Description
Born on a cotton plantation in South Carolina, twelve-year-old Rebecca knows only slavery. But when Grower Brown decides to sell her father to a plantation downriver, Rebecca convinces her parents to run away with her on the Underground Railroad to Canada. Led by the famous Harriet "Moses" Tubman, the family hides in coffins, rides a handmade raft through alligator-infested waters, and pumps hand cars across Illinois amidst a blizzard. Escaping federal marshals and bounty hunters isn't easy, but with the help of freed slaves and abolitionists, Rebecca learns there is more to the world than slavery. Even in challenging moments, she finds courage by reminding herself: "I want to live in freedom. I am travelling from midnight to dawn and I won't stop until I see the sunrise."
"Rooting for Rebecca and her family, young readers will discover how much creativity, trust, and courage are needed to overcome the obstacles in the family's search for freedom." - KAREN AUTIO, AUTHOR OF KAH-LAN
"Accurate research and a well-told tale make this ride on the Underground Railroad a gripping page-turner as well as a valuable lesson in Black history." - JEAN RAE BAXTER, AUTHOR OF THE FORGING A NATION SERIES
Contributor Notes
DAN RUBENSTEIN's interest in runaway slaves began when he attended a school in an old house which had been part of the Underground Railroad. Dan is a geographer, environmentalist and writer. NANCY DYSON studied international development at Vassar College and was deeply concerned about issues of inequality. Later she became an early childhood educator with a special interest in children's literature. Nancy and Dan make their home in Gloucester, Ontario. Visit www.rubenstein-dyson.com.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
