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Freedom Seekers #1
Escape Into the Night
In 1857 twelve-year-old Libby joins her father aboard the Christina and proves that she can be trusted to assist in the escape of a fugitive slave
176 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 29, 2017
This is a very good series to read!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 31, 2024
Not as slay as her viking series
December 20, 2016
"At the shore of the river, Libby stepped down, expecting to find ice. Instead, cold water rose around her feet. Suddenly she yelped. “Hush!” came the quick warning from above. Libby leaped from the water to a foothold in the bank. Just then a voice cried out. “Over here!” a man shouted. “Get him!” called another. The slave catchers! Like the cold water, terror washed over Libby."
Twelve-year-old Libby Norstad lives on a steamboat, where her father is the captain. There is only one other kid her age: Caleb, the cabin boy. As much as Libby wants to be friends, Caleb always seems to be hiding something. When a fugitive slave comes aboard, Libby starts guessing what Caleb is keeping back. Should she tell on him? Should she help him?
Genre: historical, adventure. For those 14 and under. Issues dealt with: slavery, equal treatment, helping others.
"Escape into the Night" mentions God only about 3-5 times. The characters say that they do what they do because of what they believe. This story will certainly not help strengthen your relationship with God, although it will entertain. This is book 1 of The Freedom Seekers series. The other books are "Race for Freedom," "Midnight Rescue," "The Swindler's Treasure," "Mysterious Signal," and "The Fiddler's Secret."
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22 (NIV)
Twelve-year-old Libby Norstad lives on a steamboat, where her father is the captain. There is only one other kid her age: Caleb, the cabin boy. As much as Libby wants to be friends, Caleb always seems to be hiding something. When a fugitive slave comes aboard, Libby starts guessing what Caleb is keeping back. Should she tell on him? Should she help him?
Genre: historical, adventure. For those 14 and under. Issues dealt with: slavery, equal treatment, helping others.
"Escape into the Night" mentions God only about 3-5 times. The characters say that they do what they do because of what they believe. This story will certainly not help strengthen your relationship with God, although it will entertain. This is book 1 of The Freedom Seekers series. The other books are "Race for Freedom," "Midnight Rescue," "The Swindler's Treasure," "Mysterious Signal," and "The Fiddler's Secret."
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22 (NIV)
January 2, 2020
Escape Into the Night
For my quarter 2 book review I read Escape Into the Night. This is the first book in a small series known as The Riverboat Adventures. The author is Lois Walfrid Johnson. The book level is 4.1, and the lexile level is 580. Yes, this is very low for a seventh grader to read, but I really did like the book. Escape Into the Night is about a girl named Libby and a boy named Caleb. They are on a quest to help free a slave named Jordan. But, the tough part is, there are slave catchers around on the lookout for missing slaves. So, the new addition to the Underground Railroad, Libby, and Caleb race against slave catchers to get Jordan to safety.
The setting of the story is on the Mississippi River. If you open the book there is a map of the Mississippi River on the first page. It is also during the time of the Underground Railroad. If you are not familiar with the Underground Railroad it was a secret system in 1850 that helped to secretly take slaves from the South to the North. People hid the slaves also to protect them. In the text on page 124 I found it said that, “As he opened the trapdoor, Libby saw a crawl space large enough to hide several people under the floor.” This was just one of the places that they hid the slaves in this person’s house. This setting affects the plot because Libby is a new member of the Underground Railroad, and without that, she would just be on a riverboat with her dad being the captain, and it wouldn’t be that much of an adventure!
The author includes that Libby has never thought about having slaves as a bad thing or idea. When she finally realizes that maybe it isn’t so good, she is even more emotionally connected to the Underground Railroad. In the text when she comes to a realization (pg. 74) it stays that, “‘I’ve been doing a lot of thinking.’ Scared now, as well as nervous, she stumbled over the words. ‘I’ve changed my mind about some of the things I said.’” So, now she has a different point of view.
Some things that are different now than they were in this setting was that they didn’t have cars and big electric boats back then, so it takes longer to travel to places and things are just different. One more thing is that people wear old fashioned clothes, and dress differently than today.
