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Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom
A family silently crawls along the ground. They run barefoot through unlit woods, sleep beneath bushes, take shelter in a kind stranger's home. Where are they heading? They are heading for Freedom by way of the Underground Railroad.
"A stellar introduction to the Underground Railroad, narrated by a group of slaves. Readers experience the fugitives' escape, their long nighttime journey punctuated by meetings with friends and enemies, and their final glorious arrival in a place of freedom....Though subdued in palette until the eruption of color as the figures reach the threshold of freedom, the author's collaged nocturnal paintings shimmer with an arresting luminescence." For preschool to grade 3 readers. --Jayne Damron, School Library Journal (starred review)
"A stellar introduction to the Underground Railroad, narrated by a group of slaves. Readers experience the fugitives' escape, their long nighttime journey punctuated by meetings with friends and enemies, and their final glorious arrival in a place of freedom....Though subdued in palette until the eruption of color as the figures reach the threshold of freedom, the author's collaged nocturnal paintings shimmer with an arresting luminescence." For preschool to grade 3 readers. --Jayne Damron, School Library Journal (starred review)
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 18, 2011
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613 people want to read
About the author
Shane W. Evans
47 books38 followersShane W. Evans is the illustrator of several children's books, including Homemade Love by bell hooks and Osceola: Memories of a Sharecropper's Daughter by Alan Govenar. He lives in Missouri.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
May 25, 2011
Using only the shortest of sentences, the smallest of words, Evans has created a picture book that captures the fear and hope of escaping slaves on the Underground Railroad. The well-chosen words add to the tension, keeping it taut with danger. It reads as if the author too is trying to be quiet, near silent and to escape notice.
The palette is one of darkness with bright whites of eyes shining, the colors capturing the oppression of slavery. As freedom nears, the colors change, almost glowing with the light and brightness of freedom. The art here is what makes the book so special. The images are collage mixed with the texture of brushstrokes, all evoking a rustic, roughness. Yet in the faces there is a nobility, a grace, a hope that shines through.
A beautiful, evocative book that is haunting and ever so strong. It will work beautifully for elementary aged children learning about the Civil War and slavery. Appropriate for ages 7-10.
The palette is one of darkness with bright whites of eyes shining, the colors capturing the oppression of slavery. As freedom nears, the colors change, almost glowing with the light and brightness of freedom. The art here is what makes the book so special. The images are collage mixed with the texture of brushstrokes, all evoking a rustic, roughness. Yet in the faces there is a nobility, a grace, a hope that shines through.
A beautiful, evocative book that is haunting and ever so strong. It will work beautifully for elementary aged children learning about the Civil War and slavery. Appropriate for ages 7-10.
June 5, 2011
I wanted to like this book; I wanted to love it.
It’s about the Underground Railroad, and there’s an inspiring and informative author’s note at the end.
If the story and pictures had wowed me as much as that note, and given the subject matter, this book would have likely been a 5 or 4 star book for me.
But I thought it was a weird little book and it wasn’t really my cup of tea.
The illustrations are interestingly minimalist but I can’t say I enjoyed them, though they did fit this very short story well.
The story is told as one short line of text per page, as is sometimes done for picture books geared for the youngest children, but the subject matter is not for them. If kids don’t already know about slavery and the Underground Railroad and the author’s note isn’t read, I can see readers/listeners not understanding exactly what is going on, though they’ll get the gist of it if not the history. It’s probably best for early to middle elementary school aged children, but there’s just not much to it. I would guess (especially seeing the rating average by Goodreads’ members) that this method of storytelling could be considered to be powerful. It didn’t do it for me. I wanted more/different/something else. It was just okay for me. I suspect most readers will disagree with me so please don’t let my opinion discourage you from reading this book. Maybe it’s my mood? But I don’t think so. I appreciate the premise and the author’s note, but I can’t say I’m a fan of this book. I’ve read others on the subject I’ve enjoyed so much more than I enjoyed this one.
It’s about the Underground Railroad, and there’s an inspiring and informative author’s note at the end.
If the story and pictures had wowed me as much as that note, and given the subject matter, this book would have likely been a 5 or 4 star book for me.
But I thought it was a weird little book and it wasn’t really my cup of tea.
The illustrations are interestingly minimalist but I can’t say I enjoyed them, though they did fit this very short story well.
