Small’s Big Journey – Hardcover

Small’s Big Journey is an inspiring true story rooted in American history and family legacy.

Born into slavery in Virginia, Smallwood “Small” Ackiss lived a life shaped by hardship—but also by hope. Through determination and quiet courage, he witnessed the end of the Civil War and embraced his freedom. Small went on to become one of the first Black men in his community to vote during Reconstruction, claiming a right that had long been denied.

Told through vivid, painterly illustrations and accessible storytelling, this book invites young readers to walk alongside Small as he grows, works, dreams, and ultimately steps into his voice.

Small’s story reaches beyond his own lifetime. He was the great-grandfather of Evelyn Butts, whose fight helped end the poll tax in the United States, protecting the right to vote for future generations.

Perfect for children, families, and classrooms, Small’s Big Journey introduces important themes of freedom, resilience, and civic responsibility—reminding readers that even the quietest voices can help shape history.

• Format: Hardcover
• Page count: 40 pages
• Trim size:  8.5″ x 8.5″
• Reading age:  Ages 7–10
• Language: English
• ISBN 978-0-9993836-5-0 — Hardcover
• Publisher: Smallwood Charlotte Press
• Release date: May 14, 2026
• Print type: Full color
• Binding: Matte cover
• Illustrations: Fully illustrated

Preorder now. Books will ship beginning May 14.

Small’s Big Journey is a powerful true story for children about freedom, family, and the fight for the right to vote.

Smallwood “Small” Ackiss was born into slavery at Birdneck Point in Virginia. As a young man, he dreamed of a life beyond the boundaries placed on him. When the Civil War began, Small joined the Union Army and served in the United States Colored Troops, helping to secure the freedom he had long hoped for.

After the war, Small returned home to build a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. In 1867, he stood in line and voted for the very first time—claiming a right that had once been denied to him.

But Small’s story did not end there.

Generations later, his great-granddaughter, Evelyn Butts, carried that same determination forward. Her fight to end the poll tax reached the United States Supreme Court and helped protect the right to vote for countless Americans.

Through engaging storytelling and rich illustrations, Small’s Big Journey introduces young readers to the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the ongoing struggle for voting rights. It is a story of resilience, hope, and the power of one family’s legacy across generations.

Perfect for families, classrooms, and anyone who wants to help children understand the meaning of freedom and citizenship.

• Format: Paperback
• Page count: 40 pages
• Trim size:  8.5″ x 8.5″
• Reading age:  Ages 7–10
• Language: English
• ISBN 978-0-9993836-3-6 — Paperback
• Publisher: Smallwood Charlotte Press
• Release date: May 1, 2026
• Print type: Full color
• Binding: Matte cover
• Illustrations: Fully illustrated

📦 Preorder your copy today. All preorders will ship beginning May 1.