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Night Running: How James Escaped with the Help of His Faithful Dog
It's 1838, and James has made a secret plan to escape Master Graham’s farm–and slavery. James tells his dog Zeus he has to stay behind: he’s simply too noisy to bring along on a dangerous nighttime journey. But when two white men capture James soon after he runs, he’s grateful his faithful hunting dog didn’t obey. Zeus has followed behind, and the scrappy hound rescues James from his captors. An author’s note describes the real life inspiration behind the book: James Smith, a slave who escaped with the help of his dog and went on to become a farmer and Baptist minister.
40 pages, Library Binding
First published January 8, 2008
3 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Elisa Carbone
16 books79 followersElisa Carbone was raised in Arlington, Virginia. She attended college at University of Maryland and also received two master’s degrees from University of Maryland, one in Speech Communication and the other in Education.
She now lives part time in the Washington D.C. area and part time in the mountains of West Virginia.
She now lives part time in the Washington D.C. area and part time in the mountains of West Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
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November 13, 2020Night Running is a story about a young slave who has an escape plan. The young boy’s escape plans do not include his dog, as he’s afraid he will make too much noise, but the dog has other plans. Will the dog impede his escape to freedom?
The main character in this story was discovered while the author was researching for preparation in writing an historical fiction book about the underground railroad. Night Running is considered historical fiction and can be categorized within as, “a story of historical events happening before the life of the author. This means that the author relies completely on historical research,” when writing the story. (Children’s Literature, Briefly)
The accuracy of the time and events is shown through both text and illustrations. The story and illustrations do not hold back the gruesome truths of the time. I feel that this book allows for the realities of history, no matter how good or bad, to be presented to the reader. It does not feel sugar coated, although some events are implied through both text and illustrations. It is important that historical (and cultural) accuracy is included in historical fiction. This book covers all of these characteristics.
If you liked this book, I recommend reading Stealing Freedom. This is the book the author, Elisa Carbone, was performing research for when she came across the true story of James Smith.
The main character in this story was discovered while the author was researching for preparation in writing an historical fiction book about the underground railroad. Night Running is considered historical fiction and can be categorized within as, “a story of historical events happening before the life of the author. This means that the author relies completely on historical research,” when writing the story. (Children’s Literature, Briefly)
The accuracy of the time and events is shown through both text and illustrations. The story and illustrations do not hold back the gruesome truths of the time. I feel that this book allows for the realities of history, no matter how good or bad, to be presented to the reader. It does not feel sugar coated, although some events are implied through both text and illustrations. It is important that historical (and cultural) accuracy is included in historical fiction. This book covers all of these characteristics.
If you liked this book, I recommend reading Stealing Freedom. This is the book the author, Elisa Carbone, was performing research for when she came across the true story of James Smith.
November 12, 2020
This book tells a true story about a boy named James Smith who escaped slavery in 1838 to the north with his loyal dog Zeus. James is fearful his dog's howling, barking or fussing will get him caught before he can escape. Read this incredible story and find out the suspenseful outcome.
Night Running: How James Escaped with the Help of His Faithful Dog is a fascinating historically children's fiction story of a young boy's courage and triumph will keep young readers engaged until the end. This book is based on the true story Children's literature explains, "When a modern-day book character is transported back in time the reader is forced to confront the reality that we are products of history whose present has been determined by those people and events that have preceded us (Young, pg. 179)."
I shared this book with my own 3rd grader, who was recently told abut the story of Harriet Tubman and the underground railroad. A great follow up story to help history through the eyes of a young protagonist. My son was excited and happy that James got away but had mixed feelings because James didn't have his family. I would encourage to pick up this book for your own young reader and/or in the classroom.
Night Running: How James Escaped with the Help of His Faithful Dog is a fascinating historically children's fiction story of a young boy's courage and triumph will keep young readers engaged until the end. This book is based on the true story Children's literature explains, "When a modern-day book character is transported back in time the reader is forced to confront the reality that we are products of history whose present has been determined by those people and events that have preceded us (Young, pg. 179)."
I shared this book with my own 3rd grader, who was recently told abut the story of Harriet Tubman and the underground railroad. A great follow up story to help history through the eyes of a young protagonist. My son was excited and happy that James got away but had mixed feelings because James didn't have his family. I would encourage to pick up this book for your own young reader and/or in the classroom.