The story is told as one short line of text per page, as is sometimes done for picture books geared for the youngest children, but the subject matter is not for them. If kids don’t already know about slavery and the Underground Railroad and the author’s note isn’t read, I can see readers/listeners not understanding exactly what is going on, though they’ll get the gist of it if not the history. It’s probably best for early to middle elementary school aged children, but there’s just not much to it. I would guess (especially seeing the rating average by Goodreads’ members) that this method of storytelling could be considered to be powerful. It didn’t do it for me. I wanted more/different/something else. It was just okay for me. I suspect most readers will disagree with me so please don’t let my opinion discourage you from reading this book. Maybe it’s my mood? But I don’t think so. I appreciate the premise and the author’s note, but I can’t say I’m a fan of this book. I’ve read others on the subject I’ve enjoyed so much more than I enjoyed this one.
October 7, 2013
Nice picture book that lends to a lot of inference by the reader. This would good for k-1 for a journey book and you could get more in depth with 2-8 depending on your presentation. Interesting illustrations, using color tones to set the mood and emotions. There is no mention of the Underground Railroad, but already being familiar with the historic system, it was easy for me the know its subject. It holds a great story line even if you don't know about the Underground Railroad it's clear through the illustrations alone that the characters are moving from dark and scary to bright and safe.
October 6, 2013
Wow... what a simple, yet powerful, approach to such a difficult topic. Underground is a story of a family/group of men, women, and children slaves who find their way to freedom using the Underground Railroad -- and all of their struggles along the way.
The illustrations truly make this book what it is. Text is very minimal on each page, but the illustrations really speak. The use of color is very powerful. The majority of the book, as the slaves escape and head out into the unknown, is dark hues with very small amounts of bright whites and yellows... but as they find their way to freedom, their entire world, and the pages along with it, brighten up considerably, until the very last page which is filled with rays of bright light.
I really appreciate the author's note at the end of the book, too. I think it gives some good starting points for deeper discussion topics surrounding the tragic but empowering tales of so many men and women that found their freedom. This book won the 2012 Coretta Scott King Award, and was also named one of School Library Journal’s Best Nonfiction Books of 2011.
I think this would be an excellent tool to use to not only discuss an enormous part of American History, but also lean into a discussion about acceptance and what it means to be treated as a human being, as we all deserve to be. I would say this book is appropriate for primary-aged children, but could be used in classrooms all the way up to grade 3 or 4 as a way to start deeper conversations.
I'm giving this one 4 stars.
The illustrations truly make this book what it is. Text is very minimal on each page, but the illustrations really speak. The use of color is very powerful. The majority of the book, as the slaves escape and head out into the unknown, is dark hues with very small amounts of bright whites and yellows... but as they find their way to freedom, their entire world, and the pages along with it, brighten up considerably, until the very last page which is filled with rays of bright light.
I really appreciate the author's note at the end of the book, too. I think it gives some good starting points for deeper discussion topics surrounding the tragic but empowering tales of so many men and women that found their freedom. This book won the 2012 Coretta Scott King Award, and was also named one of School Library Journal’s Best Nonfiction Books of 2011.
I think this would be an excellent tool to use to not only discuss an enormous part of American History, but also lean into a discussion about acceptance and what it means to be treated as a human being, as we all deserve to be. I would say this book is appropriate for primary-aged children, but could be used in classrooms all the way up to grade 3 or 4 as a way to start deeper conversations.
I'm giving this one 4 stars.
February 13, 2012
Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom by Shane W. Evans is a picture book that describes the events of the Underground Railroad. The book contains very few words but is very effective in its story telling. The majority of the illustrations are in dark blue hues with occasionally pops of soft orange. As the slaves find their way to freedom, more pops of color shine to help them find their way.
This book has a quietly intense quality about it. When reading it to myself, I imagined the narration occurring in a hushed tone or a whisper. The sentences are short, usually no more than three words in length. However, each illustration clearly depicts what is happening to accompany the text. The color scheme also sets the tone in a way that words cannot. Underground opens the door for historical discussion about slavery and the road to freedom.
This book is an important part of any library that young readers have access to. It allows children to understand American history in a way that is not too graphic. Underground provides a soft, beautiful introduction to a less-than-pleasant topic. It also is easy to read and has short sentences, allowing young readers to gain confidence as they move through the story.
This book has a quietly intense quality about it. When reading it to myself, I imagined the narration occurring in a hushed tone or a whisper. The sentences are short, usually no more than three words in length. However, each illustration clearly depicts what is happening to accompany the text. The color scheme also sets the tone in a way that words cannot. Underground opens the door for historical discussion about slavery and the road to freedom.
