Customer Reviews

Night Running: How James Escaped with the Help of His Faithful Dog

5 star:		(5)
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This is a touching book based in truth about a boy slave who decides to run away and the obstacles that he encounters. He is accompanied and helped by his trustworthy dog. The boy appreciates how his dog has helped him and becomes devoted to the dog which could have prevented him from getting a hot meal after his escape.

This story is illustrated beautifully and allows children to see the injustices done to African Americans and demonstrates their courage to try to escape. This book will be appreciated by parents/teachers and children and provide a good jumping board to talk about the past and how awful this time was in US history. I would highly recommend this book.

My only concern is that it is suggested for those 4 - 8 years old. There is some mention of some switching and violence, so I would suggest that it would be more appropriate for those 8 years and up.

"Night Running" is based on the true story of James Smith who as a young slave ran away from his cruel master and was aided throughout his journey by his faithful dog, Zeus. The illustrations are dark and muted in color, but very effective in telling the story, keeping the tension alive as the reader wonders what awaits James in the dark on night. Zeus is portrayed as an unfailingly faithful dog that keeps up with his master, James, and pulls him out of a few scrapes along the way. Perfect as a picture book, and also as a read aloud for young readers ages 4-8.

This book tells a wonderful story of loyalty of a dog toward his human companion. The story reminds us of the historical reality of slavery in our country and the struggles to free oneself from bondage. The artwork is superb.

My eleven year old grandaughter liked this very much. Thought the story was good.

E.B. Lewis provides realistic drawings for this picturebook drama set in 1938 and following one James' plan to escape slavery with the help of his faithful dog. This gripping story of escape and freedom comes to life in picturebook format, and makes for an outstanding story.