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November 7, 2020Night Running: How James Escaped with the Help of His Faithful Dog by: Elisa Carbone
This book tells the story of James and his plan to escape slavery. James had a canine companion named Zeus that he told to stay behind so his secret route could be successful. Join in reading to see if Zeus obeyed James request and become incaptured by this inspirational story.
Children's Literature Briefly states that "Without human beings, whose emotions and actions influence the times, there is no history." This story gave readers history through the eyes of a young protagonist that allows the social element to be put back into the classroom.
Grade Level: 2nd - 4th
If you enjoyed this book I recommend Night Gardner by: George Pelecanos
This book tells the story of James and his plan to escape slavery. James had a canine companion named Zeus that he told to stay behind so his secret route could be successful. Join in reading to see if Zeus obeyed James request and become incaptured by this inspirational story.
Children's Literature Briefly states that "Without human beings, whose emotions and actions influence the times, there is no history." This story gave readers history through the eyes of a young protagonist that allows the social element to be put back into the classroom.
Grade Level: 2nd - 4th
If you enjoyed this book I recommend Night Gardner by: George Pelecanos
November 18, 2014
Night Running is a story about a young slave boy who tries to escape from his master. He does not want to risk getting caught, so he tells his best friend and his loyal dog to stay behind. On his first attempt, James gets caught. His dog, Zeus, saves him from getting beat by distracting the slave catchers. He then saves James from being tied down in the barn and they run away. Yet again, James is unappreciative. Even when the slave catching dogs come to attack James, he helps fight them off. When they escape and reach the Ohio River, James tries to leave Zeus behind as he jumps in a canoe to get across the river. Little does he know the canoe has holes in it and so it begins to sink. Zeus was watching all along and rescues James from drowning. James finally realizes that he needs Zeus so he decides that they will no longer be separated, even when the friendly farmer and his wife give him food and shelter.
At first, I was taken aback by this story. I was shocked at the details and the illustrations of the beatings and near murders. I do not know how I feel about this being a children's book. While I understand that it is important for kids to learn about slavery and even though this book has a happy ending, the illustrations and the intentions to kill multiple times throughout the story seemed a little harsh for a children's picture book. By the end of the story, I was touched by the loyalty of Zeus. The pictures were beautifully painted and illustrated the scenes perfectly. I recommend this book to older readers.
At first, I was taken aback by this story. I was shocked at the details and the illustrations of the beatings and near murders. I do not know how I feel about this being a children's book. While I understand that it is important for kids to learn about slavery and even though this book has a happy ending, the illustrations and the intentions to kill multiple times throughout the story seemed a little harsh for a children's picture book. By the end of the story, I was touched by the loyalty of Zeus. The pictures were beautifully painted and illustrated the scenes perfectly. I recommend this book to older readers.
November 9, 2009
James is a slave on a farm planning his escape to freedom in Canada. James spends a lot of time with his dog Zeus, but doesn't think it's a good idea to take him along. The only person James tells about his plans is his friend Levi. James and Levi plan to meet in a clearing in the woods. That night James left the farm and Zeus wouldn't stay behind. His barking makes James angry and nervous. When they get to the clearing, Levi isn't there. Instead there are men waiting to take James back to the farm. Levi had sold James' secret. It's beginning to seem like James won't ever have his freedom, but Zeus always seems to find a way to help....
This is based on the true story of James Smith and his trusty hunting dog. The picture book is best for older students, most likely 4th or 5th graders. There are some difficult scenes involving violence and animal cruelty that would make it inappropriate for younger students.
This is based on the true story of James Smith and his trusty hunting dog. The picture book is best for older students, most likely 4th or 5th graders. There are some difficult scenes involving violence and animal cruelty that would make it inappropriate for younger students.
March 5, 2015
I imagine two uses for this book:
1. It's a fun read. If you have some kids who are your most stubborn readers, this book can hook them in. It has some good action that will hold their attention as the boy tries to runaway from his owner.