This book is an important part of any library that young readers have access to. It allows children to understand American history in a way that is not too graphic. Underground provides a soft, beautiful introduction to a less-than-pleasant topic. It also is easy to read and has short sentences, allowing young readers to gain confidence as they move through the story.
April 18, 2017
This is the 2012 Coretta Scott King winner for illustrations. However, I wasn't so impressed with the illustrations as I was with the text, which, though very brief, succinctly told the story of escaping slaves. The sentences are only two to four words per page, except on the very last page, so beginning readers would find it easy. The pictures are done in shades of night blue, with freedom being symbolized by the light of the sunrise. I'm not sure I would have made this a winner, but it's certainly a great book to introduce young children to the idea of the underground railroad. An author's note at the end gives more information about the underground railroad and dedicates the book to a woman named Pastor Alice, who works today helping people be free from hunger and homelessness. Nicely done, and recommended.
March 7, 2013
Underground:Finding the Light to Freedom provides the reader with an overview of the underground system slaves used to travel from the south to the north during the 1800s. This book is almost a wordless picture book in that there are only two or three words every other page. With the minimal use of words and general overview of the concept this book would be best fitted for very young readers.
The stark contrast between the light and dark colors on the pages provides the reader with the sense of darkness the slaves felt in the south and the light they felt in reaching their destinations in the north. The author provides a page of background knowledge on the last page for the reader. Because the book provides such a general overview it would be essential for the reader to have some background knowledge on the underground railroad before reading this book.
The stark contrast between the light and dark colors on the pages provides the reader with the sense of darkness the slaves felt in the south and the light they felt in reaching their destinations in the north. The author provides a page of background knowledge on the last page for the reader. Because the book provides such a general overview it would be essential for the reader to have some background knowledge on the underground railroad before reading this book.
Read
July 11, 2013Audience: Primary
Genre: Picture Book
Favorite Quote: "I am free. He is free. She is free. We are free."
Rationale: This line is on the very last page of the book. The whole story is about the Underground Railroad and trying to make it to freedom. There are very few words on each page, but the visual images are very powerful. I enjoyed this last page because it expresses happiness and joy. The beginning of the book starts with the escape. Th pictures are very dark, and there are many feelings of fear. The middle of the book discusses some of the obstacles the people encountered along the way. Finally, at the end the people see the sun, the light and they are free. The last page is very bright and colorful which helps the reader picture the happiness the people were probably feeling after their long, difficult journey.
Genre: Picture Book
Favorite Quote: "I am free. He is free. She is free. We are free."
Rationale: This line is on the very last page of the book. The whole story is about the Underground Railroad and trying to make it to freedom. There are very few words on each page, but the visual images are very powerful. I enjoyed this last page because it expresses happiness and joy. The beginning of the book starts with the escape. Th pictures are very dark, and there are many feelings of fear. The middle of the book discusses some of the obstacles the people encountered along the way. Finally, at the end the people see the sun, the light and they are free. The last page is very bright and colorful which helps the reader picture the happiness the people were probably feeling after their long, difficult journey.
January 20, 2014
Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom by Shane W. Evans is a wonderfully simple book about a family’s journey on the Underground Railroad. There are two or three words on most pages that simply state how the family moves toward freedom like, “We are quiet,” and “The fear,” and “We run.” The simplicity of the text, in my opinion, makes it that much more moving in part because the illustrations work to carry the story even more than the words.
The illustrations are restricted to dark blues and blacks in the beginning of the story as the family makes its escape in the middle of the night. Only the moon and the lanterns of the slave owners shine bright. Finally, on the last two pages warm yellows and oranges are used to illustrate the rising sun of the new day and the family’s escape to freedom. Reading Underground was an experience that I will remember for a very long time.
The illustrations are restricted to dark blues and blacks in the beginning of the story as the family makes its escape in the middle of the night. Only the moon and the lanterns of the slave owners shine bright. Finally, on the last two pages warm yellows and oranges are used to illustrate the rising sun of the new day and the family’s escape to freedom. Reading Underground was an experience that I will remember for a very long time.
