True North: A Novel of the Underground Railroad

by Kathryn Lasky

When Lucy Bradford's grandfather passes away, the fourteen-year-old girl unexpectedly inherits his secret work as an abolitionist, and she soon takes on the task of helping a young slave girl escape. By the author of Beyond the Burning Time.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Historical, Childrens, Fiction, Juvenile

267 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Kathryn Lasky, also known as Kathryn Lasky Knight and E. L. Swann, is an award-winning American author of over one hundred books for children and adults. Best known for the Guardians of Ga’Hoole series, her work has been translated into 19 languages and includes historical fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

During my last two years of elementary school, we were required to read different novels about the periods of American history that we studied. Some of that literature was rather good, and brought history to life in a much better way than the textbooks did. If you went to school around the time I did, you probably did the same thing.

While history has never been my strong suit, this book still spun a captivating yarn. Though it may be intended for younger readers, this thirty-two-year-old kid at heart enjoyed it.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first read this years ago for a middle school academic pentathlon. I can't say I remembered much when I went to pick it up again, but it's always interesting to revisit a book from childhood.

I liked it. It's a nice introduction to the underground railroad for younger audiences. The story alternates between Lucy (a white adolescent living in Massachusetts) and Afrika (a black adolescent on the run to the North). Afrika's story was full of action and her character was strong and admirable. Lucy had a tendency to be whiny and came off much younger than her written age, but it was bearable and redeemed itself eventually.

This book was reminiscent of Number the Stars for me - a historical fiction tale of one brave girl from a privileged class working to save a same-aged peer in danger. Still, I think it is worth reading, and I'll keep it around for my children to pick up one day.

[Book set in Massachusetts: 50 Books 50 States][Book with a direction (N/S/E/W) in the title: Semi-Charmed Winter Book Challenge 2014][Book you can read in a day: Popsugar Book Challenge 2015]

[Michael Elrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brought up interesting ideas that I'd never even considered. I've known of the underground railroad, and of slave-running, but there are aspects of this book that would've never crossed my mind. Like the danger involved in running these routes to freedom. I would've never thought of Harriet Tubman as a gun wielding woman. Afrika and Lucy are from different universes. Afrika has escaped her Virginia Plantation, and Lucy is a restless, young rich girl. Only in this book would you have these two make acquaintances, and seek individual freedom. This book is written in a creative manner that makes it a page turner. You read separately of Lucy and Afrika and know at some point their worlds will intersect, but you don't know how or when. When they finally do, their journey and friendship is captivating. This was a good book! Well written. Quick read.

Warnings: Guns pointed at heads, slave situations and oppression. Death of babies/infants, mild violence, tight situations.

[naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think everyone needs to read this book. It is an eye opening experience to what the Underground Railroad was like. The book stars two 14 year old girls: Lucy, whose family is rich and white, and Afrika, an escaped slave girl. Their paths get closer and closer throughout the book, as Lucy discovers some in her family have a role in the Railroad and Afrika makes her way to freedom, not without hardships.
I will say, there are some things that are... difficult to hear in this story. Afrika has many lifetimes of hardship in her 14 or so years. Being in her “woman years” on a plantation is not pleasant. Although descriptions are discrete, it is plain that things happened. So just know that if you decide to read this. These things are true. Although most of the characters are fictional, the treatment of slaves and the Underground Railroad are VERY MUCH TRUE. It’s not all fun and games. It’s eye opening. Please consider reading this. It changed my view of slavery forever.

[Ardith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Always wanted to read this one. I'd recommend it to anyone!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is and exceptional book. It's exciting and it heartwarming and it's sad. I couldn't put it down wondering what was going to happen next and it's never what you think.

[Nancy Cavanaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers will feel as if they have actually travelled the Underground Railroad. So real. So compelling. Historical fiction at its best!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took a while for me to get into it, and I felt some parts were a bit far-fetched. Also there are heavy subjects that would be better appropriate for 13+ (imho) but it is a good story.