2. Use this book as ONE source about slavery and slaves that ran away. The book is more relatable because it's a child doing the escaping, but it's not the only source that you should use on this topic. The story doesn't give any background, and it just kind of starts with him trying to runaway. It shows what happens though when slaves tried to runaway. The boy was going to be whipped and fed some whiskey.
I did not feel any connection with the boy or the dog though. There wasn't a lot of emotion in this text.
I read this via Chicago Public Library's digital library.
1. It's a fun read. If you have some kids who are your most stubborn readers, this book can hook them in. It has some good action that will hold their attention as the boy tries to runaway from his owner.
2. Use this book as ONE source about slavery and slaves that ran away. The book is more relatable because it's a child doing the escaping, but it's not the only source that you should use on this topic. The story doesn't give any background, and it just kind of starts with him trying to runaway. It shows what happens though when slaves tried to runaway. The boy was going to be whipped and fed some whiskey.
I did not feel any connection with the boy or the dog though. There wasn't a lot of emotion in this text.
I read this via Chicago Public Library's digital library.
September 20, 2008
Haunting, heartbreaking and not for the faint of heart, this gorgeously illustrated true tale of trial and triumph opens our eyes to the horrors of slavery and the depths of devotion of one loyal dog.
You can listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.
You can listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.
March 12, 2009
An excellent underground railroad book based on the true escape story of James Smith and his hunting dog. The story is written by established historical fiction writer Elisa Carbone and the award winning African American illustrator E.B. Lewis. His signature watercolors are in dark earth tones to show the night escape. The book also has a white ally, a Quaker farmer, who gives James food and shelter on his journey.
March 7, 2020
Based on the true story of James Smith, who escaped from enslavement in Virginia (now West Virginia) to Ohio through the help of a loyal dog, Night Running is written by Elisa Carbone, best known for the meticulously researched middle grade novels Blood on the River and Poison in the Colony, both set in the Jamestown Colony. As a picture book, it is beautifully illustrated by E.B. Lewis.
Reading this with my 6 year old son, I was somewhat surprised by the stark cruelty depicted straight on the first few pages: a betrayal, an attempted beating, clubbing a dog to death. My son took it in stride, having some idea of the horrors of slavery and what a risk James was taking. Interestingly, what bothered him the most was how little emotional connection James had to this dog who was saving his life over and over again. He was so upset at a climax moment that he almost refused to keep reading. He just kept saying he couldn't believe James could be so mean when the dog was such a good dog.
I have unsettled feelings about it, because what seemed most lacking in the book was emotional depth, especially the missing emotional connection with the dog, but as an adult I also can understand James' inability to have room for sentimentality and affection when he was in pure survival mode. And although he did face a couple of very risky moments, the seeming ease with which James escaped slavery really concerns me, because I think sometimes when the stories associated with slavery that children are exposed to are mostly about people successfully escaping enslavement, children develop a very distorted idea that it was relatively easy to escape slavery with a few days of sustained effort. There is a subtle victim-blaming underlying that distortion, the idea that enslaved people probably could have had freedom if they just had the courage to try for it. (I teach and I have literally heard this from 4th graders.) So, in general, I have developed a skepticism of picture books that are all about successful escapes and start right in the moment of escape rather than in the reality of enslavement.
The narrative seemed to start abruptly and definitely ended abruptly, so the final page back matter was really helpful, and my 6 year old was riveted to the details of the true story of what happened to James after he reached freedom. For the quality of the pictures and the true story, I appreciate the book. I'd add it to a library or school collection only if the rest of the collection of books about slavery was more well rounded with other kinds of stories.
Reading this with my 6 year old son, I was somewhat surprised by the stark cruelty depicted straight on the first few pages: a betrayal, an attempted beating, clubbing a dog to death. My son took it in stride, having some idea of the horrors of slavery and what a risk James was taking. Interestingly, what bothered him the most was how little emotional connection James had to this dog who was saving his life over and over again. He was so upset at a climax moment that he almost refused to keep reading. He just kept saying he couldn't believe James could be so mean when the dog was such a good dog.
