Friends

by Gloria Whelan

It is 1838. The bustling town of Marshall in southern Michigan is a welcoming refuge for escaping slaves. Ten-year-old Hilda Lovett makes friends with Martha Crosswhite, the daughter of one of the families who have sought freedom. Together the two girls swim in the river, pick berries, window shop and enjoy the pleasure of this bustling town.

Then one day "slave catchers" come from Kentucky to take the Crosswhite family back to their owner. All the citizens of Marshall band together to help the Crosswhite family escape, first to Detroit and then to Canada. Those who risk breaking the law to save the Crosswhite family are brought to trial and punished under the cruel Fugitive Slave Law. Based on a real-life incident, Friends is the heart-warming story of a town's courage and a friendship

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Gloria Whelan is the best-selling author of many novels for young readers, including Homeless Bird, winner of the National Book Award; Fruitlands: Louisa May Alcott Made Perfect; Angel on the Square and its companion, The Impossible Journey; Once on This Island, winner of the Great Lakes Book Award; Farewell to the Island; and Return to the Island. She lives with her husband, Joseph, in the woods of northern Michigan.

Reviews

[Brandalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book aloud to my 10 year old girl and 8 year old boy. Here is their review.

"This book gets 5 out of 5 stars! It is based on true events. It is action-packed and the story takes place in a town that is near and dear to our hearts. The most favorite part was when all of the people of the town gathered up to defend the Crosswhite family. Another favorite part was the courthouse scene. We liked when the two girls kept writing to each other. I learned more information about slavery and how harsh it was. If I lived in that time period I would fight against slavery."

We highly recommend everyone read this book!