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Underground to Canada
Taken away from her mother by a ruthless slave trader, all Julilly has left is the dream of freedom. Every day that she spends huddled in the slave trader’s wagon travelling south or working on the brutal new plantation, she thinks about the land where it is possible to be free, a land she and her friend Liza may reach someday. So when workers from the Underground Railroad offer to help the two girls escape, they are ready. But the slave catchers and their dogs will soon be after them…
144 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1978
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
March 19, 2021
Barbara Smucker was a white woman. I feel that should be stated outright. While Smucker, I'm sure, had good intentions, these intentions were... woefully misguided.
Underground to Canada is a horrendously white-washed narrative of slavery about kind whites who help runaway slaves get to benevolent Canada, while presenting slavery to be some kind of marginally cruel bootcamp. That this novel is still widely circulated throughout the Canadian school system as the basis for education about black history is unfortunate, as the Slavery Lite™ it teaches is a gross misrepresentation of slavery, and for many children will likely be the only picture of slavery they'll ever get. I understand the rhetoric that the realities of slavery may be "too much" for young readers, but I have white cousins who, to this day, have a picture of black slavery in their heads almost entirely informed by this novel, a narrative that centers around a prevalence of benevolent slave-owners and mostly white heroes and a misplaced Canadian national pride. Ask most white children who read this book what their takeaway was, and it tends to be an empowering tale that teaches them that "if they were there" they'd have been one of the "benevolent whites," rather than just another unthinking cog in an institutional hate machine.
Smucker's heart was in the right place, but her book amounts largely to apologist nationalist propaganda, and should be swiftly taken out of the curriculum. If you're going to teach children about slavery, I think it's important that their first experiences with the subject be more representative of what slavery actually was, focus more on slavery itself rather than the white-aided escape narrative, and, perhaps most importantly, be actually written by a black person.
Underground to Canada is a horrendously white-washed narrative of slavery about kind whites who help runaway slaves get to benevolent Canada, while presenting slavery to be some kind of marginally cruel bootcamp. That this novel is still widely circulated throughout the Canadian school system as the basis for education about black history is unfortunate, as the Slavery Lite™ it teaches is a gross misrepresentation of slavery, and for many children will likely be the only picture of slavery they'll ever get. I understand the rhetoric that the realities of slavery may be "too much" for young readers, but I have white cousins who, to this day, have a picture of black slavery in their heads almost entirely informed by this novel, a narrative that centers around a prevalence of benevolent slave-owners and mostly white heroes and a misplaced Canadian national pride. Ask most white children who read this book what their takeaway was, and it tends to be an empowering tale that teaches them that "if they were there" they'd have been one of the "benevolent whites," rather than just another unthinking cog in an institutional hate machine.
Smucker's heart was in the right place, but her book amounts largely to apologist nationalist propaganda, and should be swiftly taken out of the curriculum. If you're going to teach children about slavery, I think it's important that their first experiences with the subject be more representative of what slavery actually was, focus more on slavery itself rather than the white-aided escape narrative, and, perhaps most importantly, be actually written by a black person.
February 8, 2014
Reminded of this book with all the promo around Black History month. Very glad I picked it up to read. Smucker does an incredible depiction of life as a twelve year old slave girl, June Lilly, separated from her Mama Sally when slave traders come to buy up slaves at the plantation where she'd been born. Historically accurate and great introduction to key members of the Abolitionist movement active in Julilly's journey to freedom. Canada. The destination word on the lips of those hungering for more of life than whippings and beatings, broken spirits and battered bodies.
Alexander Ross, the first contact Julilly meets. A Canadian physician and naturalist, who intentionally chose his path of justice for the slaves. "In undertaking this mission to help the slaves to freedom I did not disguise from myself the dangers I would most certainly have to encounter, and the certainty that a speedy and perhaps cruel death would be my lot in case my plans and purposes were discovered." He used ornithology to cover his involvement in the abolition movement, spending time exploring for birds in the southern states whilst supplying interested slaves with information on the route and requirements to reach freedom.
During the gruelling journey, the escaped slaves also meet the 'President' of the Underground Railroad by which they're travelling. Mr Levi Coffin, businessman, Quaker, and Abolitionist who opposed, " the whole system of slavery, and conscientiously believe it to...reduce God's image to the level of a brute, to be bought and sold in the market as cattle or swine."
Which was one of the book's significant scenes for me. Slave children being fed with slop poured into a trough where they had to slurp it by mouth rather than learning to feed as humans.. horrifying.
Tension ran high throughout the story. A momentary relaxing then the imminent danger of sheriffs and bounty hunters looking for runaway slaves had me clenching my jaw or holding my breath. Excellent descriptions of the slaves' life hiding in caves, locating 'depots', meeting unknown supporters, on the 'railroad' to their future. Right to the very moment of embarking on the ship that would carry them across Lake Erie to Canada's shore and their new life. I emotionally celebrated every victory with our young heroines.
