Families who loved Underground to Canada by Barbara Smucker 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 your child begins asking difficult questions about justice, human rights, or the history of slavery. It is an essential choice for families looking to discuss the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of standing up for others even when the risks are immense. This classic story follows Julilly and her friend Liza as they escape a Mississippi plantation and navigate the dangerous path to freedom in Canada. While the book deals with the heavy realities of the Deep South and the Underground Railroad, it centers on the incredible bravery and friendship between the two girls. It is a powerful tool for opening conversations about systemic racism and historical empathy. Best suited for middle grade readers, it provides a realistic yet age appropriate look at one of history's most harrowing journeys, ultimately ending on a hopeful note of reunion and the start of a new life.