For example in the text on page 20 it says, “Trying to push aside her nervousness, Libby slipped her hand between the folds of her full skirt. The white cloth of her new dress felt soft to her touch.” Those were Libby’s everyday clothes that she wore. Well, she just got this specific dress, but she would’ve worn something like that every day.
In my opinion, the theme of the story is trust and faith. I think this for a few reasons. For one, in the text on page 17 it says that, “I want a family that believes in me, even when I’m not perfect....A family that sticks together, even though it’s hard.” She also said that she wants a “Never-give-up-family”. Later in the book. Another reason why I believe that it is trust and faith is because the characters pray to God when they need help or need reassurance. Or when they want to praise him. For example, on page 134, Emma, one of the slaves they are working on freeing, says, “Glory! Thank you, Jesus!” There are other times as well, but that is just one. One last reason why I think the theme is trust and faith is because the slaves have to trust the “railroad conductors” and they have to trust the slaves so that everything will work out.
In my opinion, this book was pretty good. I liked learning and seeing kind of a look into what it would be like in the time were there was the Underground Railroad. It was not hard for me to read and comprehend, so in other words, it wasn’t confusing. It wasn’t that predictable either. There were some things I definitely didn’t expect, and it was probably more believable that way. I wish it didn’t end the way it did though. Now, it did kind of wrap up the story, but they still had a lot of things left to do: like bring Jordan all the way up to the top of the Mississippi river! It was not a waste of my time to read though, and if you or I want to figure out what happens, we just have to keep reading the books in the series!
My favorite part of the whole book was when Libby and Caleb are driving a carriage, and Jordan is hidden in the back, under a big mound of potatoes. A slave catcher comes up behind them, and questions them because he thinks they are suspicious. A connection I made with the book and history was that they are conducting the Underground Railroad just like Harriet Tubman. The authors style of writing is a narrative. The book is a novel so it makes sense. The book includes a setting, characters, and conflict. An example of a character would be Libby or Caleb. I would give this book a four out of five stars. I would recommend it!
For my quarter 2 book review I read Escape Into the Night. This is the first book in a small series known as The Riverboat Adventures. The author is Lois Walfrid Johnson. The book level is 4.1, and the lexile level is 580. Yes, this is very low for a seventh grader to read, but I really did like the book. Escape Into the Night is about a girl named Libby and a boy named Caleb. They are on a quest to help free a slave named Jordan. But, the tough part is, there are slave catchers around on the lookout for missing slaves. So, the new addition to the Underground Railroad, Libby, and Caleb race against slave catchers to get Jordan to safety.
The setting of the story is on the Mississippi River. If you open the book there is a map of the Mississippi River on the first page. It is also during the time of the Underground Railroad. If you are not familiar with the Underground Railroad it was a secret system in 1850 that helped to secretly take slaves from the South to the North. People hid the slaves also to protect them. In the text on page 124 I found it said that, “As he opened the trapdoor, Libby saw a crawl space large enough to hide several people under the floor.” This was just one of the places that they hid the slaves in this person’s house. This setting affects the plot because Libby is a new member of the Underground Railroad, and without that, she would just be on a riverboat with her dad being the captain, and it wouldn’t be that much of an adventure!
The author includes that Libby has never thought about having slaves as a bad thing or idea. When she finally realizes that maybe it isn’t so good, she is even more emotionally connected to the Underground Railroad. In the text when she comes to a realization (pg. 74) it stays that, “‘I’ve been doing a lot of thinking.’ Scared now, as well as nervous, she stumbled over the words. ‘I’ve changed my mind about some of the things I said.’” So, now she has a different point of view.
Some things that are different now than they were in this setting was that they didn’t have cars and big electric boats back then, so it takes longer to travel to places and things are just different. One more thing is that people wear old fashioned clothes, and dress differently than today.
For example in the text on page 20 it says, “Trying to push aside her nervousness, Libby slipped her hand between the folds of her full skirt. The white cloth of her new dress felt soft to her touch.” Those were Libby’s everyday clothes that she wore. Well, she just got this specific dress, but she would’ve worn something like that every day.