[Christian Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

True North is a story about two young girls Lucy and Afrika. They are both at different polarities, Lucy being a well off child in a rich family and Afrika, a slave girl who is running from her master who whips her for not laying with him. During this time a law had been passed so that if a slave was caught it had to be sent back to its master. There were individuals however called abolitionist who believed in the sanctity and freedom of life. This was controversial however and especially opposed by influential individuals as this was their means of becoming wealthy. Lucy is unaware that her grandfather who is a doctor is one of the abolitionist and finds out about it when she spies on him. He unfortunately dies of a Stroke and is unable to be of help in the underground railroad. Lucy and Afrika's lives are intertwined one day when Afrika arrives in Lucy's grandfather's house which is one of the stops in the Underground railroad. She helps Afrika to finally reach Canada safely encountering many unexpected events along the way.


It was interesting to learn about the Underground railroad and the challenges that a person faces trying to get from one station master to another. This book also showed me that Legality and Morality are two separate concepts. People are what make laws but our intuitions and consciousness guide our moral being. Even though slavery was legal during that time many were opposed to it because they believed in the moral freedom of an individual.It is sad to read about how a slave woman and her child are separated so that they will sell the young child to be a slave somewhere else. Also how they were persecuted for praying and trying to learn how to read and write. I am so glad that the injustices of this world are slowly being removed. I believe all it takes is an open mind to be accepting of other peoples backgrounds.

[Katie Johnson]

True North is a breath-taking novel about the uncommon friendship that was found between a runaway slave and a girl that comes from a wealthy white family. Afrika is a former slave that found her way onto to the Underground Railroad, but when she got seperated from the leader, Harriet Tubman, she was left isolated to find her way to freedom on her own. Opposite to Afrika, Lucy is a young girl who finds pure enjoyment out of spending all her time with her grandpa, and being adventurous. I found this book likable due to the reality behind the characters and the situations and scenarios they endure. Altough I like some aspects of this novel, if I said that it was a favorite of mine, I would be lying. I did like some characteristics this novel had, but for the most part, I did not like the book. I think that this novel would've been more interesting and to my liking if it didn't get so confusing and easy to get lost in. Every few chapters of the book, it changes stories between Afrika and Lucy. After transfering stories for a majority of the book, Afrika and Lucy finally met. Once they met in the novel, I feel that the end of the story was too rushed. In my personal opinion, I think the author should've had Afrika and Lucy meet earlier in the novel, giving more time for the reader to get to know the two completely different girls friendship. I think that if the reader could endure the friendship for a longer period, the book could've been more interesting and likeable. After reading the novel, I kind of felt dissapointed in the book, in general, but still, it did have some twists and interesting moments that contributed to the better aspects and qualities that the novel had.

[NICOLE SCRIBNER · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, by Kathryn Lasky, is a work of historical fiction. It starts off in Boston, Ma. However, we also journey to other places along the east coast. The main theme is the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman's contributions- a movement that was lead by none other than herself- Harriet Tubman, and several strong abolitionists that would help slaves get free on their journey from the south to Canada.

"True North" is defined by the moss that grows on the north side of the trees. At least this is how one of the main characters knows it- Afrika. That doesn't keep her out of trouble along the way though. Her road to freedom is no easy task. After Captain Briggs brought her to his furthest point north, he told her to make sure the river stays on the left- another "true north". See how her "hush puppies" get her out of a certain situation when two drunk slave hunters- Jeptha and Luke have their run in with her.

While in Boston, Ma- the idea of marriage nuptials of her older sister bores Lucy. However, she would settle for an adventure with her grandfather. He teaches her the importance of her name, owling, and sailing stuff- but there's one mystery Lucy is going to find out on her own- about the mystical humanitarian-Levi Bradford.

To see what Lucy finds out about her grandfather, and more of the mystery that she learns of, read True North. See how Lucy can be of assistance in the Underground Railroad movement in this historical work of fiction. In my opinion, this is a wonderfully written educational piece that you will not be disappointed in. Happy Reading.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives a picture of humans making other humans pretty miserable. We should be so happy that slavery is over. There was a lot of implied rape and it showed how the slaveowners sometimes sired their own slave children. It would be difficult for pre junior high students to relate to. It is something that though written for younger middle school readers would do well with even high school students.

Common Core Tie in-Objective 2
Analyze the evolution of democracy and the extension of democratic principles.

a. Examine how the Supreme Court strengthened the national government.

b. Analyze how states' rights issues led to growing sectionalism.

c. Investigate the relationship between national and state governments in expanding democracy.

d. Appraise how the political process changed to involve more people.


