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+

Reviews

"Convincing and captivating" – CBI

"A thought-provoking odyssey" – Guardian

"Grips the reader and doesn't let go, from one tense encounter to the next" – Scotsman Magazine

"It's gently educational … but nothing detracts from the fact that it's a darned good story and it's one which will appeal to both male and female readers. Just as a good story, well written it's worth five stars, easily” – The Bookbag

"Harrowing in places and still chillingly relevant, this is an absolute must read for all YA fans" – In Need of a Read, Blog

About the author

Tanya Landman is renowned for her thought-provoking, prize-winning novels including the beautifully “deft and dark”, Carnegie Medal-winning Buffalo Soldier. In 2019 she won the Scottish Teenage Book Prize for her critically acclaimed novella One Shot. Tanya says that she loves how writing allows her to daydream – something she was always in trouble for at school! She lives in Devon with her sons, a Siamese cat and two Labradors.