I have unsettled feelings about it, because what seemed most lacking in the book was emotional depth, especially the missing emotional connection with the dog, but as an adult I also can understand James' inability to have room for sentimentality and affection when he was in pure survival mode. And although he did face a couple of very risky moments, the seeming ease with which James escaped slavery really concerns me, because I think sometimes when the stories associated with slavery that children are exposed to are mostly about people successfully escaping enslavement, children develop a very distorted idea that it was relatively easy to escape slavery with a few days of sustained effort. There is a subtle victim-blaming underlying that distortion, the idea that enslaved people probably could have had freedom if they just had the courage to try for it. (I teach and I have literally heard this from 4th graders.) So, in general, I have developed a skepticism of picture books that are all about successful escapes and start right in the moment of escape rather than in the reality of enslavement.
The narrative seemed to start abruptly and definitely ended abruptly, so the final page back matter was really helpful, and my 6 year old was riveted to the details of the true story of what happened to James after he reached freedom. For the quality of the pictures and the true story, I appreciate the book. I'd add it to a library or school collection only if the rest of the collection of books about slavery was more well rounded with other kinds of stories.
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May 7, 2020Night Running is a story about a slave boy who is trying to escape to Canada. The books shows James journey to freedom. This book shows diversity by showing what slavery was like for African American. A good example would be on slide 7 we see James tried to escape but is capture and would have been torture till something saved his life. This was an example of slaver and master in our U.S. history. I can see the role of this book fitting in more of a history class. This book could be read when a teacher is teaching about the slavery in U.S. history.
April 8, 2013
Night Running: How James Escaped with the Help of His Faithful Dog by Elisa Carbone is a historical fiction work intended for P-I readers. It is a tale about the pangs of slavery and what it took to escape it.
Though persistent to leave his dog, Zeus, behind on his escape to a free state, Zeus inevitably follows James on his pursuit to freedom. Though rattling, noise-making, howling, and growling, Zeus manages to save James’s life on many occasions throughout his flee. In the end it is solely by the savior of Zeus does James make it the other side of the Ohio River, to a free state, where he is immediately sighted, but this time by a loving, free farmer.
The plot of this story is easy to grasp for young readers. Though young readers cannot relate to the experience of James and his entanglement in slavery, the detailed text give insight to the world of slavery and how much effort and determination it took to break free. The dog is an adorable additive to the story, demonstrating the love and care of companion pet. The watercolor illustrations are persuasive and realistic, taking readers directly into the depictions, just as much as the text does! The color palette throughout is a bit dark, but goes hand in hand with the horrid topic of slavery.
I would most definitely use this book in a classroom as a lesson on slavery and on love, emphasizing that believe it or not, this book is based on a true story! The beloved dog deserves to be singled out and admired for its care of its owner all the way to the end when they both reach the free state of Ohio. It teaches young readers to not underestimate our little furry friends, especially dogs, for they can prove to be the greatest of friends.
Though persistent to leave his dog, Zeus, behind on his escape to a free state, Zeus inevitably follows James on his pursuit to freedom. Though rattling, noise-making, howling, and growling, Zeus manages to save James’s life on many occasions throughout his flee. In the end it is solely by the savior of Zeus does James make it the other side of the Ohio River, to a free state, where he is immediately sighted, but this time by a loving, free farmer.
The plot of this story is easy to grasp for young readers. Though young readers cannot relate to the experience of James and his entanglement in slavery, the detailed text give insight to the world of slavery and how much effort and determination it took to break free. The dog is an adorable additive to the story, demonstrating the love and care of companion pet. The watercolor illustrations are persuasive and realistic, taking readers directly into the depictions, just as much as the text does! The color palette throughout is a bit dark, but goes hand in hand with the horrid topic of slavery.
I would most definitely use this book in a classroom as a lesson on slavery and on love, emphasizing that believe it or not, this book is based on a true story! The beloved dog deserves to be singled out and admired for its care of its owner all the way to the end when they both reach the free state of Ohio. It teaches young readers to not underestimate our little furry friends, especially dogs, for they can prove to be the greatest of friends.
December 8, 2016
1. None
2. First grade through second grade
3. This book is based on the true story a boy named James Smith who escaped slavery to the north with the help of his dog Zeus. James keeps trying to leave Zeus behind, believing that the dog will be noisy and give him away, but while this was true Zeus also saved his life multiple times by being an amazingly faithful and clever dog. James eventually escapes to freedom, and from that point on refuses to part with Zeus, no matter what.