Objective 3
Analyze the impact of social reforms on Americans during the 19th century.

a.Examine the abolitionist movement; e.g., Sojourner Truth, William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglas, the Grimke sisters.

b. Investigate the impact of reform in education, religion, prisons and the treatment of the mentally ill during this period.

c. Examine the extension of women's political and legal rights.

Standard 9
Students will understand the significance of the Civil War Era to the United States.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this one up because it looked good (Newberry bait -- did I just make up that term?), and because Kathryn Lasky also wrote the Owls of Ga'Hoole series.

...and, it was pretty darn good. Great children's fiction, dealing very frankly and bluntly with the realities of plantation slave life, and life in new england in the 1850s.

I enjoyed the characterization, the plot, and the pacing. I really think Kathryn Lasky is much better suited as an author to this type of fiction (historical, I guess? real-life?) rather than the weak fantasy that she was writing with the Owls of Ga'Hoole [again, see the movie, skip the books].

The only thing keeping this from being a 5-star review is that this isn't the type of thing I typically go for (oh-so-serious children's lit), but it's great if you're ready to read that type of thing.

Oh-- did I mention there was more than one reference to owls in this? I'd imagine that Ms. Lasky was beginning her owl research that eventually led to Ga'Hoole when she wrote this book (published 1996-- first Ga'Hoole books some time about 2003)

[Latanya]

Afrika is a runaway enslaved girl who desperately escapes from a slave owner who repeatedly raped her. This book addresses an aspect of history likely to be omitted from textbooks. Upper elementary advanced readers are better suited to tackle True North’s higher level vocabulary.
The story has a feminist perspective and describes parallels between the lives of Afrika, desperate for freedom, and Lucy – a wealthy white girl who is similar to Africa in her desire to be free. Lucy’s escape, however, is from constraints that her aristocratic family impose. The girls form a bond, working with abolitionists guiding Afrika to freedom. Although it is a work of fiction, True North gives the reader an accurate depiction of dangers faced by those seeking freedom and betrayal abolitionists faced. The book also clears up traditional misrepresentations - making it clear that slavery was supported in the North as well as the South.

[Sydney FLoyd]

Lucy would rather spend time with her grandfather studying owls and going sailing than spend time with her other sisters primping for the latest parties. However, as a young teenager living in Boston during the 1850s, she is expected to act a certain way. But soon she finds she isn't the only one who is forced to act one way while really thinking and feeling another. Her grandfather, Pap, she finds out, is a conductor for the Underground Railroad. When escaping slaves make it to Boston, he helps hide them and gets them on the way to Canada. Eventually Lucy also finds herself helping an escaped slave. Her name is Afrika and they are around the same age. Together they both learn the importance of trust, of truth, and of doing what they know is right. While reading this book I understood both of their struggles, and could compare this to my journey throught life today.

[Kenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Afrika by Kathryn Lasky is about this girl who tries to escape and run away from a slave owner that is trying to rape her. The girl's name is Afrika, and she along with a white girl known as Lucy were slaves that had owners. From reading this book, this book reminds me of another book, Woman at Point Zero where a girl had been raped as well. This book is more of a history for younger kids to know about the underground railroad, abolitionists, and freedom. All of these are presented in this novel that is written by Kathryn Lasky. I do not really like this book, but it is a great lesson to learn for students taking history. The girl Afrika was guided to freedom in this book.

[Leah Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

true north is an amazing book! it is a great historical novel about a girl named Afrika and a girl named Lucy. Afrika is a run away slave that is on her on way to freedom. Lucy is a odd girl who really doesnt fit in with her sisters or her immediate family. she really only gets along with her grandfather Levi Bradford. this book has the perfect amount of action, thrill, and history in it. i think that if you like history this novel will be a perfect read. later in the book lucy and Afrika meet up and they have to fight for each other to get to freedom safe and sound. there are many different turns they have to take to get there. this book is pretty good. its and easy read.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about two different girls and their struggles as 14 year olds. They seperate the two girls stories until they meet. One girl is a run away slave named Afrika. Her part of the story is very interesting. She always has something going on in her chapters of the book. I loved reading about her and her escape to the north. The other girl's name is Lucy. She is a young white girl who complains a lot. I honestly think the book would have been better without Lucy in it at all. Everytime you get to Lucy's part in the book, it seems like it drags on because all she is doing is complaing. It's a really good book, it just gets kind of slow at certain parts.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story. Truly enjoyed it. Lasky, as with other books I have read of hers, takes her research and creates a well-written, solid story. She gives life to the the people who both supported and opposed the freedom of slaves, and she presents a very real look at what people experienced as slaves, and the contention between those who worked to free them and those who sought to catch the fugitives. She also offers a real image of the Underground Railroad so it becomes more than just words or an idea, but real people with real "stations" risking their own lives to save others'. Inspirational and good book.