June 15, 2015
Underground: finding the light to freedom by Shane Adams, is a picture book that describes a family escaping to freedom by using the underground railroad. although there are few words, each picture takes you on the journey with them. The book still gives a clear understanding of what Afican Americans had to go through to be free. I liked how the pictures went from dark to light. The dark represented fear and oppression and as it got light it represented freedom! this is a great book to teach about African American history or even about self determination. it also allows some children to understand slavery in another way that isn't too graphic. I would recommend this book for grades k-3rd.
January 20, 2015
An easy read yet a very captivating book that walks us through the journey that others had to go through to gain freedom. This journey covers people that were met along the way, those who helped, those who failed to make it, and ultimately finally making it to the most desired freedom.
This is a great book that conveys as much emotion as that of a lengthier book, through the text, illustrations and colors chosen for those illustrations. Though it is a childrens' book as I read this for this particular assignment I realized that the message of the importance of freedom was successfully conveyed through this book. Books like these can be a great addition to any classroom library!
This is a great book that conveys as much emotion as that of a lengthier book, through the text, illustrations and colors chosen for those illustrations. Though it is a childrens' book as I read this for this particular assignment I realized that the message of the importance of freedom was successfully conveyed through this book. Books like these can be a great addition to any classroom library!
October 13, 2013
Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom by Shane W. Evans (2011)
Genre: Non Fiction, picture book
Format: Book
Plot summary: A group of slaves narrate their escape from slavery into freedom using the Underground Railroad.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory (strong language, sex, death, religious overtones, violence, etc.): No special considerations
Review Citations: Peters, John Edward. Kirkus Reviews , 11/15/2010, Vol. 78 Issue 22, p117-117
Section source used to find the material: Correta Scott King Award 2012
Recommended age: Pre-K to 3rd grade
Genre: Non Fiction, picture book
Format: Book
Plot summary: A group of slaves narrate their escape from slavery into freedom using the Underground Railroad.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory (strong language, sex, death, religious overtones, violence, etc.): No special considerations
Review Citations: Peters, John Edward. Kirkus Reviews , 11/15/2010, Vol. 78 Issue 22, p117-117
Section source used to find the material: Correta Scott King Award 2012
Recommended age: Pre-K to 3rd grade
September 6, 2016
Shane Evans provides a simple, yet poignant, portrayal of slaves and their escape via the Underground Railroad. The minimalist pictures and text speak volumes as the family portrayed moves from fear to freedom. As they progress in their journey, the colors become lighter and glow as they find freedom. This book is a great introduction to the Underground Railroad for younger readers.
Read
June 29, 2012Audience - Preschool and up, classroom teachers, history teachers
Appeal - This is a very well illustrated book about slaves traveling on the underground railroad to safety. This would be a good book for lessons on slavery and the underground railroad or for the younger kids during black history month.
Corretta Scott King, Illustrator Winner, 2012
Appeal - This is a very well illustrated book about slaves traveling on the underground railroad to safety. This would be a good book for lessons on slavery and the underground railroad or for the younger kids during black history month.
Corretta Scott King, Illustrator Winner, 2012
May 31, 2015
Audience: Primary Grades, would also be appropriate for older readers
Appeal: Complex, advanced subject made accessible to all readers with simple text, use of color to convey mood.
Award: Coretta Scott King Book award 2012
Appeal: Complex, advanced subject made accessible to all readers with simple text, use of color to convey mood.
Award: Coretta Scott King Book award 2012
January 11, 2011
Simple text, simple illustrations come together to tell the story of slaves escaping for freedom. One page background information in the back of the book is helpful to teachers.
November 20, 2011
Very simple text and gorgeous illustrations make this a great read aloud for ELLs to open the topic of slavery and the underground railroad.
May 21, 2018
I don't often read and review picture books but the premise of this one intrigued me. I was interested to see how an author could tackle something as harrowing as slavery and the journey to freedom in a book meant for such young readers.
I think that Shane W. Evans has created a book that is meant to be read aloud and explained by the parent. It is a conversation starter, a gateway into the wider topics of race relations and slavery. As an adult, I understood what the story was trying to get across, though the words used were extremely simple, with only two or three on each page.
Shane W. Evans has a brilliantly energetic illustration style. The palette is limited to blues and yellows but the amount of movement he manages to capture gives you a real sense of urgency as you read.
Overall I liked this and I think that I would recommend it if you want a way of introducing a younger reader to a tough topic. It is important for children to learn about history and I think this does a good job of showing a difficult aspect of particularly American history.
