Review By: Jessica Polge
Published: 2024
Genre(s): Historical Fiction
Audience: Grades 11–12, Adult
Content Warnings: Sexual assault, slavery
Reviewer’s Note: “It had good reviews.”
Goodreads Link: The American Daughters
Summary:
Set in pre–Civil War New Orleans, The American Daughters tells the story of Ady, an enslaved young woman navigating grief, survival, and the fight for freedom after her mother’s death. When Ady discovers a secret network of free Black women known as “The Daughters,” she joins their effort to undermine the Confederacy. Through friendship, courage, and defiance, Ady begins to reclaim her identity and imagine a future beyond bondage.
Review:
Ruffin’s novel powerfully blends history and resilience, illustrating the strength of women who resist oppression in even the darkest circumstances. Ady’s story is one of survival and awakening, as she learns to read, write, and rise against the system that enslaved her. The writing is evocative and deeply moving, with themes of identity, sacrifice, and legacy woven throughout. The book offers rich opportunities for classroom discussion, particularly in history and ELA, connecting past struggles to modern conversations about justice and empowerment.
