School Library Journal Review
Gr 5 Up-Landau discusses the history of slavery in the United States, slave life, the Underground Railroad, and the leaders, both black and white, of antislavery organizations. Three chapters outline specifics of slaves' escapes, including that of Henry Brown, who mailed himself in a box to the North. An outstanding feature of this book is the use of primary sources and quotes from former slaves, contemporary newspaper accounts, and reminiscences of escaped slaves. Harriet Tubman and Levi Coffin, a white merchant who put his abolitionist beliefs into action as a part of the Underground Railroad, are spotlighted. Excellent historical photographs and illustrations enhance the text. Back matter includes the texts of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and the Emancipation Proclamation, extensive source notes, and a list of places to visit. A welcome addition to Civil War collections.-Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
After a brief introduction to slavery, Landau covers the Underground Railroad from its beginnings. Tales of daring escapes (both successful and thwarted) and close calls are enhanced by firsthand accounts of former slaves, abolitionists, and Underground Railroad conductors. Informative captions accompany the numerous black-and-white illustrations. Appended materials include source notes and suggested places to visit. Reading list, websites. Bib., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Gr. 6-9. Whether they require facts about towering abolitionist personages (Harriet Tubman, Levi Coffin, William Lloyd Garrison) or seek fresh inspiration for African American history-themed projects, researchers will make use of this entry in the reliable People's History series. Although the black, white, and sepia-tone palette won't instantly draw readers, there is energy enough in the narrative, written by a seasoned nonfiction writer who excels at distilling troubling topics without oversimplification (Slavery allowed some plantation owners to acquire great wealth. But the human misery that supported the system was staggering ). Enhancing the general facts are primary-source quotations, dramatic anecdotes about figures both unsung and well known, and archival images that, though at times disappointingly small, still pack a wallop. Readers won't soon forget the picture of a slave's horrifically scarred, knotted back. End matter includes contextualized excerpts from the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and the Emancipation Proclamation, as well as notes for quotes, suggestions for further reading, and lists of nonbook resources. --Jennifer Mattson Copyright 2006 Booklist
