Fleeing to Freedom on the Underground Railroad: The Courageous Slaves, Agents, and Conductors (People's History) [Library Binding]

Elaine Landau (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5 Up Landau discusses the history of slavery in the United States, slave life, the Underground Railroad, and the leaders, both black and white, of antislavery organizations. Three chapters outline specifics of slaves' escapes, including that of Henry Brown, who mailed himself in a box to the North. An outstanding feature of this book is the use of primary sources and quotes from former slaves, contemporary newspaper accounts, and reminiscences of escaped slaves. Harriet Tubman and Levi Coffin, a white merchant who put his abolitionist beliefs into action as a part of the Underground Railroad, are spotlighted. Excellent historical photographs and illustrations enhance the text. Back matter includes the texts of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and the Emancipation Proclamation, extensive source notes, and a list of places to visit. A welcome addition to Civil War collections. Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 6-9. Whether they require facts about towering abolitionist personages (Harriet Tubman, Levi Coffin, William Lloyd Garrison) or seek fresh inspiration for African American history-themed projects, researchers will make use of this entry in the reliable People's History series. Although the black, white, and sepia-tone palette won't instantly draw readers, there is energy enough in the narrative, written by a seasoned nonfiction writer who excels at distilling troubling topics without oversimplification ("Slavery allowed some plantation owners to acquire great wealth. But the human misery that supported the system was staggering"). Enhancing the general facts are primary-source quotations, dramatic anecdotes about figures both unsung and well known, and archival images that, though at times disappointingly small, still pack a wallop. Readers won't soon forget the picture of a slave's horrifically scarred, knotted back. End matter includes contextualized excerpts from the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and the Emancipation Proclamation, as well as notes for quotes, suggestions for further reading, and lists of nonbook resources. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Library Binding: 88 pages
• Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books (CT) (April 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0822534908
• ISBN-13: 978-0822534907
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,571,657 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm a children's book author and writing coach who loves both children and books. I've never been much of a fiction fan, I've spent my time both reading and writing nonfiction. I live in tropical Miami with my husband and son who are nonfiction lovers as well.