[Nykia]

True north is an good book. I like how the author tells the story in two different ways, that makes it more interesting. its about two teen age girls named Afrika and Lucy. Afrika, who is a run away slave,is trying to make her way up north to freedom. Lucy is a misunderstood girl who is distant from her famlily but she is very close to her grandfather. Being said these two girls from totly different world come together in a unexpected way. This is an adverture story full of surprises.n For the most part I really liked this book.

[Leisha Volmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

True North was a very interesting book. It was a very fast read and was super interesting. I love reading about the African American culture and their fight for freedom. This book was a good one for that. It had pieces of history in it. Kathryn Lasky was a pretty good writer. I had never heard of her before but i really loved her style. She brought to life how it would feel like to be Afrika, the little girl, Who ran from evil to get the freedom she so desired. It was a very inspiring book and wonderful story to read. I enjoyed it very much and would suggest it to anyone with eyes to read!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out slow, but I really got into it by the fourth chapter. I found myself trying to solve the mystery of how these two very different girls would meet each other. It was obvious they would change each others lives, and I wanted to know how. It shows an accurate depiction of the times without being too traumatizing. This book is good for students who like realistic or historical fiction, and books with strong female characters. It also has a bit of adventure, but it's not as intense as many adventure books.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written in a format where two separate stories are being told -- at first. I thought the story of Afrika was really interesting, but I got bored with the one about Lucy. I'm glad the two lives finally merged because that's when the story truly had me on the edge of my seat, wanting more, of course. I've read a couple of Ms. Lasky's other books and love her writing. This,though, was one of her earlier books and her effort at historical fiction. The writing was still good, but I just don't think this particular method of writing is her "true calling."

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping story of the Underground Railroad in 1858, told in alternating chapters from the points of view of two teenagers in very different circumstances. 14 year old Lucy is a from a well-to-do family in Boston; Afrika is not much older and has fled slavery in the south in the hopes of finding freedom in Canada. Without overemphasizing or harping on the differences in their life stations, author Lasky wonderfully depicts both girls' struggles with ease and grace. The ending took me by surprise - in a good way!

[Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting story about the girl caught with a slave trade, in the south, in the days before the Emancipation Proclamation, in those days of bringing on the impact of U.S. President Lincoln's. Truths and facts add interest to this memorable fiction, it was a collage history of slavery at this time. Discharging and bursting with new ideas being a slave, the slave trade and finally as a slave trying to escape.

[Rosalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories about the underground railroad. This one definitely did not disappoint. What an incredible story. I love how the it had two parallel stories that eventually came together. Both girls are characters that we can all look up to. They showed amazing courage and strength in what they faced. This was such a touching story. It brought me to tears. This is a story that I could read again and again!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that I would recommend to my 14-year-old sister, being that the main characters are 14 years old. I am amazed at what such young girls had to go through back then. Afrika had to endure some situations on her journey to freedom that I'm sure young girls today could not even conceive, let alone survive. This book demonstrates the strength of the human spirit when it is pushed to great physical and mental limits.

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Afrika and Lucy are two girls from totally different backgrounds; Afrika a runaway slave who was also forced to be her master’s mistress and Lucy daughter of a prominent family who’s grandfather helps with the Underground Railroad. They eventually meet for a brief time as their paths cross. The writer shifts perspectives back and forth between the two girls.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book! Great historical fiction novel. The two main character's stories are tied in together well. I only wish Lasky had developed all of the characters more because I wanted to learn more about them.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of a runaway slave named Afrika and her journey north. The story also intertwines the story of Lucy whose grandfather is part of the underground railroad, and she becomes involved. Afrika's story about life as a slave is one everyone should read.