Escape to Freedom

by Ruth Fosdick Jones, Dorothy Bayley Morse (Illustrator)

The setting is Buffalo, New York and the High School teacher-carpenter on the side whose home provides a last station on the Underground Railroad before the crossing of the Niagara to Canada, is the father of Timothy, who becomes an integral part of the challenging issue.

Genres: Historical Fiction, School

236 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1958

Reviews

[Carri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I read and enjoyed "Boy of the Pyramids" by the same author, I was eager to give this title a try. I was not disappointed, although "Escape To Freedom" was a slower read for me. This may just be that I am having a difficult time focusing on my reading right now. It would likely be worthwhile for me to reread this again at a later date. However, I did enjoy this book and the fact that it is based on a true story about the author's family and their role in the Underground Railroad only added to the appeal. The ending was quite satisfying and meaningfully worded and almost pushed my rating to five stars. The version I read is the reprinted edition from The Good and the Beautiful Library.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this story as part of our Civil War studies for The Good and the Beautiful history curriculum. We thoroughly enjoyed this mostly true story of conductors on the Underground Railroad.

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids and I enjoyed learning about the Underground Railroad. We were intrigued to learn that the author wrote this book based on her grandparents and their involvement in the Underground Railroad.

[Lennea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring and cringy. And literally had no climax and stuff like that. Would never read again.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This quick little book tells of the fictional life of a twelve year old boy named Tim just prior to the Civil War. He is working with his father to help slaves escape to Canada on the Underground Railroad. There is enough detail to make this story educational and intense, without being too graphic for young readers to handle. Tim meets a number of runaway slaves, and we are able to hear their tragic stories. Again the book gives just enough detail to draw out sympathy without being traumatic.
Would recommend to readers sixth grade and older, or as a read-aloud to children of all ages.

[Dawn Brinks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent morals, good storyline, and a great addition to any history curriculum.

[Raven Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was great... I just felt like it was drawn out. It could've been a much shorter story. The writing made it hard to read aloud. BUT I loved the story itself! It did make the underground railroad come alive for all of us.