The arrival couldn't have been sweeter and the ending for which every lover of justice would hope. Including ever abolitionist of the Underground Railroad.
Fast and fascinating read. Highly recommended. For learning and for incorporating in living even today. In the words of the Abolitionist that set Julilly on her run to freedom, Alexander Ross, "Injustice is the weapon of evil men. Bur there are always brave and noble souls who proceed on the course of right and are impervious to the consequences. I feel rewarded for all my efforts, just to free the two of you."
Barbara Smucker came to Canada in 1969. She worked as a reporter, teacher and librarian. In 1988, she received the Vicky Metcalf Award for a distinguished body of writing. Smucker focused on the historical plight of minority groups. In Underground to Canada (1977), winner of the Canada Council Children's Literature Prize, the story of escaping black slaves... - Canadian Encyclopedia
Alexander Ross, the first contact Julilly meets. A Canadian physician and naturalist, who intentionally chose his path of justice for the slaves. "In undertaking this mission to help the slaves to freedom I did not disguise from myself the dangers I would most certainly have to encounter, and the certainty that a speedy and perhaps cruel death would be my lot in case my plans and purposes were discovered." He used ornithology to cover his involvement in the abolition movement, spending time exploring for birds in the southern states whilst supplying interested slaves with information on the route and requirements to reach freedom.
During the gruelling journey, the escaped slaves also meet the 'President' of the Underground Railroad by which they're travelling. Mr Levi Coffin, businessman, Quaker, and Abolitionist who opposed, " the whole system of slavery, and conscientiously believe it to...reduce God's image to the level of a brute, to be bought and sold in the market as cattle or swine."
Which was one of the book's significant scenes for me. Slave children being fed with slop poured into a trough where they had to slurp it by mouth rather than learning to feed as humans.. horrifying.
Tension ran high throughout the story. A momentary relaxing then the imminent danger of sheriffs and bounty hunters looking for runaway slaves had me clenching my jaw or holding my breath. Excellent descriptions of the slaves' life hiding in caves, locating 'depots', meeting unknown supporters, on the 'railroad' to their future. Right to the very moment of embarking on the ship that would carry them across Lake Erie to Canada's shore and their new life. I emotionally celebrated every victory with our young heroines.
The arrival couldn't have been sweeter and the ending for which every lover of justice would hope. Including ever abolitionist of the Underground Railroad.
Fast and fascinating read. Highly recommended. For learning and for incorporating in living even today. In the words of the Abolitionist that set Julilly on her run to freedom, Alexander Ross, "Injustice is the weapon of evil men. Bur there are always brave and noble souls who proceed on the course of right and are impervious to the consequences. I feel rewarded for all my efforts, just to free the two of you."
Barbara Smucker came to Canada in 1969. She worked as a reporter, teacher and librarian. In 1988, she received the Vicky Metcalf Award for a distinguished body of writing. Smucker focused on the historical plight of minority groups. In Underground to Canada (1977), winner of the Canada Council Children's Literature Prize, the story of escaping black slaves... - Canadian Encyclopedia
May 19, 2020
I read this with my 10-year old while home schooling and thought it was a great story about slavery for that age group. We had recently watched “Harriet” about Harriet Tubman and the two stories in conjunction were very thought-provoking and educational for him.
December 15, 2010
the book was pretty good its about a slave whos seperated from her mammy and makes a friend name liza and theres three men who were seperated from there familys to there names were lester adam and ben and they go to this bad plantation were the c\slaves are treated really bad and only fed poorly.Then a man from Canada comes to the plantion saying that hes looking at birds and ask massa riley the owner of the plantion if he could take some slaves to help him look for theses birds and massa riley said he could and the man picked lester and adam to help him look for these brids.The man isnt looking for birds hes helping slaves escape an lester asks this man if he can get two other slaves to run away and lester pick jullilly and liza. They all get away but then they find out that this man that help them escape is in jail so another man picks them up at the bridge he gives them the secret password to know that hes helping them the man whispers a friend with a friend so they get in the carriage and the man drops them off at a barn and leaves.Then adam says they should go fishing so they do and then they get caught so jullily and liza have to run.They get to jeb browns house and find out that lester and adam escape and got to jeb browns house before they did and they get to canada and find out that adam died.When jullily and liza go to meet lester at a hotel were he works julilly finds out that her mammy sally is already there.
What i dislike about this book is how adam dies and that the black people can not go to schools in canada.
i liked this book overall because i thought it was so predictable but then something else always happen like i thought that adam and lester were caught but then find out that they actaully got to canda before jullily and liza.
What i dislike about this book is how adam dies and that the black people can not go to schools in canada.
i liked this book overall because i thought it was so predictable but then something else always happen like i thought that adam and lester were caught but then find out that they actaully got to canda before jullily and liza.
