Book Review: Th Patchwork Path ~ A Quilt Map to Freedom by Bettye Stroud

Title: The Patchwork Path ~ A Quilt Map to Freedom

Written by: Bettye Stroud

Illustrator: Erin Susanne Bennett

Soft cover: 32 pages

Ages: 4-8

Publisher: Candlewick Press

ISBN: 978-07636-3519-0

Published: January 2005

Price: $16.99

The Patchwork Path ~ A Quilt Map to Freedom is a historical fictional account of 10-year-old Hannah and her father’s quest for freedom. The places and hidden passageways intertwined in Hannah’s story are actual locations, many still standing today.

Signs were everywhere to ensure the safe passage of slaves to freedom. Lanterns in windows and code words the most common. One of the most ingenious signs was the use of quilts. Quilt makers would make each square with a specific message. Only those familiar with them would understand the significance. To the untrained eye it looked like an ordinary quilt. Hannah’s mother knew the time would come that their own quilt would guide Hannah to safety. The quilting skills Hannah’s mother taught her prior to her death was instrumental in Hannah and her father’s safety, providing a connection to her mother even in death.

Children’s author, Bettye Stroud expertly brings to life of 10-year-old Hannah’s escape to freedom where you can feel the pounding of the rain on your back and the howl of the wind in your ears. There is no wonder The Patchwork Path ~ A Quilt Map to Freedom has been bestowed with multiple awards.

Visit the wonderful world of children’s author, Bettye Stroud at http://www.bettyestroud.com/

Book Review: Barefoot ~ Escape on the Underground Railroad

Title: Barefoot ~ Escape on the Underground Railroad

Written by: Pamela Duncan Edwards

Illustrator: Henry Cole

Soft cover: 32 pages

Ages: 5-9

Publisher: Harper Collins Publisher
ISBN: 978-006-4435-192

Published: December 1998

Price: $6.99

Observing and understanding nature’s signs proved to be instrumental in a runaway slave’s quest for freedom. The weather did not always cooperate, especially when the moon would be hidden by clouds. The darkness blanketed the pathway to freedom. One could not panic. It was essential to remain calm and alert to the animal sounds, along with the common human signs to ensure safe passage.

Barefoot’s journey though the darkness guided by unusual assistance will have your heart pounding and your mouth dry in anticipation of the two sides of the scale, freedom or capture. Which shall prevail? Immerse yourself in Barefoot ~ Escape on the Underground Railroad and you will soon find out.

The expert flow of this unique story of the Underground Railroad paired with the mesmerizing illustrations will leave you breathless.

Visit the enchanting world of author, Pamela Duncan Edwards at http://www.pameladuncanedwards.net/  









Visit the colorful world of illustrator, Henry Cole at http://www.henrycole.net/

Secret Signs - An Escape Through the Underground Railroad

Title: Secret Signs – An Escape Through the Underground Railroad

Written & Illustrated by: Anita Riggio

Soft cover: 32 pages

Ages: 4-8

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press

ISBN: 978-1590780725

Published: November 2002

Price: $9.95

The success of the Underground Railroad depended on many people. Children and adults placed themselves and families in harms way to ensure the safe passage of slaves to freedom. Code words were a main source of communication, but many don’t realize secret signs were also instrumental in communicating.

Come along on this inspiring journey of a young deaf boy named Luke, who did not allow his disability thwart him in using his artistic abilities to show the way to safe houses and routes along the Underground Railroad.

The author and illustrator, Anita Riggio provides an adventurous story coupled with beautiful illustrations to bring this very important part of history alive.

Learn more about the author & illustrator, Anita Riggio at: http://www.anitariggio.com/

Book Reviews - The Underground Railroad

Due to unforeseen circumstances the schedule for my next three book reviews had to be adjusted.

In an effort to spread more information about The Underground Railroad I will be featuring children's book reviews based on this historical time period.

Secret Signs ~ An Escape Through The Underground Railroad by Anita Riggio - November 6th

Barefoot ~ Escape on the Underground Railroad by Pamela Duncan Edwards - November 13th

The Patchwork Path ~ A Quilt Map to Freedom by Bettye Stroud - November 20th

Thank you for your understanding.

Book Review: If You Traveled on the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine

Title: If You Traveled on the Underground Railroad


Written by: Ellen Levine

Illustrated by: Larry Johnson

Soft cover: 64 pages

Ages: 9-12

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.

ISBN: 0-590-45156-1

Published: February 1993

Price: $5.99


Four million slaves in America in the year 1860? Is that possible? Unfortunately yes. Learn about this despairing time in American history. From the code words used to make the Underground Railroad a success, where a runaway would go for help, how long would a slave have to travel to freedom, what dangers did the slaves and conductors encounter?

The depth of organization, commitment, and traveling on the Underground Railroad were enormous. Come along for this expansive journey through the Underground Railroad and be mesmerized by what the people of this era endured to achieve freedom.

Learn more about author, Ellen Levine at: http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/contributor.jsp?id=3318

Learn more about illustrator, Larry Johnson at: http://www.zhibit.org/illustrator

Book Review: Bright Freedom's Song ~ A Story of the Underground Railroad

Title: Bright Freedom’s Song ~ A Story of the Underground Railroad


Written by: Gloria Houston

Soft cover: 166 pages

Ages: 12+

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

ISBN: 978-0152018123

Published: October 1998

Price: $17.00

Fourteen-year-old Bright is living in 1861 and is wise beyond her years. Forced to come to grips of the war fought to own slaves, Bright finds herself learning of her family’s secret. Can she be strong and carry on her family’s mission during her father’s illness? Learning the code words and procedures of the Underground Railroad, Bright embarks on a journey with Marcus, a former slave, to deliver bundles to safety. As so many who assisted in the Underground Railroad, Bright is well aware of the dire circumstances that will land on her if caught and disregards her own safety for her strong beliefs against slavery.

“Where you headed, my pretty lady? asked the soldier sneering. With a Negro in your wagon in the middle of the night? Be he slave? Or be he free?””

Will Bright and Marcus prevail?

Author, Gloria Houston brings to life the story of Bright and her bravery in her contributions to the Underground Railroad in such a manner you will find yourself cheering for Bright’s success.

To learn more about Gloria Houston visit: http://www.brightmountainbooks.com/titles/littlejim.html

Book Review: North by Light ~ A Story of the Underground Railroad by Katherine Ayres

Title: North by Night ~ A Story of the Underground Railroad


Written by: Katherine Ayres

Soft cover: 176 pages

Ages: 9 to 12

Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 0-440-22747-X

Published: 1998

Price: $5.99

Transport back to the year 1851. Would you be able to reach deep within and summon up the courage to be a transporter on the Underground Railroad? Many people could not and did not in fear of the law. Sixteen-year-old, Lucinda Spencer does just that with no regard to her own safety. Lucinda’s personal recollections through diary entries and her courage will have you spellbound from the onset.

“Even as I work long hours to help the runaways, I do so with only half my mind, for the other half lingers at that bonfire. I can still feel the soft warmth of Jeremiah’s lips on mine. I touch my mouth again and again, to remember. What’s wrong with me? I consider myself in love with Jonathan Clark.”

The author expertly intertwines the everyday struggles of farm life and coming to terms with unforeseen relationships. Lucinda’s focus and heartfelt determination is inspiring. Come along for this fascinating journey of the Underground Railroad, one you will soon not forget.

To learn more about Katherine Ayres visit: http://personal.chatham.edu/faculty/kayres