Product Description

"Paperback: 40 pages Publisher: National Geographic (March 1, 2004) ISBN: 0792265513 Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.9 x 0.1 inches Ages 9-12 Fiction and nonfiction elements combine (sometimes confusingly) in this look at the Underground Railroa"

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #82399 in Books
• Published on: 2004-03-01
• Released on: 2004-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 40 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6–Fiction and nonfiction elements combine (sometimes confusingly) in this look at the Underground Railroad. The introduction provides straightforward information, but the bulk of the book recounts the adventures of two fictional characters who escape from slavery, meet on their journey north, and make it to Canada in 1858. Though the author states up front that Callie, a 14-year-old field worker from a plantation, and William, a city slave owned by a merchant, are not real people, the historical photos that accompany this pronouncement downplay that point. Also, the narrative slides between details of their travels and facts about the Underground Railroad and the actual people (such as John Parker and Harriet Tubman) involved in it, blurring the lines even further. Inset boxes tell parts of the story from the points of view of William, Callie, and her grandmother who remains behind in Kentucky. This title includes many characteristics of good nonfiction: cohesive organization of information, crisp photographs and period illustrations, and a helpful glossary. However, the manner in which it interlaces real and fictional characters and situations will mislead many readers.–Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia
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