August 3, 2020
A sanitized introduction to the appalling slave trade in the southern US making it suitable for younger audiences to introduce them to the subject. Of course there are many more (and incredible) adult novels about the slavery experience and the various escape routes north to Canada, but this is an important contribution to children's literature. The horrors endured by Julilly and her friends is not shied away from, but also not too graphic for younger readers to cope with. Her journey, being sold from one plantation in Virginia to another in Mississippi, separated from her mother and realising that not all plantations were created equal and her situation in Mississippi being much worse, her escape along with another girl, Liza her friend, and Adam and Lester, is well narrated. Help was forthcoming from unexpected quarters, but this is also a tale of endurance and the bond of friendship. Some historical characters who were instrumental in the underground railroad are included.
My main criticism would be the happy reunion ending that pushes credibility beyond the limits, although younger readers will find this soothing.
My main criticism would be the happy reunion ending that pushes credibility beyond the limits, although younger readers will find this soothing.
July 22, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book.
One of the themes in “Underground to Canada” is friendship. Liza and Julilly are best of friends – like sisters – and they can each only make it to Canada because of the other. Another thing that is highlighted in this novel is how dark and light skinned helped TOGETHER to form the underground railroad. Both were key factors in freeing thousands of slaves.
It was very interesting to read about the historical figures integrated into the plot, such as Alexander Ross, an abolitionist who disguised himself as a naturalist and gave slaves information on how to escape. Another example is Levi Coffin, who with his wife helped more than 3000 (!) slaves to freedom and even received the title “President of the Underground Railroad”.
A book I can recommend.
4 stars from 5
One of the themes in “Underground to Canada” is friendship. Liza and Julilly are best of friends – like sisters – and they can each only make it to Canada because of the other. Another thing that is highlighted in this novel is how dark and light skinned helped TOGETHER to form the underground railroad. Both were key factors in freeing thousands of slaves.
It was very interesting to read about the historical figures integrated into the plot, such as Alexander Ross, an abolitionist who disguised himself as a naturalist and gave slaves information on how to escape. Another example is Levi Coffin, who with his wife helped more than 3000 (!) slaves to freedom and even received the title “President of the Underground Railroad”.
A book I can recommend.
4 stars from 5
August 19, 2015
Read this book at school when I was about 13. I vaguely remember it but it seemed to go on forever back then. Its always remained with me though. Now my husband is a West African and so slavery is part of his and our sons heritage. I read it in one evening. An amazing book I couldn't put down. Brought the conditions of these slaves to life... kept having to remind myself that this kind of thing did actually happen and although it is a fictional novel it is based on an actual underground railroad to Canada. Its a shame this book isn't more well known (the library copy I read had been checked out 3 times since 1999) and Im not going to hesitate recommending it to anyone and everyone
December 3, 2018
I recognize that the author was trying to write a book for children about a difficult topic, but when you are telling other peoples' stories, you'd better do your darn research and think a while.
February 11, 2024
Third and fourth graders find this book spellbinding. I think it portays slavery and the Underground Railroad with an appropriate amount of complexity and grittiness for this age group. Smucker artfully employs metaphor and simile in this book. This may be her best writing.
Along with this read-aloud, I like to have students listen to first-hand accounts of formerly enslaved people, told in their own words in the Library of Congress's Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives from the Federal Writers' Project.
Some reviews critique this book because it contains what they see as a white savior narrative. In response, I would suggest a closer reading of the actual text, noting the ways black people help the main characters along the way at great personal cost. The white people who are mentioned, Levi and Catherine Coffin and Alexander Ross, were indeed active abolitionists in the 1850s, the time period in which this book is set. The main characters respond with suspicion toward the white people who help them, which seems an appropriate response, given their experiences. This portrayal of their feelings also makes them seem more believable and makes the story more credible, in my opinion.
Another critique is that the book glosses over the realities of racism in 19th century Canada. The main character does seem to think she's entering into something akin to heaven when she arrives, but she is warned about the segregated schools, the prejudices, and the harshness of life in the city in which she is going to live, St. Catherines, Ontario.
Along with this read-aloud, I like to have students listen to first-hand accounts of formerly enslaved people, told in their own words in the Library of Congress's Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives from the Federal Writers' Project.
Some reviews critique this book because it contains what they see as a white savior narrative. In response, I would suggest a closer reading of the actual text, noting the ways black people help the main characters along the way at great personal cost. The white people who are mentioned, Levi and Catherine Coffin and Alexander Ross, were indeed active abolitionists in the 1850s, the time period in which this book is set. The main characters respond with suspicion toward the white people who help them, which seems an appropriate response, given their experiences. This portrayal of their feelings also makes them seem more believable and makes the story more credible, in my opinion.
Another critique is that the book glosses over the realities of racism in 19th century Canada. The main character does seem to think she's entering into something akin to heaven when she arrives, but she is warned about the segregated schools, the prejudices, and the harshness of life in the city in which she is going to live, St. Catherines, Ontario.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2024
Great historical fiction story of the Underground Railway and a young girl's experience from slavery to freedom. It was a basic story to understand how far some of the black slaves traveled and how much they likely underwent before receiving freedom.
