Beacon to Freedom

Reach for this book when your child is starting to ask about fairness in history or when they need to see how one person's quiet courage can spark a movement. This narrative introduces Reverend John Rankin, a key figure in the Underground Railroad who used a simple lantern in his window to guide enslaved people across the Ohio River to safety. While the subject matter involves the heavy reality of slavery, the book focuses on the themes of hope, allyship, and the moral imperative to help others in danger. It is an accessible entry point for elementary-aged children to understand the bravery required to stand up against systemic injustice. By highlighting a lesser known hero, it helps children see that history is made of many individuals choosing to do what is right despite the risks.