About This Book
Reach for this book when your child begins asking serious questions about the realities of history, the meaning of justice, or what it truly takes to be brave when the world feels unfair. It is an ideal choice for middle-grade readers who are ready to move beyond simplified historical narratives and explore the complex emotional weight of the Underground Railroad through a personal lens. The story follows eleven-year-old Samuel as he is thrust into a sudden escape from a Kentucky plantation. Alongside the elderly and often difficult Harrison, Samuel navigates the terrifying journey toward Canada. While the backdrop is one of intense peril and systemic injustice, the heart of the book is about the developing bond between the two travelers and Samuel's growing understanding of his own identity. It is a suspenseful adventure that balances the harsh realities of 1859 with a profound sense of hope and the life-changing power of human kindness.
