Emmie From Philly - The Diary of a Black Girl in Civil War Philadelphia

Emmie from Philly tells the powerful story of a free Black girl growing up in Civil War–era Philadelphia, a city alive with activism, courage, and change. Through Emmie’s eyes—and the pages of her diary—young readers experience daily life in a Black community fighting for dignity, education, and equal rights. Her journey takes her through real historical neighborhoods, schools, churches, and abolitionist sites, connecting her personal story to the lives of leaders like Octavius Catto, Caroline LeCount, and the brave families who shaped Philadelphia’s Black history. Blending fiction with deep historical significance, this book offers children a meaningful way to understand resilience, identity, and the power of remembering our past.