Passing for White

Treachery, adventure and dreams of freedom triumph in this stunningly evocative historical adventure, inspired by a stunning real-life story, and brought to a modern teen audience by a Carnegie Medal-winning author.


It's 1848 in the Deep South of America. Rosa is a slave but her owner is also her father and her fair skin means she can 'pass for white'. With the help of her husband Benjamin, she disguises herself as a young southern gentleman – and Benjamin's master. In this guise, the couple flee the South, explaining away their lack of literacy, avoiding those they have encountered before and holding their nerve over a thousand miles to freedom.Inspired by the amazing true story of Ellen Craft who escaped a life of slavery through a daring disguise and won freedom for herself and her husband.Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 13+