Organized as a chapter book, this would be a nice book to include on a slavery topic. Black and white illustrations as well as real life pictures are included as well.

Up Before Daybreak is a spectacular example of a historical nonfiction book. The history of the cotton production in the United States, along with actual photos from the time, express a true feeling of what people went thru while working all stages of cotton. It discussed evolution of cotton farming from before the civil war to the 1940's, including innovations that made workers jobs much easier. Students will walk away with more knowledge on the topic than any textbook will ever give them.
I enjoyed reading this book for the fact that it gave very factual information in a very relaxed, non-textbook kind of way. The author used actual photographs from the time period being discussed to help readers visualize exactly what was being said. I think this book would be an excellent addition to any middle school classroom library. You could also use it for younger grades, but you would have to just pick sections out and have discussions. I believe that upper grade students could enjoy it as well. ( )

Great informational book on history of cotton.

On page one of Up Before Daybreak, we read, “The story of cotton—growing it, taking it to market, and making it into cloth—is like a thread that stretches far back into America’s past. To understand how Henry’s sister was sold for fifteen bales of cotton, we have to follow that thread back to the beginning.” Hopkinson weaves slavery, economics, politics, fashion, daily life, etc. into a this well-dressed book, filled with pictures, sidebars, illustrations. She does it with stitch-perfect words. What is especially fine about this book, are the many personal examples and quotes from a black and white cross section of people. We travel with cotton from colonial times all the way into the twentieth century. The language of the book sings and the research is impeccable. Recommended for middle school and high school libraries. ( )

Slaves and child labor worked hard to grow and produce cotton as a cash crop in the United States. This book gives an overview of the history of cotton and the people who worked with it, from before the civil war until the 1940s. Featuring pictures and original quotes, it is both informative and interesting. ( )