I don't know too much about Black History (I should really know more than I do), but I don't know the accuracy and what the takeaway of this book would be for children as it is considered a J Fic. For me as an adult, I understand the overall point was to see how far the black slaves must have traveled to get to Canada and how their lives were at risk every waking moment. This, however, I don't think kids would be able to grasp and may only see this as a "good guy (Canada) vs bad guy (USA)", which isn't necessarily true. I did like that the author put in the sore pieces of Canada, though, and how they wanted to separate the blacks and whites because this part of history is not something to be proud of.
I don't know too much about Black History (I should really know more than I do), but I don't know the accuracy and what the takeaway of this book would be for children as it is considered a J Fic. For me as an adult, I understand the overall point was to see how far the black slaves must have traveled to get to Canada and how their lives were at risk every waking moment. This, however, I don't think kids would be able to grasp and may only see this as a "good guy (Canada) vs bad guy (USA)", which isn't necessarily true. I did like that the author put in the sore pieces of Canada, though, and how they wanted to separate the blacks and whites because this part of history is not something to be proud of.
October 28, 2025
Separated from her mother and sold to a much crueler slave trader, Julilly fears she will break before she ever knows the taste of freedom - but when the chance of escaping to Canada arrives, she and her new friend Liza must outrun slave catchers on their arduous journey to the land of the free. Smucker and Hofbauer provide young readers an engaging glimpse into the Underground Railway's history, its sobering narrative and illustrations tense yet hopeful.
June 10, 2020
Back in the 1980s when I first read this book I adored it. I still think it a fantastic book in many ways, but it's portrayal of Canada as the land of freedom should be tempered with more modern takes. Do read reviews by Black authors, and as usual, I'd recommend looking for books *by* Black authors. Julius Lester was the person I read when I was young and even then, you can see the differences in the much tougher portrayals.
January 24, 2020
Avarage Rating: 8,64 / 10
Beautiful.
Beautiful.
March 11, 2021
We did this for a lit study for school and it went really well. We all enjoyed the story and learned more about the underground railway and those who helped slaves escape.
April 22, 2019
This book was okay... 3 stars. Very unrealistic, though.
August 5, 2018
So good! Maintenant c’est le tour de les enfants pour ne pas rater un livre si instructif
December 14, 2010
This month I read the book Underground to Canada by Barbara Smucker. This book is about how Julily, gets taken away from her mother, and is forced to work at a horrible plantation. She learns about Canada and its freedom. She only knows a few small children, Lester, Adam, and Ben, but soon Julily meets a girl named Liza and they become good friends. They talk about Canada, and how wonderful it would be to escape the plantation. Then Massa Ross comes and offers Julily, Liza, Ben, Lester, and Adam, help to get freedom, and they agree.... That is everyone but Ben. They soon leave and start their journey to Canada, but soon dog get their sent, and they are being chased and followed everywhere they go. Lester and Adam get captured and taken back to the plantation, but Julily and Liza still continue their journey to Canada. They overcome many events, to try to get to Canada. At Jeb's house, Julily and Liza find out that Lester and Adam were here, and are probably in Canada. In the end of the book Julily and Liza find out that Lester makes it to Canada, but Adam died. Also Julily and Liza make it to Canada and meet up with Julily's mom, and Lester. I really liked this book and recommend it.
The best thing about this book was how you see through the eyes of a slave. It was interesting to see what happened back then, and how they would deal with it. I really liked that part because you never really would get to see what happened to people then. I also liked how Julily met up with her mother. It made the book happy. I also liked how there was always a surprise, like when Adam died, I thought Liza was going to die.
The one thing I didn't like about this book was when the slave hunters always knew where Julily and Liza went! Almost every chapter the slave hunters came and were looking for them. I don't know if that would really happen, or it was just an exaduration. I would of liked a little space of time from the slave hunters coming, and Julily and Liza traviling. But still, I really liked this book and recommend it. I found it really interesting and a grat book!
The best thing about this book was how you see through the eyes of a slave. It was interesting to see what happened back then, and how they would deal with it. I really liked that part because you never really would get to see what happened to people then. I also liked how Julily met up with her mother. It made the book happy. I also liked how there was always a surprise, like when Adam died, I thought Liza was going to die.
