Although a familiarity with the first book isn't required, it does give readers a better background for the incidents to which Easter refers. The use of black dialect may slow down some readers at first, but it adds tremendously to the novel, making Easter spring to life. Hansen has written another wonderful tale, showing the unfairness of the situations in which freed slaves often found themselves. Easter learns to read, then must make a decision: wait for Obi to come for her and continue to make inquiries about him or go to a real school in Philadelphia.

They escape to the islands off the coast of South Carolina, where they work on a plantation for pay and, reportedly, will have have the opportunity to buy their land. She joins a group of slaves (including her beloved Jason) who are running away from their former master. Joyce Hansen presently lives in South Carolina with her husband and writes full-time.Grade 6-9 This sequel to Which Way Freedom (Walker, 1986) follows Obi's companion in escape, Easter.

She continued to teach and write until retiring from teaching in 1995. Joyce’s first children’s book, The Gift-Giver, published in 1980, was inspired by her own Bronx childhood and by her students. She also taught writing and literature at Empire State College (State University of New York). She then began her teaching career in the New York City public schools and earned a Master of Arts degree from New York University. While working secretarial jobs during the day, Joyce attended Pace University in New York City at night, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree. She grew up with two younger brothers and her parents in an extended family that included aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents, all living nearby in the Morrisania section of the Bronx.Īttending Bronx public schools, she graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1960. Joyce was born and raised in New York City, the setting of her early contemporary novels. She al Joyce Hansen has been writing books and stories for children and young adults for over twenty years. Attending Bronx public schools, she graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1960.

She grew up with two younger brothers and her parents in an extended family that included aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents, all living nearby in the Morrisania section of the Bronx. Joyce Hansen has been writing books and stories for children and young adults for over twenty years.

Out from This Place by Joyce Hansen