In my opinion, the theme of the story is trust and faith. I think this for a few reasons. For one, in the text on page 17 it says that, “I want a family that believes in me, even when I’m not perfect....A family that sticks together, even though it’s hard.” She also said that she wants a “Never-give-up-family”. Later in the book. Another reason why I believe that it is trust and faith is because the characters pray to God when they need help or need reassurance. Or when they want to praise him. For example, on page 134, Emma, one of the slaves they are working on freeing, says, “Glory! Thank you, Jesus!” There are other times as well, but that is just one. One last reason why I think the theme is trust and faith is because the slaves have to trust the “railroad conductors” and they have to trust the slaves so that everything will work out.
In my opinion, this book was pretty good. I liked learning and seeing kind of a look into what it would be like in the time were there was the Underground Railroad. It was not hard for me to read and comprehend, so in other words, it wasn’t confusing. It wasn’t that predictable either. There were some things I definitely didn’t expect, and it was probably more believable that way. I wish it didn’t end the way it did though. Now, it did kind of wrap up the story, but they still had a lot of things left to do: like bring Jordan all the way up to the top of the Mississippi river! It was not a waste of my time to read though, and if you or I want to figure out what happens, we just have to keep reading the books in the series!
My favorite part of the whole book was when Libby and Caleb are driving a carriage, and Jordan is hidden in the back, under a big mound of potatoes. A slave catcher comes up behind them, and questions them because he thinks they are suspicious. A connection I made with the book and history was that they are conducting the Underground Railroad just like Harriet Tubman. The authors style of writing is a narrative. The book is a novel so it makes sense. The book includes a setting, characters, and conflict. An example of a character would be Libby or Caleb. I would give this book a four out of five stars. I would recommend it!
December 8, 2016
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.25 of 5
While I did request, and receive an Advance Readers Copy of this reissued book from River North press, I must confess that I did read this book ... the whole series, actually ... when it was first published in 1995. I really enjoyed the series (though I liked author Lois Johnson's Northwoods series a little more) and thought that this might be a great way to get back to it.
Libby Norstad is a precocious young teen in 1857. After living with a wealthy aunt for a number of years, Libby is finally going to live with her father ... aboard a steamboat. Her father is the captain of a steamboat and travels up and down the rivers. It's not the life she's used to, but Libby wants nothing more than a never-give-up family and in turn, she will not give up and go back to her aunt's home.
But Libby's eyes are opened at life in the 'real' world. She learns that there are people cruel enough that they would own another person as a slave. And the owners would sometimes beat and whip their slaves ... right out in the open. It didn't seem right to Libby, but the law said that it could be done. It also said that a master could travel anywhere to search for a runaway slave, even into the territories that didn't approve of keeping slaves.
Then Libby learns that there are people who help runaway slaves: they hide them and send them further away when the slave-catchers aren't near, even though it means great danger for them. And when a slave she saw in the market disappears, Libby wonders if someone she knows might not be helping the slave. Libby's always obeyed the law so she should turn them both (slave and helper), but it doesn't seem right to treat another person that way. Can she turn to her father for help?
Author Lois Johnson really does a some tremendous research and builds some great characters for her story-telling. Young readers can get a good feel for the period, steamboats, and the social and political anxiety over slavery in the mid-1800's.
The book is targeted toward a young readership and it should draw them in and hold their interest. Libby seems a little extra 'dense' sometimes, but this is typically a device used in order to explain something to Libby - and hence to the reader.
The book was originally published by Bethany House - a Christian publisher, and the reprint is published by River North, an imprint of Moody Press - also a Christian book publisher. Don't let this deter you if you normally don't want to read a 'religious' book. Christianity is not a central theme here. it is part of Libby's up-bringing and something that she reflects on when trying to do what's 'right.' It is not overt and thinking back, I can't recall any specific moments when Christianity is mentioned (though I believe it is).
This really is a wonderful book for young readers just starting to learn about American history or events that led to the Civil War, or even about slavery. It is full of action, and it feels very honest. It is worth reading.