The one thing I didn't like about this book was when the slave hunters always knew where Julily and Liza went! Almost every chapter the slave hunters came and were looking for them. I don't know if that would really happen, or it was just an exaduration. I would of liked a little space of time from the slave hunters coming, and Julily and Liza traviling. But still, I really liked this book and recommend it. I found it really interesting and a grat book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2010
The title of this book is UNDERGROUND TO CANADA And the author is Barbara Claassen Smucker. This book is about a slave named Julily that lived at a place called the Massa Henson plantation but was bought and took to the Riley plantation away from her mother Mamy Sally. When she got there she met some one named Liza they became friends but they both hated it at the Riley plantation. Julily also me two boys named Adam and Lester. Then on day they all tried to run away they went through horrible things but one night they stopped to sleep in a barn. Julily and Liza were in the barn while Adam and Lester went out to fish but then the slave catchers found them but didn't find Julily and Liza who ran away when Adam and Lester got caught. But then one day they came to the Ohio river where they met some people that took them across the river in a boat and on the other side was people from the underground railway. Then they got on the train to and went. But when they arrived in Canada they met Lester there who told them that lester had died from the poisoning from the chains.
I thought this book was a really good book i would recommend this book to lots of people. But my favourite part in this book is when Liza and Julily went up to the farm with all those people who fed them washed there clothes and gave them food and let them sleep there. That was my favourite part because they were very hert and hungary and those people were very nice to feed them and give them food for the long journey.
I thought this book was a really good book i would recommend this book to lots of people. But my favourite part in this book is when Liza and Julily went up to the farm with all those people who fed them washed there clothes and gave them food and let them sleep there. That was my favourite part because they were very hert and hungary and those people were very nice to feed them and give them food for the long journey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2010
This book is titled "Under ground to Canada". The authors name is Barbra Claassen Smucker. This book is about a 13 year old black slave named Julilly. Julilly gets taken away from the Henson Plantation where Mammy Sally lives. Julilly gets taken away to the Riley Plantation where she meets her friend Liza. The Riley Plantation is a terrible place! Not allot of food, working all day and getting whipped! But one day Alexander Ross comes in to examine the slaves but really he is an aboolitionist and he helps Lester, Adam, Liza and Julilly escape to Canada. But on there way there is people hunting and looking for them and there are a few stops on the way having to take a boat, staying at 4 different houses and living off stale bread and some water they find in streams. But they do end up making it to Canada, when they get there there is Lester but Adam had died :( but when they find Lester he has a suprise for Julilly... ITS MAMMY SALLY!!!!! Finally they make and live happily ever after. :)
The best thing about the book is the ending when they reach Canada and Liza and Julilly can feel the freedom and that they don't have to hide there faces anymore! The thing i didn't like about the book is that every time they end up at a house or every time they find shelter there is always a person coming to look for them! I don't like it because it makes it obvious when u go to the other house's or wagons you would no there is someone gonna come.
The best thing about the book is the ending when they reach Canada and Liza and Julilly can feel the freedom and that they don't have to hide there faces anymore! The thing i didn't like about the book is that every time they end up at a house or every time they find shelter there is always a person coming to look for them! I don't like it because it makes it obvious when u go to the other house's or wagons you would no there is someone gonna come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2017
Historical fiction portrayal of what is was like to be an African-American slave in the United States seeking freedom to Canada through the Underground Railway. Well written, suspenseful, unforgettable characters, this one had it all. Short, but the perfect length for the story that was told.
Necessary use of the N-word throughout for full impact, but just a warning if you intend to read it to young children. I read it to a grade 5/6 class and you could visibly see the shock on their face when it was first used. Shows how times have changed and how ridiculous it now seems to judge someone's content by the colour of their skin.
What stands out is the story is told in a non-judgmental way. Yes, the slave traders and some of the owners are portrayed as evil, but it is more because they are ignorant, misguided and uninformed. People from a different time living lives which seemed normal to them. A time that was sometimes cruel. Just as we are misguided and uninformed today about other issues we regard as normal. Thinking that seems normal to us now most likely will someday be viewed as ignorant and archaic.
Situations may change, but the lesson from this book never seems to be learned.
Necessary use of the N-word throughout for full impact, but just a warning if you intend to read it to young children. I read it to a grade 5/6 class and you could visibly see the shock on their face when it was first used. Shows how times have changed and how ridiculous it now seems to judge someone's content by the colour of their skin.
What stands out is the story is told in a non-judgmental way. Yes, the slave traders and some of the owners are portrayed as evil, but it is more because they are ignorant, misguided and uninformed. People from a different time living lives which seemed normal to them. A time that was sometimes cruel. Just as we are misguided and uninformed today about other issues we regard as normal. Thinking that seems normal to us now most likely will someday be viewed as ignorant and archaic.
Situations may change, but the lesson from this book never seems to be learned.
November 11, 2018
Rating: 3 stars
Ok so, I read this book with my English class and I think that's the reason I didn't like or maybe it's the writing style i can't tell.
My English class took three months to read this book, THREE MONTHS TO READ A BOOK THAT WAS NOT EVEN 150 PAGES. My class also didn't like this book as almost everyone in the class hates reading and if the teacher makes them read aloud, they. Speak. So. Slow. I could of finished this book in a day but it took three months to read not to mention the fact that my new English teacher makes us answer questions about the chapter and then summarise it as well. I wish we had just read the book then summarized it.