I think that Shane W. Evans has created a book that is meant to be read aloud and explained by the parent. It is a conversation starter, a gateway into the wider topics of race relations and slavery. As an adult, I understood what the story was trying to get across, though the words used were extremely simple, with only two or three on each page.
Shane W. Evans has a brilliantly energetic illustration style. The palette is limited to blues and yellows but the amount of movement he manages to capture gives you a real sense of urgency as you read.
Overall I liked this and I think that I would recommend it if you want a way of introducing a younger reader to a tough topic. It is important for children to learn about history and I think this does a good job of showing a difficult aspect of particularly American history.
February 5, 2020
Underground
Author: Shane W. Evans
Illustrator: Shane W. Evans
Genre: Diverse
Awards: Coretta Scott King Award
Audience: 1st-3rd grade
Underground tells the story of the Underground Railroad in a very simple and beautiful way. It reveals that the “railroad” was actually a journey connected through pathways and people. It was exhausting and dangerous, but it helped lead many slaves to freedom.
A. The culture of African-American slaves in the south is emphasized in this story.
B. The cultural event of the Underground Railroad is discussed. The author does a great job revealing the horror of slavery and the incredibly difficult path many slaves had to take to find freedom.
C. It portrayed the culture both positively and negatively. It was clear that the slaves should not be forced to hide and fear for their lives in order to find freedom. Their situation and this part of their culture is negative. But Underground positively highlighted the joy that those slaves experienced when they no longer had to hide in the dark and could live freely in the sun.
Author: Shane W. Evans
Illustrator: Shane W. Evans
Genre: Diverse
Awards: Coretta Scott King Award
Audience: 1st-3rd grade
Underground tells the story of the Underground Railroad in a very simple and beautiful way. It reveals that the “railroad” was actually a journey connected through pathways and people. It was exhausting and dangerous, but it helped lead many slaves to freedom.
A. The culture of African-American slaves in the south is emphasized in this story.
B. The cultural event of the Underground Railroad is discussed. The author does a great job revealing the horror of slavery and the incredibly difficult path many slaves had to take to find freedom.
C. It portrayed the culture both positively and negatively. It was clear that the slaves should not be forced to hide and fear for their lives in order to find freedom. Their situation and this part of their culture is negative. But Underground positively highlighted the joy that those slaves experienced when they no longer had to hide in the dark and could live freely in the sun.
April 23, 2017
A very concise yet evocative introduction to the Underground Railroad.
January 28, 2021
Find the Light to be Free!
Enjoy the award-winning illustrations, and simplistic but genuine text of Shane Evans' Underground.
Enjoy the award-winning illustrations, and simplistic but genuine text of Shane Evans' Underground.
February 20, 2021
A group of enslaved people escapes to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Simple text. Evocative pictures.
August 23, 2023
Good for teaching slightly younger kids about underground railroad. Shorter lines of text and great illustrations that are emotionally moving!
Read
April 25, 2015Underground by Shane W. Evans Primary
Text to world:
Still today, we have people trying to escape to their freedom. I have read many stories about people trying to make it to freedom. They are moving at night trying to cross the border. Like in the book, they have to go in the darkness, rely on friends and other, and some do not make it. I imagine if they do make it they fell a sense of relief and happiness. I have read stories about people creating boats trying to make it to the U.S. for a sense of freedom. Their stories are similar to the story in the book.
This book does expose children to a different perspective and value.
It shows through text and picture the difficult journey to freedom. The book tells about how they need friends to help. The pictures are the best part of the book. You can learn so much from the facial expression on the people in the story. Their eyes tell an amazing amount of information. You can see the fear in the characters’’ eyes. The story tells how not everyone make it to freedom. The illustrations and words tell how happy and relieved they are when they make it to freedom. The book shows how persistent the people were in the book. They did not give up. They knew not all people would make it to freedom.
1. Remembering: What is the setting in this story? When does it take place?
2. Understanding: Tell me what happens in the story.
3. Applying: How is this similar to I will Come Back For You?
4. Analyzing: How does this book and the story I Will Come Back For You similar?
5. Evaluating: What is your opinion of the friends in this book? Why do you feel that way?
6. Creating: A new scenario: Write about what happens to these people next.
Text to world:
Still today, we have people trying to escape to their freedom. I have read many stories about people trying to make it to freedom. They are moving at night trying to cross the border. Like in the book, they have to go in the darkness, rely on friends and other, and some do not make it. I imagine if they do make it they fell a sense of relief and happiness. I have read stories about people creating boats trying to make it to the U.S. for a sense of freedom. Their stories are similar to the story in the book.
