lived. She was tricked back into enslavement and sent to a Mississippi cotton plantation.
On June 19, 1865—Juneteenth—she was emancipated. Finally free for good, Henrietta Wood sued the man who had kidnapped her back into enslavement—and she won! Henrietta was one of the few people in United States history to ever receive a reparation payment for slavery.
Twice Enslaved is a true story of cruelty, resilience, and ultimately triumph, told lyrically for middle-grade readers by Selene Castrovilla and illustrated in full color by artist Erin Robinson.
Book Details
Format:
Hardcover
Price:
19.99 USD / 25.99 CAD
Published: 02/03/2026
ISBN: 9781662680748
Imprint:
Calkins Creek
Page Count: 80
Trim Size: 6 x 9
Grades:
Grades 4-7
Ages:
9-12 years
"Told through a series of poems, this illustrated biography sheds light on a little-known historical figure, pairing powerful verse with striking illustrations to underline the humanity of those who lived through the atrocities of slavery and their ability to hope and fight for a better life.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"In this concise biography rendered via narrative poetry, Castrovilla (Freedom’s Cost) centers Henrietta Wood (1818–1912), a Black woman who—following her emancipation, abduction, and re-enslavement—obtained the largest restitution payment ever given to a formerly enslaved person in the United States... Evocative illustrations by Robinson (Ayo’s Adventure) capture pivotal moments throughout the subject’s life, while rhythmic language describes the physical abuse Wood suffered during her enslavement."—Publishers Weekly