4. The loyalty and love of dogs is an amazing thing, and this story is as heartwarming as it is suspenseful. This is a fascinating story, and a look into the story of a slave escaping from the South. The illustrations are amazing, as well, and the included author’s note at the end about the rest of the lives of James Smith and Zeus is a much appreciated epilogue. I enjoyed this book immensely.
5. This book could be used as part of a unit on the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, or slavery. It could also be used as part of a unit on animals, since a dog is featured so heavily. The book might also be beneficial to a unit about friendship.
2. First grade through second grade
3. This book is based on the true story a boy named James Smith who escaped slavery to the north with the help of his dog Zeus. James keeps trying to leave Zeus behind, believing that the dog will be noisy and give him away, but while this was true Zeus also saved his life multiple times by being an amazingly faithful and clever dog. James eventually escapes to freedom, and from that point on refuses to part with Zeus, no matter what.
4. The loyalty and love of dogs is an amazing thing, and this story is as heartwarming as it is suspenseful. This is a fascinating story, and a look into the story of a slave escaping from the South. The illustrations are amazing, as well, and the included author’s note at the end about the rest of the lives of James Smith and Zeus is a much appreciated epilogue. I enjoyed this book immensely.
5. This book could be used as part of a unit on the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, or slavery. It could also be used as part of a unit on animals, since a dog is featured so heavily. The book might also be beneficial to a unit about friendship.
November 5, 2014
James is a young slave who has a dog named Zeus. Although James loves Zeus, he plans to leave Zeus behind as he runs away to freedom. Zeus makes a plan to escape with his friend Levi, but Levi betrays James and sells James for his own freedom. As James is being captured by two white men, Zeus comes to James' rescue. Zeus then helps James escape to a life of freedom in Ohio.
The illustrations in this book are very interesting. E.B. Lewis did a good job at using paints to convey what was happening in the story. The colors used were very neutral and earthy. Lewis often uses shades of green to convey the field-like setting of the book. I would have liked if the pictures contained more detail in the faces; however, the use of paints probably would have made this difficult to achieve. The most eye catching part of the pictures were the backgrounds. Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot. The story and the illustrations conveyed a beautiful story about the path to freedom of a young boy and his dog.
The illustrations in this book are very interesting. E.B. Lewis did a good job at using paints to convey what was happening in the story. The colors used were very neutral and earthy. Lewis often uses shades of green to convey the field-like setting of the book. I would have liked if the pictures contained more detail in the faces; however, the use of paints probably would have made this difficult to achieve. The most eye catching part of the pictures were the backgrounds. Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot. The story and the illustrations conveyed a beautiful story about the path to freedom of a young boy and his dog.
June 27, 2012
Young Audience Award
Audience: I think that this book would not be good for any audience under grade 3. The book would be good if you were studying slavery and segregation during the curriculum. This book would also be beneficial to put out in your classroom during black history month.
Appeal: This book is definitely for older elementary readers because it has some mature concepts in it like slavery, beating, and death. It would be very important for your students to have a firm grasp on those issues before letting them read it on their own. If your students don't know what the book is talking about they will probably be more apt to be scared and fearful of some of the stuff that happens in the book. The book would be good to introduce with a diverse classroom and when you are trying to explain to your students that we all have come from different backgrounds and different stories.
Audience: I think that this book would not be good for any audience under grade 3. The book would be good if you were studying slavery and segregation during the curriculum. This book would also be beneficial to put out in your classroom during black history month.
Appeal: This book is definitely for older elementary readers because it has some mature concepts in it like slavery, beating, and death. It would be very important for your students to have a firm grasp on those issues before letting them read it on their own. If your students don't know what the book is talking about they will probably be more apt to be scared and fearful of some of the stuff that happens in the book. The book would be good to introduce with a diverse classroom and when you are trying to explain to your students that we all have come from different backgrounds and different stories.
August 22, 2017
So, I'm really tempted to give this a higher rating, because this is a very well-told tale. The artwork is foreboding and lifelike, and the story moves along rather quickly, despite having a lot of repetitive elements. Overall, it does a great job of creating a sense of tension as James comes so close to capture again and again, almost making the terrible decision to kill his dog so he may hide a little longer.
