The Drinking Gourd

I Can Read: Level 3

by F.N. Monjo

The stars of the Big Dipper have led a runaway slave family to Deacon Fuller's house, a stop on the Underground Railroad. Will Tommy Fuller be able to hide the runaways from a search party—or will the secret passengers be discovered and their hope for freedom destroyed? This Level 3 I Can Read book is a captivating first-person historical fiction account of the Underground Railroad, narrated by Tommy, a ten year-old Quaker boy,. With beautiful, simple prose that folds in historical facts about slavery and the Civil War, this book makes this important period of American history accessible to beginning readers. Includes an afterword from the author F.N. Monjo that explains the historical context of the Fugitive Slave Law. Supports the Common Core Learning Standards

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction, American History, Historical, Chapter Books

64 pages, Paperback

First published June 9, 1970

About the author

F.N. Monjo. Ferdinand Nicolas Monjo (1924-1978) was a children's novelist and editor. After graduating from Columbia University, he worked in editorial positions at several major children's publishing companies, including Simon & Schuster's Golden Books and American Heritage's Junior Library.
His grandfather, also named F.N. Monjo, was an Arctic furrier.

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by my 7 year old daughter!

It’s actually a very moving and inspiring historical piece for young readers on the subject of slavery and helping other human beings seek safety and justice.

[Mr. Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent teaching tool. 1st-3rd grade.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dated but still a nice intro for younger kids (4-8) about the Underground Railroad.

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a beautiful moving story of the Underground Railroad told by a young white child’s perspective. I wish it just had a little more detail.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

DS read this in conjunction with a Harriet Tubman book. This is about a kid who discovers that there are runaway slaves hiding in his barn. It turns out his dad is part of the Underground Railroad, and the boy has stumbled on to the secret.
There is one part where the boy has to lie to keep the runaway slaves safe and hidden, so this may be confusing for really little kids. But it makes for good conversation.

If you are Canadian, you may like this book because it emphasizes that the runaway slaves are headed to Canada, not merely to the north part of the United States.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dramatic account of one family being transported up north to Canada along the Underground Railroad. It is fictional, but tells about the danger the runaways and abolitionists faced as well as the support they received along the way north. We followed along with the book as we listened to the narration on CD. It was narrated much better than I ever could and we loved the song at the beginning of the story - we listened to it several times.

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Drinking Gourd: A Story of the Underground Rail Road (I can read Level#3) by F.N. Monjo, Illustrator Fred Brenner- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- The book narrates the story of an Afro-American who has run away from Carolina and plans to reach Canada following Stars of the Big Dipper or called the Drinking Gourd. The period of the story is the year 1851. Jeff and his family have arrived at residence cum farm of Decon Fuller. Mr. Fuller has been with his family at the Church. His son Tommy Fuller disturbed the congregation and was scolded and asked to go back home. Tommy reaches home and plans to sleep in the horse cabin. He jumps at the dry grass stable. He finds that Jeff and his family of three persons are hiding there for escape to Canada. In the night, his family returns back home. Tommy informs his father about Jeff. His father informs him that as such there no Underground Rail to Canada but this term is used for a group of white Americans who believe that Slavery is incorrect. They help the runaways from station to the other. They are called the Conductors of the Underground Railroad. It is the duty of Fuller family to leave the Jeff family by horse carriage to river bank where a boat is waiting for them to take them to the next station. Tommy and his father load up Jeff and his family in their hay wagon and hide them to get to their next stop. Further they will follow the Stars of Big Dipper also called the Big Gourd. While Tommy drives the Jeff family, the 4- American Marshals on horseback stop him. They enquire about the Jeff family. Tommy informs them that his father has scolded him at the Church and will beat him if he returns home. So he is running away from his house. The Marshals are aware of the story. Let Tommy go. Tommy drops them at the bank of the river and shows the boat ready for them It is sad for Tommy to see Little Jeff go off down the river, but knows he is helping his new friend. Coloured pictures help the reader to relate to the story. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.

[Sharon C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rated this book five stars because of its ability to present a difficult and important part of American history in a way that is accessible and meaningful for children. I remember reading this book when I was in elementary school, and it influenced my decision to check it out from my local library to read with my daughter. We truly enjoyed reading it together, and it brought on thoughtful conversation throughout and after the story. The story introduces the Underground Railroad and the symbolism of the drinking gourd, I think, in a way that young readers can understand while still honoring the emotional weight of the topic. I would use this book with second-grade students because the language is approachable, the narrative is clear, and I feel like the emotional depth helps children begin to understand the realities of slavery and the courage of those who sought freedom.

In the classroom, I would use this book as part of a historical fiction or social studies unit on the Underground Railroad. I think this would be a great unit to study because students could learn about how stories, songs, and symbols were used to communicate important messages. A fun and meaningful activity could be to map the journey described in the book and discuss the risks involved. We could also compare this fictionalized account with similar nonfiction texts to help students understand the difference between historical fiction and informational writing. I believe this book provides an age-appropriate way to introduce an important part of our complex history while encouraging empathy, critical thinking, and respectful discussion.

[Paxton Bleich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful historical piece for children. Writing about themes of slavery is difficult especially in a children's book. F.N. Minjo does an incredible job bringing slavery and the Underground Railroad to life. This book is about Tommy Fuller growing up where his parents are a stop of the Underground Railroad. The runaway slave family Jeff, and his family are hidden at Tommy's house. Tommy finds them and is shocked. His dad explains that they are helping Jeff and his family get to Canada to be free. Tommy and his father load up Jeff and his family in their hay wagon and hide them to get to their next stop all while following the drinking gourd. Tommy learns what the drinking gourd is and meets little Jeff. It is sad for Tommy to see Little Jeff go off down the river, but knows he is helping his new friend. The artwork is simple and to the point. It is an older book and that definitely shows.

This book I gave 5/5 stars. I absolutely loved this compelling story. I think this is a great way to explain tough historical topics to children. Having it revolved around a child's life really lets children see what was actually going on during the tough times in history. I think the author did a great job explaining and portraying these tough topics on slavery.

[Jordan Chisholm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has won no awards

Appropriate grade level(s) are 3rd-4th


This books tells a story about the underground railroad. The story is told by a 10 year old boy fighting for freedom and equality. The boy helps escaped slaves on the underground railroad make their way to freedom.

I thought this book was pretty good. I am not a huge fan of historical fiction, but I have always loved stories like the drinking gourd. This is one of the stories I remember reading in elementary school and that really stuck with me. It's not my favorite, but it's definitely worth the read.

I would use this book for a lesson during black history month. I would read it to all the students in my class then have them each do a group project about the underground railroad. They could make a diorama or poster, really anything they wanted to use to share what they learned.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young boy is sent home early for disrupting church and accidentally finds a runaway slave with his family hiding in the barn hayloft. That night his father takes his son and the family to the next station along the underground railroad explaining along the way why he helps slaves escape to freedom. While the father is out looking for the boat to deliver them, the authorities appear and want to search the hay wagon for a runaway slave and his family. Thinking quickly the young boy then "confesses" that he is running away to escape punishment for his misdeed in church.

This is written in easy reader form - 2nd -3rd grade level - so is rather simplistic in the writing style but the story has heart and the message comes across well.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Behold, a historical novel. A Level 3 "I Can Read" book for early readers. A book whose narrator is Tommy, a ten year-old boy from a Quaker family. Tommy's father, Deacon Fuller, uses his home as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Will Tommy's family be able to help a runaway family of enslaved persons to gain their freedom?

Here's a sample of the powerful dialog:

"They call it underground," said Father,
"because it is a secret.
Every bit of it HAS to be a secret!"

"You right,"said Jeff. "We
valuable property. My oldmaster
lost $2,500 when he lost us
if he lost a penny."

MAGNIFICENT!

This story deserves FIVE STARS. May it become available in school libraries all over America. Public libraries and homes, too.

[Amy Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel a little silly adding this to my record of books this year. It only takes 10 minutes to read, being a book for 2-3rd graders on the Underground Railroad. I didn't realize when I put it in a stack of books I'm reading ahead to know what to assign my kids next year that it was such a young level. I didn't like the boy's lie, but I did like the portrayal of Northerners who hated being caught between their consciences and breaking the law. I think it is a fair portrayal of one of the reasons for the war: that even though not all Northerners were abolitionists, they didn't like being forced in 1850 to have to turn in runaway slaves.

[CE · Rating 2 out of 5]

It surprises me that all the reviews, if not the stars, for this book are good.

This book just seemed unrealistic. Big Jeff, one of the slaves escaping, describes himself as valuable property. His son Little Jeff, talks more like a modern child would when encountering Tommy. It goes something like, What do you mean you don't know about the underground railroad?! About following the drinking gourd?!

Then they just go right out the barn door so Little Jeff can show it to him in the sky. Not worried at all if anyone sees them.