Looking for a good book? Escape Into the Night, by Lois W. Johnson, is a historical adventure for young readers who might be ready to read about some of the not-so-pleasant aspects of American history - slavery.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
While I did request, and receive an Advance Readers Copy of this reissued book from River North press, I must confess that I did read this book ... the whole series, actually ... when it was first published in 1995. I really enjoyed the series (though I liked author Lois Johnson's Northwoods series a little more) and thought that this might be a great way to get back to it.
Libby Norstad is a precocious young teen in 1857. After living with a wealthy aunt for a number of years, Libby is finally going to live with her father ... aboard a steamboat. Her father is the captain of a steamboat and travels up and down the rivers. It's not the life she's used to, but Libby wants nothing more than a never-give-up family and in turn, she will not give up and go back to her aunt's home.
But Libby's eyes are opened at life in the 'real' world. She learns that there are people cruel enough that they would own another person as a slave. And the owners would sometimes beat and whip their slaves ... right out in the open. It didn't seem right to Libby, but the law said that it could be done. It also said that a master could travel anywhere to search for a runaway slave, even into the territories that didn't approve of keeping slaves.
Then Libby learns that there are people who help runaway slaves: they hide them and send them further away when the slave-catchers aren't near, even though it means great danger for them. And when a slave she saw in the market disappears, Libby wonders if someone she knows might not be helping the slave. Libby's always obeyed the law so she should turn them both (slave and helper), but it doesn't seem right to treat another person that way. Can she turn to her father for help?
Author Lois Johnson really does a some tremendous research and builds some great characters for her story-telling. Young readers can get a good feel for the period, steamboats, and the social and political anxiety over slavery in the mid-1800's.
The book is targeted toward a young readership and it should draw them in and hold their interest. Libby seems a little extra 'dense' sometimes, but this is typically a device used in order to explain something to Libby - and hence to the reader.
The book was originally published by Bethany House - a Christian publisher, and the reprint is published by River North, an imprint of Moody Press - also a Christian book publisher. Don't let this deter you if you normally don't want to read a 'religious' book. Christianity is not a central theme here. it is part of Libby's up-bringing and something that she reflects on when trying to do what's 'right.' It is not overt and thinking back, I can't recall any specific moments when Christianity is mentioned (though I believe it is).
This really is a wonderful book for young readers just starting to learn about American history or events that led to the Civil War, or even about slavery. It is full of action, and it feels very honest. It is worth reading.
Looking for a good book? Escape Into the Night, by Lois W. Johnson, is a historical adventure for young readers who might be ready to read about some of the not-so-pleasant aspects of American history - slavery.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2019
Libby lives with her aunt and uncle, protected and cosseted and indulged. She has beautiful clothes and a carefree life. She's imbibed the view that some people are better off being slaves, because of all the advantages that brings them.
But when the chance comes to return to her father aboard the riverboat Christina, she jumps at it. Her room is tiny, compared to the house she's known - although it's the second-best on the steamboat. Her father buys her a great Newfoundland dog to guard her but she doesn't know how to treat it, care for it and get it to do anything other than mess her clothes.
On the boat she encounters a cabin boy, Caleb, who acts mysteriously and seems to know far more about her father's business than he should. Caleb can't believe her views about slavery and, when the chance arises, takes her to an auction to open her eyes to the truth.
Soon, Libby learns of the Underground Railroad that provides a passage to freedom for slaves - and she comes to suspect that there's more going on the riverboat than meets the eye.
But when the chance comes to return to her father aboard the riverboat Christina, she jumps at it. Her room is tiny, compared to the house she's known - although it's the second-best on the steamboat. Her father buys her a great Newfoundland dog to guard her but she doesn't know how to treat it, care for it and get it to do anything other than mess her clothes.
On the boat she encounters a cabin boy, Caleb, who acts mysteriously and seems to know far more about her father's business than he should. Caleb can't believe her views about slavery and, when the chance arises, takes her to an auction to open her eyes to the truth.
Soon, Libby learns of the Underground Railroad that provides a passage to freedom for slaves - and she comes to suspect that there's more going on the riverboat than meets the eye.