The writing in this book annoyed me, it was missing words in sentences and sometimes it just didn't make sense. I also don't think this book needed all the extremely racist words it had. It kept making me english class laugh because our teacher would read out those words and it made me EXTREMELY angry.
Anyways i know this isn't much of a review but I just had to explain why I rated it quite low. 👋.
Ok so, I read this book with my English class and I think that's the reason I didn't like or maybe it's the writing style i can't tell.
My English class took three months to read this book, THREE MONTHS TO READ A BOOK THAT WAS NOT EVEN 150 PAGES. My class also didn't like this book as almost everyone in the class hates reading and if the teacher makes them read aloud, they. Speak. So. Slow. I could of finished this book in a day but it took three months to read not to mention the fact that my new English teacher makes us answer questions about the chapter and then summarise it as well. I wish we had just read the book then summarized it.
The writing in this book annoyed me, it was missing words in sentences and sometimes it just didn't make sense. I also don't think this book needed all the extremely racist words it had. It kept making me english class laugh because our teacher would read out those words and it made me EXTREMELY angry.
Anyways i know this isn't much of a review but I just had to explain why I rated it quite low. 👋.
October 26, 2016
Read Aloud 12 yrs +
Independent Reader - See Parental Warning
Worldview - Universally Acceptable
Setting:
Location - Southern United States, St. Catherines, Canada
Time Period - Around 1800
Note: This book was also issued under the title Run Away to Freedom.
Review
Sold to a slave trader from the deep south twelve-year-old Julilly and is taken away from her mother and the only home she has ever known. Fearful of the rumors she has heard of the deep south and the horrors that await for her there, she clings to her mother’s whispered words to follow the north star to freedom in Canada.
The plantation she is taken to is everything she fears. Slaves are beaten until their bodies are deformed and crippled. They are treated no better than animals. Fed only the most meager subsistence diet and worked from sunrise to sunset how will Julilly ever find the strength or courage to escape? When a visitor to the plantation turns out to be an unexpected ally Julilly sets out to travel the underground railroad to Canada and freedom.
The story is moving and quite beautiful. It paints the picture of the suffering of the slaves, while avoiding content that is too graphic for the younger intended audience. The author does perhaps tie the story up a little too cleanly. It is unlikely that families separated and sold into different parts of the United States would ever be reunited. It was also a little far fetched that when recaptured, two slaves chained together would escape the slave catchers and their dogs so easily. As an adult these things do seem slightly less than believable, however for the intended audience it does create a more pleasant read, allowing the student to understand the larger issues of slavery rather than becoming bogged down in depressing details that are better left for a later age.
Teacher Application
A wonderful story to introduce students to Canada’s roll in the underground railroad and the freeing of the slaves. Around 1790 it became illegal to bring slaves into Canada. This law meant that any slave seeking asylum became a freeman the instant his feet touched Canadian soil. Any child born on Canadian soil to a slave woman would be freed at the age of 25, although any existing slave would remain so for their life. Over the next number of years the Canadian attitude toward slavery became increasingly negative and many slaves were freed by their masters, or purchased by abolitionists with the express intent of freeing them. Canada’s short growing season helped with this, as it was not cost effective to use slaves as farm hands in Canada due to the high cost to clothe, feed and shelter them through the long winter. Black veterans were eventually offered their own land to settle as well. By the time slavery was abolished in the entire British Empire in 1833 there were few slaves left in Canada. There were many men and women who fought to see slavery abolished and who worked tirelessly, giving both their time and resources, to ensure as many people as possible could make it to Canada and freedom.
Although Canadians fought slavery, that does not mean they treated the freedmen as equals. Segregation and extreme racism still existed in Canada for many years following the abolishment of slavery.
It is important to note that many first people were also kidnapped and made slaves during the exploration and settlement of Canada. They were also mistreated and were often taken from their families and shipped to Europe. Most of these slaves died of the diseases and mistreatment at the hands of Europeans.
On p. 21 Lester is referred to as mulatto. This term means bi-racial and is not generally used today.
Questionable Language
Ni**er - The term is used repeatedly throughout the book. The author has used it in dialogue to demonstrate the degradation of the slaves. She has also effectively used the same word to create a sense of oneness, community and feeling of shared suffering by utilizing traditional songs as well as interactions between the characters.
It is important to note that this term is not acceptable in today’s society. Teachers should make this very clear to students. The teacher may wish to replace the term, however when read as written, with guidance, the dialogue creates a more clear picture of the life the slaves were subjected to. The term black/blacks is also used in the same sense in the book.
Because of the excessive use of the term, I have not listed every instance. If you so choose, replace it with the term of your choice throughout the reading.
