The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II (English)

Set in Pre-Revolutionary War America, this sequel to the National Book Award-winner THE ASTONISHING LIFE OF OCTAVIAN NOTHING, TRAITOR TO THE NATION; V. 1 THE POX PARTY, continues the tale of Octavian Nothing, a black teenager who received a classical education (as the subject of a social experiment) while being raised by a group of scientists and philosophers known as "The Numbers." Now having escaped from "The Numbers," Octavian learns that the British are offering freedom to any slaves who help them defeat the revolutionaries. Traveling to Virginia, Octavian joins the Royal Navy, where he serves the British but also works privately to preserve the names and stories of the other slaves in his regiment--thus ensuring, he hopes, that all will eventually be freed. As Octavian learns of the harsh and horrible lives of slaves in the Colonies, he wonders how those fighting for freedom can still insist on their own right to hold slaves. A 2009 Printz Honor Book, as well as a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2008, and a 2008 New York Times Notable Children's Book. minimize