January 19, 2025
“Escape into the Night” was a book I had read several times as a child and recently rediscovered along some boxes at my mom’s house.
I was curious to revisit it since I didn’t really remember the plot and of course so much of our portrayals of and most critically the language surrounding slavery has evolved so much since the book was originally published in 1995. Surprisingly, it’s not that bad. The way Johnson wrote the enslaved people’s dialogue is definitely problematic as is the reliance of the white saviors trope, but again, it’s not bad for 1995.
The book does touch on on very difficult and upsetting topics, primarily slavery, so adults providing a child with this book should be prepared to have a conversation with them.
I was curious to revisit it since I didn’t really remember the plot and of course so much of our portrayals of and most critically the language surrounding slavery has evolved so much since the book was originally published in 1995. Surprisingly, it’s not that bad. The way Johnson wrote the enslaved people’s dialogue is definitely problematic as is the reliance of the white saviors trope, but again, it’s not bad for 1995.
The book does touch on on very difficult and upsetting topics, primarily slavery, so adults providing a child with this book should be prepared to have a conversation with them.
February 11, 2025
Escape Into the Night by Lois Walfrid Johnson is a story about a girl named Libby who helps a black slave escape slavery. It talks about the dangers of the Underground Railroad and freedom. It all starts when Libby, a redhead who lives with her aunt and uncle, joins her father on his steamboat called the Christina. The cabin boy Caleb seems like he has a secret and Libby wants to find out. That's when she discovers that he is a conductor for the underground railroad when she hears moaning in a box. She helps the runaway slave named Jordan escape and reach freedom, all while learning the dangers of the Underground Railroad. This was overall an ok book, but all historical fiction books to me stink, but better than others.
October 29, 2018
This book was pretty good. I thought the story line was thought out, and the characters were well developed. But, I felt like it didn’t give me enough action. They always got away, and it reminded me of kid superhero shows, where the good guys always win. There was little action, and you could really expect what was coming. Don’t get me wrong, the author did well, and I enjoyed the book, I just think I would’ve enjoyed it more if it was more realistic. That is why I rate it a 3 out of 5 stars.
August 30, 2021
I ordered this first book to see if we would like this series. Everyone liked it. It was entertaining, educational and informative. We were drawn to the characters and want to know what they will be up to next.
Excited to keep going with series and also check out the other books this author has written.
Excited to keep going with series and also check out the other books this author has written.
September 12, 2020
While children's adventure/historical fiction and therefore simplistic in a sense, I appreciate how Johnson portrays this era of history. While the black character is a slave, he is not a victim, but has personality, purpose, and heroism.
March 4, 2021
Besides the Viking Quest series also by Lois, Freedom Seekers is one of my favorite series! I read them when I was around 12. I'm 15 now and am going to read them again. Lois Walfrid Johnson is definitely one of my favorite authors. Highly recommend!
October 7, 2025
Great book! Good characters who you know will have great development as they go on. Amazing faith content with strong history. Definitely a series I recommend to anyone looking for a good Christian history book. The only bad thing in this is n*gger 3x. But other than that that it is clean!
July 6, 2018
Great storytelling in YA fiction. As well as teaches history and human dignity.
February 28, 2019
This book was awesome!
I can`t wait to start the second one!
I can`t wait to start the second one!
April 4, 2023
this book was amazing, a lot of people recommended it to me, so i relented, and couldn't put it down. it has great view points of the underground railroad.
July 30, 2023
Great book! would definitely recommend this book for a good Christian mystery!
April 2, 2025
It was the best book, I wish I could rate it more stars. It's so intense. I need the next book!
December 31, 2016
This entire series is one of my favorites ever. SO good. I love them just as much at 16 as at 12, and I will always count them as some of the best books I've ever read. Lois Walfrid Johnson is an extraordinary author. The characters are so relatable and it's all just wonderful!
March 1, 2010
This is the first book in the Riverboat Adventures series. This series is about a young girl who becomes involved in the Underground Railroad while living on her father's Mississippi River steamboat in the 1850s.