This book does expose children to a different perspective and value.
It shows through text and picture the difficult journey to freedom. The book tells about how they need friends to help. The pictures are the best part of the book. You can learn so much from the facial expression on the people in the story. Their eyes tell an amazing amount of information. You can see the fear in the characters’’ eyes. The story tells how not everyone make it to freedom. The illustrations and words tell how happy and relieved they are when they make it to freedom. The book shows how persistent the people were in the book. They did not give up. They knew not all people would make it to freedom.
1. Remembering: What is the setting in this story? When does it take place?
2. Understanding: Tell me what happens in the story.
3. Applying: How is this similar to I will Come Back For You?
4. Analyzing: How does this book and the story I Will Come Back For You similar?
5. Evaluating: What is your opinion of the friends in this book? Why do you feel that way?
6. Creating: A new scenario: Write about what happens to these people next.
April 30, 2014
I liked this book. This was an appropriate book for a younger age group. This is a simple book about the underground railroad and in the back page it goes into detail about slavery and what it means to own someone. This is a book you could use in first or second grade to read to children so they understand that slavery existed without giving them nightmares about it. I would like to use this book in a future class. I would likely use it at the beginning of a history lesson on the underground railroad. For text to self, I was born a free American and I seem to take this for granted but by seeing through this book that people owning people is something that used to be done it makes me appreciate my freedom more. Text to text, I like that this book is called underground, not underground railroad. Sometimes when discussing the underground railroad in other books children may think it was an actual railroad underground. This book just is titled underground and it shows pictures of what it actually was. Other books may do this too but I feel as though leaving the railroad part out helps a younger age group to understand better. Text to world, this is a book that people of all cultures should read and understand, people need to know that just a few hundred years ago people owned other people legally. The world needs to continue to talk about this so we all have a deep understanding of why this is wrong and why freedom is such an important thing for everyone to have.
November 14, 2014
"Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom," by Shane W. Evans, is about a families experience escaping slavery. While on their journey some people make it while other don't. When they escape they have to go in the dark and be really quiet so no one sees them. But they are scared so they run to get further. They crawl through the bushes to stay unseen. By this time they are tired so they rest until they find friends that will help them out and give them shelter. In the end they finally see the light and are now free.
The illustrations in this book are very dark until the last few pages. I think the illustrator, Shane Evans, did this to show that slavery was a tough time which relates to darkness. Towards the end when the family sees the light to freedom is when the pages brighten up because freedom is associated with happiness. The cover shows the light to freedom in the background with some of the characters looking into it. I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book because they were more like sketches. They aren't perfect line movements which makes it unique and relaxed.
I really liked this book because it was about slavery but Evans just touched on the topic using statements rather than long sentences. It is a book that first graders can easily read but to understand it they would need the help of their parents. This book would be great to have in the classroom to teach a peace of history to students.
The illustrations in this book are very dark until the last few pages. I think the illustrator, Shane Evans, did this to show that slavery was a tough time which relates to darkness. Towards the end when the family sees the light to freedom is when the pages brighten up because freedom is associated with happiness. The cover shows the light to freedom in the background with some of the characters looking into it. I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book because they were more like sketches. They aren't perfect line movements which makes it unique and relaxed.
I really liked this book because it was about slavery but Evans just touched on the topic using statements rather than long sentences. It is a book that first graders can easily read but to understand it they would need the help of their parents. This book would be great to have in the classroom to teach a peace of history to students.
March 8, 2014
This book won the Coretta Scott King Award and I can see why. This book takes us on a journey on the underground railroad. The sentences on each page are short and to the point, to convey the meaning of silence while on this journey. Each page is dark there is no light to show how they traveled in the dark with no light to guide them. The book touched on scary topics like mobs of white men going out looking for them. Some didn't make it as the picture showed of a slave being found by a man with a gun. Finally towards the end of the book we see light which signifies their new found freedom. I absolutely loved this book and I think it showed so much feeling and courage for those people on the underground railroad in just pictures and sort sentences than a lot of other books I have read. The only thing I did not like is that the book made it feel like the runaway slaves found freedom in one night and that was never the case. I would definitely share this book with my class but I would make sure to explain to them that this was not a fast process. It took many days, weeks, and months and their journey in the dark was repeated for many days. A lot of them found freedom but it took patience and courage. Great book and I highly recommend it to all.
June 4, 2015
Shane Evans creates a wonderfully simplistic story about the underground railroad without even mentioning the underground railroad. Using a small number of words and subdued illustrations Evans paints a brilliant picture of the trials and tribulations that slaves had to endure on their difficult journey to freedom.
Written with honest depictions the journey includes both friends and enemies and even blatantly says that not all make it through the journey alive. I think that this is an excellent introduction to the underground railroad and its place in history for young readers. As a K teacher I would love to add this to my school's curriculum to help my young scholars understand what the underground railroad was and how it helped so many slaves.
Ultimately, I believe that Evans does an excellent job introducing a new topic to new readers by allowing his illustrations to do a lot of the talking. His subdued colors only come to life at the end of the story, when the slaves are finally on the other side and are able to reach freedom. This symbolism is very powerful for young and old readers alike. I would recommend this for young readers who need an introduction to the topic of the underground railroad for sure!
Written with honest depictions the journey includes both friends and enemies and even blatantly says that not all make it through the journey alive. I think that this is an excellent introduction to the underground railroad and its place in history for young readers. As a K teacher I would love to add this to my school's curriculum to help my young scholars understand what the underground railroad was and how it helped so many slaves.
Ultimately, I believe that Evans does an excellent job introducing a new topic to new readers by allowing his illustrations to do a lot of the talking. His subdued colors only come to life at the end of the story, when the slaves are finally on the other side and are able to reach freedom. This symbolism is very powerful for young and old readers alike. I would recommend this for young readers who need an introduction to the topic of the underground railroad for sure!
December 5, 2016
• Book summary
-It was dark so they were quit so they could escape. It was scary, but they ran, crawled, and rested when they could. They met new friends that helped them. Though, no everyone made it through the escape. They were tired, but they were almost there. The light from the sun brought Freedom. They were all now free.
• Grade level, interest level, Lexile
-Kindergarten-4nd grade
• Appropriate classroom use (subject area)
-Learn about slavery and the underground railroad while reading this book to introduce the subject to children.
• Individual students who might benefit from reading
-Students that are directly related to people who had to use the underground railroad, or any student that is interested in history.
• Small group use (literature circles)
-After reading, have students analyze the events that occurred.
• Whole class use (read aloud)
-After reading, have students analyze the events that occurred.
• Related books in genre/subject or content area
-There are endless amounts of books that explain the event of the Underground Railroad.
• Multimedia connections
-Available on Kindle or as a hardcover copy.
-It was dark so they were quit so they could escape. It was scary, but they ran, crawled, and rested when they could. They met new friends that helped them. Though, no everyone made it through the escape. They were tired, but they were almost there. The light from the sun brought Freedom. They were all now free.
• Grade level, interest level, Lexile
-Kindergarten-4nd grade
• Appropriate classroom use (subject area)
-Learn about slavery and the underground railroad while reading this book to introduce the subject to children.
• Individual students who might benefit from reading
-Students that are directly related to people who had to use the underground railroad, or any student that is interested in history.
• Small group use (literature circles)
-After reading, have students analyze the events that occurred.
• Whole class use (read aloud)
-After reading, have students analyze the events that occurred.
• Related books in genre/subject or content area
-There are endless amounts of books that explain the event of the Underground Railroad.
• Multimedia connections
-Available on Kindle or as a hardcover copy.
February 1, 2014
This is absolutely the best book for young kids I have seen for introducing slavery or indeed, any struggle for freedom from oppression. Most of the pages have just a few words, but they are full of power: “The fear.” “We run.” “Others help.” “Some don’t make it.” “We are tired.”
The illustrations are as striking as the text. It starts out in darkness, and when the escapees reach freedom, the sun comes up, illuminating joy on the faces that had remained hidden in the night.
In an Afterward, Shane Evans explains what slavery was about, in a simple style comprehensible to children. It is a terrific addition to the book.
You can watch a trailer here.
Evaluation: I am a total Shane Evans Fan Gurrl. He is wonderful, and this book is highly recommended!
The illustrations are as striking as the text. It starts out in darkness, and when the escapees reach freedom, the sun comes up, illuminating joy on the faces that had remained hidden in the night.
In an Afterward, Shane Evans explains what slavery was about, in a simple style comprehensible to children. It is a terrific addition to the book.
You can watch a trailer here.
Evaluation: I am a total Shane Evans Fan Gurrl. He is wonderful, and this book is highly recommended!
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