The term Negro is derived from the word Negroid, which is an anthropological classification. Caucasoid is the “white” equivalent and mongoloid refers to those with “Asian” features. These classifications are based upon skull and facial structure, hair texture, and skin color. The term Negro therefore is not universally unacceptable. It is however less than ideal in polite society. The best word choice in Canada is Black Canadian. Many people in Canada are of Caribbean decent and reject the term African Canadian or American. These different groups generally have a term they most prefer, so it is wise to use sensitivity and discretion, avoiding racial generalizations where possible and politely asking the preferred term where unavoidable.
Parental Warning
This book is considered controversial due to the use of the term ni**er which is why it is not recommended as an independent reader. Please see Questionable Language under Teacher Application for more information. The book has been removed from some schools and libraries due to use of the word.
Some have complained that this book approaches the subject of slavery from too gentle a stance, but due to the age of the target audience it seems to be an age appropriate introduction to the concept for younger students.
January 27, 2019
I understand this is a somewhat "whitewashed" version of slavery and racism but it's aimed at kids. The older I've gotten, the more I've learned about slavery, and for a while I thought this was a too-soft look at slavery, but the reality is, it's complicated. Some owners were great owners, some were horrific, and most fell somewhere between the two. If this is taught in school, it's not hard to explain that this was a less-bad variety of slavery and that it was an absolutely horrific thing in its extremes.
That said, I strongly believe that reading this book at a time when most kids didn't get exposed to it back in the early '80s has helped made me the person I am today. I think books like this are a large part of why I eventually went into journalism and writing for a living. It made me want to understand people and society more. Luckily, I had a father who was a teacher that I could talk about the book with.
That said, I strongly believe that reading this book at a time when most kids didn't get exposed to it back in the early '80s has helped made me the person I am today. I think books like this are a large part of why I eventually went into journalism and writing for a living. It made me want to understand people and society more. Luckily, I had a father who was a teacher that I could talk about the book with.
April 19, 2015
I liked the subject it was about and how it was told (without hiding, the harsh life the slaves were dealing with, the whipping, etc.) I gave three starts because overall, it's a good book, but for a high school student, the writing style was just too childish which caused me to have to reread certain parts and some passages were just too cliché. Other than that, I enjoyed the plot, the characters and the message this book had to offer.
June 23, 2014
I didn't read the whole book, but I think it wasn't that good I think it was kind of boring, because they were just hiding and running from the slave traders. I think it wasn't as interesting as most books are.
March 8, 2021
I read this one again, and liked it more than the first time. Although the plot was still a bit simplistic, I really enjoyed the writing. I found the personal struggle engaging, and enjoyed the literary devices.
Want to read
December 29, 2012i want to read it
February 26, 2015
Such an important, brilliant, powerful book.
August 20, 2025
A still-important piece of modern children’s literature that I had never read until now. Read the majority of this little novel on a plane from LHR to YVR. A surprisingly (to me, at least) compelling story of a young slave girl who seeks her freedom and risks her life to flee to Canada via the Underground Railroad from the Deep South.
Note: I come from a place of privilege as a white male, which I want to acknowledge. And the author is a white woman. That raises the usual questions of is my historic “white man’s burden” assuaged by this narrative and was Smucker, as a white woman (I believe), the person to write it? Keep in mind, the novel was written in 1977, so you may not like how it approaches the topic, but it was groundbreaking for the time, and this topics have to be broached sometime by someone. Ultimately, I think novel should be the start of the conversation (or could an introduction to the topic) for youth about slavery, and not read or presented as the definitive guide to the horrors of slave complex, never to be discussed again.
So, as a children’s novel, it delves into the topic enough to bring light to young minds what slavery was like, but avoids too much specific / detailed trauma that would make it inappropriate for children. I “enjoyed” it, as much as a person can enjoy a novel about slavery. It provides enough kindness of the human spirit to help others to provide a foil to the depravity of slavery. (Arguably, too much kindness, providing a lopsided view, but again, children have to sleep at night, so is it age-appropriate? I’d say ultimately, yes.)
There are scenes of torture, but they are described in a way that leaves out gruesome detail. All that said, I would hope children who read this would do so in an environment (school or home) where they can talk out their feelings about what they are reading as well as talk about the society they are reading about. The N-word is used, but always with purpose. Not everyone survives (though most do) and death is handled “off-stage.” There is reference to torture (e.g., whipping), though the focus is more on the physical effects afterwards (and obliquely some of the psychology effects) rather than detailed accounts of the acts of torture themselves. There are no scenes of sexual abuse. There is starvation and malnutrition. There is always great courage, love, kindness, friendship, hope, faith. Perhaps a bit rosy in its approach, downplaying or avoiding specific horrors — this is a children’s novel after all — but is not Pollyanna by any means, aside from a too happy ending in my opinion, but again, her intended audience is children.
The novel certainly had me thinking as I read, as well as sympathizing with the characters, which is the point of literature, I believe. A fantastic conversation starter for children; I cannot imagine not talking about this novel with a young reader who has embarked on Junlilly’s journey.