And I feel bad for knocking off a star for this, because I'm reviewing a book about escaping slavery, but I really do think that a lot of kids will be distressed by the idea of killing the dog, even if it doesn't happen! I think, if this was read in a classroom of younger students, this could lead to some upset kids.
So mainly be aware of the age and tone of your classroom, or your child, if reading at home. If things seem to be going bad, perhaps jump ahead to reassure them that James and his dog are just fine, and then continue from where you left off.
And I feel bad for knocking off a star for this, because I'm reviewing a book about escaping slavery, but I really do think that a lot of kids will be distressed by the idea of killing the dog, even if it doesn't happen! I think, if this was read in a classroom of younger students, this could lead to some upset kids.
So mainly be aware of the age and tone of your classroom, or your child, if reading at home. If things seem to be going bad, perhaps jump ahead to reassure them that James and his dog are just fine, and then continue from where you left off.
August 24, 2008
Young slave James decides it is time to make his escape to freedom and tells his faithful dog, Zeus, he cannot come along--he's too loud, too whiny, and will draw too much attention. When betrayal leads to James' capture, Zeus proves to be the key to his escape after all. Based on a true story, Carbone's dry telling lacks spark; Lewis' watercolors add enough texture and tension to keep the reader turning pages.
February 3, 2012
In 1838, James, a young slave boy, decided to run away from the plantation where his life had become unbearable. As he made his escape, his faithful hound dog, Zeus, ran along with him. James was afraid that Zeus would make too much noise and they would be caught. But Zeus stayed with James and actually helped save James' life. Based on a true story, this beautifully illustrated book will hold your attention to the end!
January 22, 2008
A story about a young boy and the dog who protects him as he runs away from slavery. This is based on a true story about a boy who escaped across the Ohio River, finally buying his own farm in Huron County, Ohio. Later after the Fugitive Slave Bill was passed he had to sell his farm and go to Canada.
January 11, 2009
This is a great picture book for older readers. The story of a runaway slave and the dog who you never know is helping or hurting his escape. I loved the book. The dark illustrations conveyed the story in a meaningful way. This book really touched me and I would love to share it with kids looking for this subject. 3rd grade +
October 31, 2009
This story about James Smith is an excellent book on slavery. When the story of Harriett Tubman is told about the underground railroad, this would be a great follow up on that. It shows the children that may were the plights of the negro back in those days. It was written friendly for a child's reading but the message is powerful.
August 16, 2011
This was an incredible story, and the most interesting part is that's based on a true story. This boy and his faithful dog companion went through so much to help the boy escape his cruel owner to the safety of Ohio. Full of harrowing close calls, this is a high-action tale of James's brave escape from slavery with the unwavering aid of his dog, Zeus.
April 26, 2008
Based on a true story of a runaway slave boy and his faithful hunting dog, this one can definitely be incorporated into many classrooms that deal with slavery history from 3rd to 5th grade. Lewis's watercolor drawings are evocative as usual.
February 11, 2011
I needed a book to read aloud to a class of 4th and 5th graders and wanted something that fit the theme of African American History Month. This book had everything: based on a true story, about a boy and his dog, escaping from slavery, and beautiful illustrations.
June 20, 2012
Wonderful story of a slave boy who decides to run away to freedom. He tells his dog, Zeus, to "stay" but the dog follows him anyway. And good thing. Zeus ends up being the hero who makes freedom possible. Based on a true story. Double full page watercolor illustrations.
March 1, 2008
A boy escapes from slavery with the help of his loyal dog. A brief but compelling picture book about a difficult subject, with outstanding illustrations.
March 31, 2008
A total tear-jerker. Runaway slave and good, loyal dog. Beautiful illustrations and fine writing. Excellent picture book for older readers.
June 13, 2008
It's both a powerful topic and a resonating text; however, I think without the brilliant illustrations we might not get the whole story. I see it as a Caldecott contender this year.
February 26, 2009
Unique story with beautiful pictures.
February 2, 2009
I have a feeling this book was recognized as excellent at the Youth Media Awards, but I found it just so-so.
September 1, 2009
It is a picture book but in J fic section. Not for storytime but good for teachers that are discussing slavery
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews