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Under the Quilt of Night
From the award-winning duo behind the bestselling Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt comes the stunning, richly illustrated sequel about a young enslaved girl who follows a quilt’s message to freedom.
When night falls, and all is quiet, a slave girl starts to run. She follows the moon into the woods, leading her loved ones away from their master under the quilt of night. Guided by the stars, they head north in the direction of freedom. At last, the girl sees a quilt with a center square made from deep blue fabric and knows it's a signal from friends on the Underground Railroad, welcoming her into their home. Can she bravely step forward and lead her family to freedom?
When night falls, and all is quiet, a slave girl starts to run. She follows the moon into the woods, leading her loved ones away from their master under the quilt of night. Guided by the stars, they head north in the direction of freedom. At last, the girl sees a quilt with a center square made from deep blue fabric and knows it's a signal from friends on the Underground Railroad, welcoming her into their home. Can she bravely step forward and lead her family to freedom?
40 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
7 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Hopkinson
97 books367 followersI write nonfiction and historical fiction, picture books, and Golden Books. I speak at school, libraries, and conferences. I also love to garden and offer manuscript critiques. (Deborahhopkinson@yahoo.com)
NEW books in 2024 include DETERMINED DREAMER: THE STORY OF MARIE CURIE, illus by Jen Hill, ON A SUMMER NIGHT, illus by Kenard Pak, TRIM HELPS OUT and TRIM SAILS the STORM, illus by Kristy Caldwell, EVIDENCE! illustrated by Nik Henderson, and a nonfiction work called THEY SAVED THE STALLIONS. I'm delighted to say that Trim Helps Out, Trim Sails the Storm, On a Summer Night and Evidence! are all Junior Library Guild selections.
I live and work in Oregon and travel all over to speak to young readers and writers.
NEW books in 2024 include DETERMINED DREAMER: THE STORY OF MARIE CURIE, illus by Jen Hill, ON A SUMMER NIGHT, illus by Kenard Pak, TRIM HELPS OUT and TRIM SAILS the STORM, illus by Kristy Caldwell, EVIDENCE! illustrated by Nik Henderson, and a nonfiction work called THEY SAVED THE STALLIONS. I'm delighted to say that Trim Helps Out, Trim Sails the Storm, On a Summer Night and Evidence! are all Junior Library Guild selections.
I live and work in Oregon and travel all over to speak to young readers and writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 18, 2008
Hopkinson, Deborah. Under the Quilt of Night, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, early reader, short chapter book.
Description: A young girl, along with her family, escapes from slavery and travels to Canada using the Underground Railroad. The story is told in the first person, although the narrator remains unnamed.
Review: Under the Quilt of Night is a compelling story that makes the historical topic of the Underground Railroad come alive for young readers. The book is divided into six chapters, each bearing the name of single verb that describes the main action of each chapter. It contains mostly familiar one and two syllable words and short sentences, but also introduces children to a few unfamiliar words and more complex sentences.
This book's biggest strength is its descriptiveness. The narrator conveys the concrete realities of hiding--the heat, thorns and mosquitoes--as well as the fear and urgency of the situation in a way that young readers can understand. Vivid illustrations accompany the text so that readers have plenty of context clues to help them decipher the unfamiliar words and concepts. The last picture is especially apt at bolstering the meaning of the story. The narrator has finally made it to freedom and stands with outstretched arms in a yellow blouse, in front of a bright yellow sky. Fear and suspense has given way to joy, and this is reflected nicely in the picture.
Professional Reviews:
Bloom, Susan. Horn Book, July/Aug. 2002.
Bloom is especially impressed by the illustrations in this book and how they help convey the meaning of the story. I agree with her assessment and was also impressed by the illustrations.
Saccardi, Marianne. School Library Journal, Jan. 2002.
Saccardi focuses on Hopkinson's successful blending of historical reality with fiction as a great introduction to the Underground Railroad. I agree that the fictional, first-person account makes this historical reality come alive.
Description: A young girl, along with her family, escapes from slavery and travels to Canada using the Underground Railroad. The story is told in the first person, although the narrator remains unnamed.
Review: Under the Quilt of Night is a compelling story that makes the historical topic of the Underground Railroad come alive for young readers. The book is divided into six chapters, each bearing the name of single verb that describes the main action of each chapter. It contains mostly familiar one and two syllable words and short sentences, but also introduces children to a few unfamiliar words and more complex sentences.
This book's biggest strength is its descriptiveness. The narrator conveys the concrete realities of hiding--the heat, thorns and mosquitoes--as well as the fear and urgency of the situation in a way that young readers can understand. Vivid illustrations accompany the text so that readers have plenty of context clues to help them decipher the unfamiliar words and concepts. The last picture is especially apt at bolstering the meaning of the story. The narrator has finally made it to freedom and stands with outstretched arms in a yellow blouse, in front of a bright yellow sky. Fear and suspense has given way to joy, and this is reflected nicely in the picture.
Professional Reviews:
Bloom, Susan. Horn Book, July/Aug. 2002.
Bloom is especially impressed by the illustrations in this book and how they help convey the meaning of the story. I agree with her assessment and was also impressed by the illustrations.
Saccardi, Marianne. School Library Journal, Jan. 2002.
Saccardi focuses on Hopkinson's successful blending of historical reality with fiction as a great introduction to the Underground Railroad. I agree that the fictional, first-person account makes this historical reality come alive.
November 21, 2022
This is the story of a slave girl that traveled with a group of runaway slaves and followed the signs to find the underground railroad to freedom in the North.
October 13, 2014
This book gives a very realistic portrayal of what life was like for a runaway slave, and how the kindness from one person can mean the difference between captivity and freedom. It is told in verse about a group of slaves trying to escape their owners and run away to Canada, and the couple who help them do so.
The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful, and the use of bold colors, especially to color the sky, really give the story a great amount of depth that makes it even more enjoyable to read. This book also is perfect for an parent of teacher who wants their kids to learn about American history in a kid-friendly way that is interesting and will hold their interest. It is an accurate take on what life was like for slaves in this country, and makes sure to let the reader know how important having freedom and independence is.
The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful, and the use of bold colors, especially to color the sky, really give the story a great amount of depth that makes it even more enjoyable to read. This book also is perfect for an parent of teacher who wants their kids to learn about American history in a kid-friendly way that is interesting and will hold their interest. It is an accurate take on what life was like for slaves in this country, and makes sure to let the reader know how important having freedom and independence is.
June 24, 2017
A great example of descriptive writing, using strong word choice, sensory images, and appropiate details to tell a fictional story of a young girl and her family and friends escaping slavery with help from the Underground Railroad. A model book for descriptive writing or it could be used as part of a theme unit on slavery for upper elementary.
October 20, 2017
My thoughts are @ Bridget Blogs Books
August 19, 2017
Under the Quilt of Night is a historical fiction book intended for ages 5-10. This story is inspired by the underground railroad. It is about a young girl who escapes slavery and makes her way to freedom through the bath of the underground road. This is a great read full of hope, suspense, and joy. This book gives a realistic yet kid friendly perspective of life for a runaway slave. The illustrations on this picture cover the page. The pictures and coloring do a good job at expressing the mood of the story. Though beautiful, the pictures throughout the book are dark while the slaves are on the run. The last page of the book shows the young girl reaching freedom and that page is bright and vibrant. I think this is a great book and could be used in history classes for young students. I like how the book had headlines for each stage of the journal. There was the running, the waiting, the watching, the hiding, the traveling, and finally the singing. That's a really great help to get children to better understand what is taking place. Not only does this book tell some of the history of the underground railroad, it also sends the message to children that they should never give up until they reach their goals.
March 20, 2018
This book is a personal account of a journey through the Underground Railroad, where people were so opposed to slavery that they took great risks helping runaways move through the northern states to Canada. The narrator is a runaway slave girl desperate for freedom. There are five in the group of runaways, three females and two males.
At first, they are on their own, fleeing through the woods with master and hounds coming after them. They reach a house where a woman hangs a special quilt on the rail fence, which is the signal that it is a safe house. Filled with fear, the narrator approaches the house and finds a warm welcome. Given hot food and blankets, they sleep for some time, only to be awakened and warned that Master is nearby. Luck is with them and they complete their escape.
There is a note at the end stating that some of what is in the book is folklore and it is a work of fiction. Yet, that itself is the fiction. While minor details might be different, this is the genuine story of a small band of runaway slaves and the dangers they faced in their quest for freedom. It is a powerful story of a dark time in U. S. history and a hope for the future.
At first, they are on their own, fleeing through the woods with master and hounds coming after them. They reach a house where a woman hangs a special quilt on the rail fence, which is the signal that it is a safe house. Filled with fear, the narrator approaches the house and finds a warm welcome. Given hot food and blankets, they sleep for some time, only to be awakened and warned that Master is nearby. Luck is with them and they complete their escape.
There is a note at the end stating that some of what is in the book is folklore and it is a work of fiction. Yet, that itself is the fiction. While minor details might be different, this is the genuine story of a small band of runaway slaves and the dangers they faced in their quest for freedom. It is a powerful story of a dark time in U. S. history and a hope for the future.
March 18, 2022
I'm taking an OLLI class from Oklahoma State University, online. OLLI stands for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, most colleges and universities offer OLLI classes to senior citizens at a minimal cost. There's usually an enrollment fee to join the program then some classes have a fee and/or supply costs. But there are often quite a few free classes too.
The class I'm currently taking is about Freedom Quilts so I was very interested in this book when I came across it. Yes, it's a children's book but they often capture the feelings and give us a clear, simple picture into what a story is about.
This book was very well written, the author pulled us in by describing how the child was feeling, they were sweating, itching, they'd been picked on by the overseer's kids, they were afraid to go to the door of the cabin with the quilt that had dark blue squares in the center, they were afraid they were going to die when the wagon was stopped, and so forth.
I think this book details how the trip was for everyone on the trail. I recommend it.
The class I'm currently taking is about Freedom Quilts so I was very interested in this book when I came across it. Yes, it's a children's book but they often capture the feelings and give us a clear, simple picture into what a story is about.
This book was very well written, the author pulled us in by describing how the child was feeling, they were sweating, itching, they'd been picked on by the overseer's kids, they were afraid to go to the door of the cabin with the quilt that had dark blue squares in the center, they were afraid they were going to die when the wagon was stopped, and so forth.
I think this book details how the trip was for everyone on the trail. I recommend it.
April 16, 2018
Book Title:
Under the Quilt of Night by Deborah Hopkinson and James E. Ransome
ISBN 0-689-82227-8
Star Rating: 5
Genre: Historical Fiction
Unique Feature
Under the Quilt of Night is an appropriate read aloud for all grades as it captures the range of emotions a runaway slave. It introduces the concept of slavery in ways that are acceptable for all ages. Once again, I thought the illustrations did a awesome job capturing the tone of the story. Using dark colors represent the night and the fear expressed with running away, I thought the illustrations went along with the story nicely.
Grade Level: Upper Elementary (3-4)
Under the Quilt of Night by Deborah Hopkinson and James E. Ransome
ISBN 0-689-82227-8
Star Rating: 5
Genre: Historical Fiction
Unique Feature
Under the Quilt of Night is an appropriate read aloud for all grades as it captures the range of emotions a runaway slave. It introduces the concept of slavery in ways that are acceptable for all ages. Once again, I thought the illustrations did a awesome job capturing the tone of the story. Using dark colors represent the night and the fear expressed with running away, I thought the illustrations went along with the story nicely.
Grade Level: Upper Elementary (3-4)
June 13, 2019
Beautiful. This picture book has detailed art and lyrical language and describing a trip across the underground railroad for a group of slaves running from their prison. The art is dark since the group has to travel at night and hide during the day, but a wonderful final page shows the most brilliant color and gives a sense of freedom to anyone who sees it.