At the end the white man and his son are the heroes, doing most of the work.

This is probably an acceptable intro to the Underground Railroad, but I bet there are much better books out there.

[K.C. Gardner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monjo tells a great story about the Underground Railroad for those just being introduced to history and literature. The story is as authentic as a beginning reader can allow it to be, discussing the fact that the characters broke the law when they helped the slave family and that slavery is wrong. Six chapters and an author’s note round out the book as an offering to historical literature. It is a great introduction to historical information as a story. Discussion can be drawn from the story.

[MQR · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for appreciation, more than for interest. Or, possibly for interest more than appreciation? Tributes of this "reader" now include canceled: social discipline, moralism, patriarchy. Its a classic politic for the progressive vs conservative mindset, but I wonder if it isnt perhaps also (perhaps ?) meant to be (?) an embarassment as well (?). From the same people who tell you that books are not meant to influence, just reflect. However, WASPs have become the names of horses, and 'said horses', also "dont have any need to behave in "church"..

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beginning chapter book to introduce slavery and the Underground Railroad to young children. Tommy, a young troublemaker becomes part of his father's mission to help a family of excepted slaves make it from one station to the next. Will they succeed? Or will the United States marshals discover the family first?
There are quite a few good discussion points in this book:
*Is lying ever justified? When or why not?
*Is it ok to lie to defend your beliefs or protect others? Who should make these decisions?

[Kaila Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book I believe is essential to have in my classroom, because it educates students about an extremely impactful event that happened in America's history. They can learn about this event from this book and apply it to how the life and culture has changed for African Americans from that time. I also think it is a very emotional book, so I feel like it would help students create an emotional connection to this event in history.

[Maureen Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this story was a good high-level introduction to the Underground Railroad for beginning readers. The main character, Tommy, is a mischievous boy who is generally relatable for kids. Students from non-Christian backgrounds may need additional explanation about the church service setting, and readers may require previous instruction on the meaning of slavery, but this would be a good addition to a leveled text set about the Underground Railroad and antebellum South.

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet, entertaining and heart warming story all in one....a quick read of course, so beautifully done with the father being a church deacon and knowing that despite slavery being the "law", he refused to follow it as it was so morally wrong....the son was cute in how he created a reason for the soldiers while still not lying about hiding the slaves. Great educational story too! Definitely recommend this. (Found this yesterday at a second shop, didn't know it even exitsed )

[Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book about the Underground Railroad from the perspective of a child. It presents the reality for those escaping and those helping them escape. There is lying and deception. Thus, I think it would be best read and discussed with your child on a personal level, so you can talk about ethics together, with your family's convictions and perspectives. Is it ever right to lie to the authorities and to disobey the law? A good question!

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Big Dipper constellation led slaves North, where they hoped to escape into Canada. When a family of slaves arrives at Deacon Fuller's house (which is a stop on the Underground Railroad) can young Tommy Fuller hide the family from people looking to capture them and take them back? Or will the family's journey to freedom stop short? Read this book for the answers to these and other questions!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love reading about the Underground Railroad so it was fun to read this book. The illustrations are alright and I thought I wouldn't like this book, but it surprised me. It starts off in a church and I was confused as to where this is going, but then it got interesting. I recommend for beginner readers! It's a level 3 book so this is good when they can read alone.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the legend of the Drinking Gourd, but this story, despite being a “classic” is still comes across as racist to me. The story is about a little white boy learning about slavery and how it’s wrong, there is a hood moral in the end, but still it was just an awkward read. There are better books out there to help children learn about American Slavery.

[Etta Mcquade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This nicely illustrative and well-written book for Grades 2 to 4 should help the younger child realize the importance of the Underground Railroad and how individuals took risks to help the slaves escape to Canada.

[Simone Tournemile · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with my class in the newspaper and it was a very good book! I always love books about the Underground Railroad but this one was definitely near the top of my list. The characters and their back stories were very interesting.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction with colorful illustrations about a family escaping on the Underground Railroad and a boy who discovers that his dad is one of the conductors on the railroad. 2nd-3rd grade reading level

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great way to introduce children to the history of the Underground Railroad!

[Andy Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful short story about assisting runaway slaves.
The injustice of slavery and therefore all forms of inequality should be a narrative we continue to remind ourselves about.

[Jacqueline P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

My class really enjoyed hearing this story. It made the journey African Americans took to freedom come to life in a manner that was understandable for second graders.