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- two slaves, a 10-year-old girl and her father, run away to freedom
- based on a true story (Afterword gives more info)
- convo: mentions the death of the girl’s mother
- bold and memorable illustrations
Type: picture book
Ages: 4-8
Author: Bettye Stroud
Illustrator: Erin Susanne Bennett
Of course this is a simplified version of what must have been an extremely difficult journey; however, I appreciate these stories being written on a child’s level. It’s a safe way to gently expand their horizons–in this case, in their knowledge of slavery history in America.
The book begins in Georgia on a plantation. Slave grandmothers and mothers pass down important information “in code” by using certain quilt blocks. These designs are incorporated into the artwork, so it’s a neat part of the story as different blocks tell the pair how to get to Canada.
I definitely recommend reading this one–include it when studying U.S. history, slavery, or even sewing-related topics.