The bravery of the runaways and the supporters who run the underground railroad is amazing.
Freedom!
I take a deep breath
and when I let go
my voice flies up in a song.
My own song
of running in sunshine
and dancing through fields.
I'll jump every fence in my way.
The bravery of the runaways and the supporters who run the underground railroad is amazing.
October 11, 2018
A beautifully illustrated story that depicts a boy running away from his slave owners with his family. This story along with the colorful pictures shows the fear during the journey, the relief during their stay with the abolitionist family and then the pure joy when they make it to freedom.
This is a fictitious story inspired by the Underground Railroad.
I read this to my 3rd grade son to go along with our study of The Underground Railroad. He thought it was a fantastic book.
This is a fictitious story inspired by the Underground Railroad.
I read this to my 3rd grade son to go along with our study of The Underground Railroad. He thought it was a fantastic book.
September 9, 2019
To begin, this is not a real story but one cobbled from many stories about the Underground Railroad. The artwork in this book is gorgeous and creates and atmosphere of terror as well as hope. The book is told from the perspective of a young girl who, with several others, escape their plantation. The master’s men are in hot pursuit and the fear of recapture is terrifying. The writing style is almost like poetry, all told from the nameless girl’s perspective.
February 11, 2018
The verse in this book has a beautiful rhythm in which to read aloud. A child escaping from slavery. Will she be caught? Will she go free? In this bold colored illustrated picture book, kids today can picture for a moment what it might of been like to risk their lives in order to leave a life of bondage.
November 4, 2025
This book is about a fictional group of slaves and their journey through the underground railroad. It tells a fictional story where the group goes through a number of hardships while looking to be set free. This book would be a great read aloud for students while learning about the underground railroad. It would be great to integrate with a social studies unit.
January 10, 2024
Told in verse, this is the story of a family of enslaved persons following the Underground Railroad to freedom in Canada. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is great for introducing the younger crowd to the history of the UR, but it's not suitable for a group read-aloud in story time.
May 12, 2017
"... mosquitoes whine and tease just like the overseer's children did."
A young runaway slave describes in first person the harrowing journey she is on to gain his freedom.
A young runaway slave describes in first person the harrowing journey she is on to gain his freedom.
March 3, 2018
Beautifully written and illustrated, but a bit too abstract for the expected (picture book) audience.
April 12, 2018
A beautifully illustrated book about the underground railroad, told from the point of view of a young child on the run. Gorgeous!
June 14, 2018
A beautiful companion to Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt.
December 19, 2018
Ages 5-10
October 25, 2019
Poetic, easy to understand book about a fictional journey on the Underground Railroad.
December 13, 2019
The brushstrokes of the illustrations are breathtaking, full of color and emotion, even as the story is bittersweet at the least.
December 4, 2020
Great book, it is in our freedom text set love the messages it sends.
April 15, 2022
Good book liked reading it to my son
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March 19, 2023I think this is one of the good books
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 14, 2023makes me wonder if they ever considered a Nat Turner children’s book.
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May 19, 2023Quilts were used to communicate they were a friend to runaway/refugee people
July 3, 2025
I was expecting more. Maybe a 3.5. A fugitive slave describes her fraught trip towards freedom.
October 6, 2025
This is an eye opening book about slaves escaping captivity. I would read this to my students when talking about slavery and the Underground Railroad.
October 21, 2017
This historical fiction story tells of the actions of those seeking freedom by way of the underground railroad. A young girl leads the way on the dangerous trek to Canada. Along the way, they encounter those who stand to help by way of signals and signs. The book's colorful illustrations detail some characteristics of the era such as the use of quilts to symbolize a safe house. The runaway slave girl explores her emotions and never loses heart. She is an inspiration that age has no limitations on who can be a positive role model and you are never to young to do the right thing. I believe it is crucial to show children that you are never too "anything" to do brave and righteous things.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews