Families who loved Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when you want to introduce the history of the Underground Railroad through the lens of ingenuity and hope rather than just hardship. It is an ideal choice for children who show an interest in art or maps, or for those beginning to ask questions about justice and fairness in history. The story follows Clara, a young enslaved girl who uses her skill as a seamstress to create a quilt that doubles as a secret map to freedom. While the book deals with the heavy reality of slavery and family separation, it focuses primarily on Clara’s agency, intelligence, and resilience. It is age-appropriate for elementary-aged children, offering a gentle but honest entry point into Black history. Parents will appreciate how it celebrates the power of community and the way creative thinking can be a tool for liberation.