I am glad I read it, and I think any criticism of Barbara Smucker can be forgiven in that she broaches a seemingly off-limits topic for children and weaves an engaging narrative that teaches as it keeps readers’ interest throughout. Again, this novel is just a novel, and its intention is not set up to be a definitive guide to of documentary about slavery. The criticisms stating it should be taught at all seem to me to often focus on that it isn’t a fully realistic account and this novel often serves as the only encounter some children/people will confront about slavery. That’s novel the novel’s/Smucker’s fault. It is what it is. Use it as a jumping off point. Get people engaged and curious to know more about the topic.
In sum, it was well worth the small time spent to read this novel. Julilly and her harrowing journey will stay with me. Perhaps a read of The Book of Negroes by Lawerence Hill may be my next stop.
Note: I come from a place of privilege as a white male, which I want to acknowledge. And the author is a white woman. That raises the usual questions of is my historic “white man’s burden” assuaged by this narrative and was Smucker, as a white woman (I believe), the person to write it? Keep in mind, the novel was written in 1977, so you may not like how it approaches the topic, but it was groundbreaking for the time, and this topics have to be broached sometime by someone. Ultimately, I think novel should be the start of the conversation (or could an introduction to the topic) for youth about slavery, and not read or presented as the definitive guide to the horrors of slave complex, never to be discussed again.
So, as a children’s novel, it delves into the topic enough to bring light to young minds what slavery was like, but avoids too much specific / detailed trauma that would make it inappropriate for children. I “enjoyed” it, as much as a person can enjoy a novel about slavery. It provides enough kindness of the human spirit to help others to provide a foil to the depravity of slavery. (Arguably, too much kindness, providing a lopsided view, but again, children have to sleep at night, so is it age-appropriate? I’d say ultimately, yes.)
There are scenes of torture, but they are described in a way that leaves out gruesome detail. All that said, I would hope children who read this would do so in an environment (school or home) where they can talk out their feelings about what they are reading as well as talk about the society they are reading about. The N-word is used, but always with purpose. Not everyone survives (though most do) and death is handled “off-stage.” There is reference to torture (e.g., whipping), though the focus is more on the physical effects afterwards (and obliquely some of the psychology effects) rather than detailed accounts of the acts of torture themselves. There are no scenes of sexual abuse. There is starvation and malnutrition. There is always great courage, love, kindness, friendship, hope, faith. Perhaps a bit rosy in its approach, downplaying or avoiding specific horrors — this is a children’s novel after all — but is not Pollyanna by any means, aside from a too happy ending in my opinion, but again, her intended audience is children.
The novel certainly had me thinking as I read, as well as sympathizing with the characters, which is the point of literature, I believe. A fantastic conversation starter for children; I cannot imagine not talking about this novel with a young reader who has embarked on Junlilly’s journey.
I am glad I read it, and I think any criticism of Barbara Smucker can be forgiven in that she broaches a seemingly off-limits topic for children and weaves an engaging narrative that teaches as it keeps readers’ interest throughout. Again, this novel is just a novel, and its intention is not set up to be a definitive guide to of documentary about slavery. The criticisms stating it should be taught at all seem to me to often focus on that it isn’t a fully realistic account and this novel often serves as the only encounter some children/people will confront about slavery. That’s novel the novel’s/Smucker’s fault. It is what it is. Use it as a jumping off point. Get people engaged and curious to know more about the topic.
In sum, it was well worth the small time spent to read this novel. Julilly and her harrowing journey will stay with me. Perhaps a read of The Book of Negroes by Lawerence Hill may be my next stop.
February 6, 2021
Concise and moving, this no holds barred narrative about two slave girls who take the Underground Railway at harrowing hold your breath stops and starts to reach freedom in Canada. Taken from their massa in Virginia, sold to a plantation in Mississippi, Julilly meets Liza, another 12 year old girl, and together along with Lester and Adam are approached by Mr. Alexander Ross (a bird watcher from Canada aka an abolitionist, who in his lifetime, freed more than 35 black men and women in 1855) Plans are made, stealth, faith and hope instilled, they embark north via 'stations' and 'friends of friends', possible peril during day and night, to eventual freedom and much risk-taking (Julilly grows into her strengths as a leader) reuniting with Lester in St. Catharines, Ontario and a surprise for Julilly, her mammy Sally, also now free!
Terrific intro from Lawrence Hill, the acclaimed Canadian author of The Book of Negroes, a passage from Martin Luther King Jr. and full bibliography inspire the reader into reading more and rich books like this one.
Underground to Canada is a classic, published in 1978 still as fresh and relevant as then.
Terrific intro from Lawrence Hill, the acclaimed Canadian author of The Book of Negroes, a passage from Martin Luther King Jr. and full bibliography inspire the reader into reading more and rich books like this one.
Underground to Canada is a classic, published in 1978 still as fresh and relevant as then.
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