Step by Step; Or, Tidy's Way to Freedom

"Step by Step; Or, Tidy's Way to Freedom" by the American Tract Society is a historical narrative likely written during the mid-19th century. This poignant account explores the brutal realities of slavery through the eyes of a young enslaved girl named Tidy, who navigates her harsh existence while clinging to hope for freedom and a better life. The text addresses the moral abhorrence of slavery and highlights the human resilience within the confines of oppression. The opening of the narrative introduces readers to the grim context of slavery, detailing the physical, emotional, and intellectual deprivation faced by those who are enslaved, particularly through the experiences of Tidy's mother, Annie. The prose vividly conveys the deep bond between mother and child, even amidst the pain of forced separation and loss. As the tale unfolds, Tidy is depicted as a symbol of hope and determination, yearning for knowledge and freedom, contrasting with the stark realities imposed by her circumstances. The initial chapters set a tone of sorrow intertwined with a glimmer of aspiration, foreshadowing Tidy’s journey towards self-discovery and her quest for liberation. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The American Tract Society (ATS) is a nonprofit, nonsectarian but evangelical organization founded on May 11, 1825, in New York City for the purpose of publishing and disseminating tracts of Christian literature. ATS traces its lineage back through the New York Tract Society (1812) and the New England Tract Society (1814) to the Religious Tract Society of London, begun in 1799. Over the years, ATS has produced and distributed many millions of pieces of literature. There is a printed pamphlet titled "Constitution of the American Tract Society, instituted in Boston 1814" referencing the distribution of 'Religious Tracts' by Christians in Europe and America during the previous twenty years. The purpose of which was to combine the energy & activities of various groups & individuals across New England.