Since her mother's death four years ago, twelve-year-old Libby Norstad has lived with her aunt and uncle in their Chicago mansion. In that time, she has seen her father only rarely, because he is a riverboat captain on the Mississippi River. Now that Libby is older, her father has decided that she will live with him on his riverboat, the Christina. The year is 1857, and arguments over slavery are beginning to divide America. Libby has never had to think much about slavery, but she has always assumed that slaves are well-treated by their masters, and are better off that way than trying to make it on their own. But her new life aboard the Christina challenges her beliefs, when she discovers that Caleb, the ship's cabin boy, is active in the Underground Railroad. Caleb exposes Libby to the horrors of slavery, and she is forced to confront her beliefs about right and wrong for the first time in her life.
This book was well-written and full of interesting historical details, and Libby's character transformation was believable. I would recommend it to readers who are interested in this time period in history, and I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
Since her mother's death four years ago, twelve-year-old Libby Norstad has lived with her aunt and uncle in their Chicago mansion. In that time, she has seen her father only rarely, because he is a riverboat captain on the Mississippi River. Now that Libby is older, her father has decided that she will live with him on his riverboat, the Christina. The year is 1857, and arguments over slavery are beginning to divide America. Libby has never had to think much about slavery, but she has always assumed that slaves are well-treated by their masters, and are better off that way than trying to make it on their own. But her new life aboard the Christina challenges her beliefs, when she discovers that Caleb, the ship's cabin boy, is active in the Underground Railroad. Caleb exposes Libby to the horrors of slavery, and she is forced to confront her beliefs about right and wrong for the first time in her life.
This book was well-written and full of interesting historical details, and Libby's character transformation was believable. I would recommend it to readers who are interested in this time period in history, and I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
January 23, 2015
The setting in Escape Into the Night was unique in that it took place on a Steamboat in 1857. I thought the book was an overall light read but it had pretty good historical accuracy. I wish that the author Lois Walfrid Johnson would have taken more time to describe Libby's life before going to live on the steamboat, but the reader gets the idea that she is unwanted with Aunt Vi which is about as much reason anyone needs to leave. I thought the plot was a little flat in most areas but I hope that the second book might include more detailed action. I mostly found it lacking in details, which frustrates me because I love very descriptive writing. For someone who is just looking for something easy to read and follow and doesn't require much thought I think this is the perfect book to read. Otherwise, it was fun to learn a little about that era and a different side to the underground railroad. I hope to read the next books soon.
January 17, 2016
Libby gets a bit more than she bargained for when she trades in her society life in Chicago to rejoin her father on his steamboat. She finds that some of the beliefs she was fed in Chicago need to be reevaluated.
I like that some of the characters hold strong beliefs that they are willing to die for if necessary. I also like that some of the characters have a deep faith that they are trying to integrate into everyday life.
I like that some of the characters hold strong beliefs that they are willing to die for if necessary. I also like that some of the characters have a deep faith that they are trying to integrate into everyday life.
February 22, 2015
I chose this book because it is one of my favorite books. (I love the whole series.) I read through this series six different times. I enjoy the personalities of the characters, especially the boy. The boy is only twelve years old, yet he has tremendous responsibility leading African American slaves along the Underground Railroad.
October 12, 2014
As a tomboy wanna-be heroine, Libby annoyed the stew out of me, I was madly in love with Caleb AND Jordan, and I worshipped the Captain. If I had been in Libby's place, I'd have behaved better. Or at least I thought so at the time. ;)
August 5, 2008
Libby is such a spoiled brat! But it's JUST the beginning!
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January 5, 2010the riverboat adventures was a great series! awesome au history and life lessons, and written by one of my favorite authors!!
March 5, 2013
I think this was a fun read and I'm so going to read the series. It'll be interesting to learn about what life on a steamship may have been like!
January 24, 2015
third time reading :) I just love these books by her. I am getting kinda too old for them for them to be quite as enjoyable, but still!
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January 3, 2017This was one of my favorite series as a child.
July 18, 2018
Some of the best books I've ever read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews