The Birdman

by Troon Harrison, François Thisdale (Illustrator)

A journey with the underground railroad's most daring abolitionist. Alexander Ross walked the plantation fields in the Deep South, freely and with permission. He was a famous ornithologist -- visiting the plantations to study the birdlife. But Alexander Milton Ross was no ordinary birdman. He was an undercover Abolitionist. And he had news to spread to the men and women living in slavery about the Underground Railroad. He knew the routes, the location of the safe houses and the best ways to head to freedom in Canada. Discover the forgotten life and true adventures of a daring Abolitionist who risked everything to help bring freedom and dignity to the heroic men and women enslaved in the American south. Back matter includes historical notes.

36 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2014

About the author

Troon Harrison is an internationally published, award winning author, an editor, and a qualified teacher. Troon writes picture books, teen-adult cross-over novels, and junior chapter books. She has 24 books published in a range of genres including historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary fiction.

Reviews

[American Mensa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explore the journey and adventures of Canadian activist Alexander Milton Ross who risked his life to help the enslaved men and women in the American South. Alexander Milton Ross was an Ornithologist in the Deep South in the 1850s, but he wasn’t just a birdman. He was an undercover Abolitionist, spreading the news about the underground railroad. I found that this book was interesting, but a bit dull in some places. It is worth reading, so if you are a person who likes history or reading in general; then I would recommend this book. I think this book is suitable for kids aged 9-13. This book has sensational illustrations, and I think they deserve an award. Overall, this book is a fabulous choice if you like reading!
Reviewed by Alisa K age 9, Boston Mensa

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite books on the subject of the underground railroad.

[Launna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t the exact version we read, but the story is really fantastic.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexander Milton Ross was born in Canada and was taught by his mother to love nature. When he was a young boy he met escaped slaves, and his parents' concern for them caused Alexander to feel the same way. During his medical studies, while reading Uncle Tom's Cabin he decided it was his purpose to help free slaves.
This gorgeously illustrated book is an excellent biography about Dr. Alexander Ross and his devotion and commitment to helping others through his life as an abolitionist. He often put his life at risk and even became a secret agent in Canada for President Lincoln during the Civil War.