My Name is Not Friday by Jon Walter is a moving young adult historical novel set during the final years of the American Civil War.
 
Samuel, a free Black boy raised in an orphanage in the North, is tricked and sold into slavery as punishment for something he didn’t do. Stripped of his name and forced to answer to “Friday,” he must endure the brutal reality of plantation life while holding onto hope, faith, and his dream of freedom. As Union troops draw closer, Samuel learns that even in the darkest times, dignity and courage can never be taken away.
 
With powerful themes of identity, resilience, and justice, this novel offers a fresh perspective on America’s history of slavery through the eyes of a young protagonist. It’s a thought-provoking, emotional read that sparks important conversations for teens and adults alike.
 
⭐ Why You’ll Love It
A gripping Civil War novel told through the eyes of a young boy.
Tackles slavery, identity, and resilience with emotional depth.
Appeals to both YA readers and adults who enjoy historical fiction.
Thought-provoking and ideal for classroom discussions.
🎯 Perfect For
Teen readers ages 12+ interested in historical fiction.
Classrooms studying the Civil War, slavery, or African American history.
Book clubs seeking powerful, discussion-worthy reads.
Fans of works like Copper Sun by Sharon Draper or Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson.
📚 Fans Also Liked
Copper Sun by Sharon Draper
Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Day of Tears by Julius Lester
Crossing Ebenezer Creek by Tonya Bolden
 
📚 Why Educators Will Love It
Offers an accessible, character-driven entry point into Civil War history.
Encourages empathy through Samuel’s personal struggle with identity and freedom.
Tackles slavery and race relations in a way that resonates with modern readers.
Strong alignment with ELA and Social Studies curricula.
Creates opportunities for cross-curricular teaching between history and literature.
 
🗝️ Key Themes for Discussion & Curriculum Connections
Slavery and injustice: the brutal realities of plantation life.
Identity and dignity: the importance of names, heritage, and selfhood.
Faith and resilience: hope as a survival tool.
Family and betrayal: trust, loyalty, and survival under oppression.
Civil War context: personalizing history through one boy’s story.