Friend on Freedom River

Tales of Young Americans

by Gloria Whelan

In 1850 the Detroit River was a major track along the Underground Railroad -- the last step to freedom. The journey across the river was dangerous, especially in winter and especially for a 12-year-old boy. When Louis's father left him in charge of the farm he offered his son this advice, "If you don't know what to do, just do what you think I would have done." Louis relies upon his father's words of wisdom when a runaway slave and her two children come looking for safe passage. In the second title in our Tales of Young Americans series Gloria Whelan -- author of National Book Award winning Homeless Bird -- beautifully creates a suspenseful coming-of-age story while illuminating a difficult time in America's past. Ms. Whelan's narrative again shows the human spirit will forever shine brightly in dark times. Freedom River - part of our Young Americans series - will quickly become a favorite for its important message and look at history from a youngster's eye. Artist Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen - a Sleeping Bear Press favorite - treats the material as only he can. Each illustrated page demonstrates the same mastery and devotion to his craft as the young heroes he brings to life.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Picture Books, Childrens, American History

48 pages, Hardcover

First published December 9, 2004

About the author

Gloria Whelan is the best-selling author of many novels for young readers, including Homeless Bird, winner of the National Book Award; Fruitlands: Louisa May Alcott Made Perfect; Angel on the Square and its companion, The Impossible Journey; Once on This Island, winner of the Great Lakes Book Award; Farewell to the Island; and Return to the Island. She lives with her husband, Joseph, in the woods of northern Michigan.

Reviews

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a suspenseful story about a 12 year old boy that helps row African American slaves to freedom in his father's absence. It's a really good read about the struggle of escaping the south through the underground railroad and the people that made that possible.

[CanadianReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific introduction to the Underground Railroad. I've read it aloud to students in grades 3 to 7. Even fidgety kids sit still for this one. A lot of ground is covered in this short book.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a historical fiction book that would serve as a good introduction to the underground railroad. The story is about a slave who is traveling the underground railroad with her two children and a young boy who decides to help them cross the Detroit River into Canada. The boy must decide between his safety and helping. Instead of deciding to do the easy thing, he decides to help the family across the river. The book is a tale of right and wrong, bravery, courage, and sacrifice. The illustrations are stunning paintings. They bring so much emotion to the story, you can feel the cold that the characters experience on the Detroit River as they break up the ice while they cross. I would share this with students of all ages, it would be a good introduction to abolitionism, and there are endless extension activities that could be done with this book.

[Tamia Holliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this picture and historical fiction book! Friend on Freedom River is about a boy named Louis who lives near the Detroit River. One cold night, he meets a mother named Sarah and her two children, Lucy and Tyler. They escaped from slavery and need to get to Canada, where people live free. Louis knows it is dangerous to cross the river in winter, but he asks himself what his father would do and starts rowing the family. A patrol boat is looking for them, but Louis manages to reach the other side. They made it to freedom. Eventually, Louis returns home to his mother. The story is about how one has to be courageous and kind to let others find freedom.

[Tatiana Ensz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Levels
DRA: 34
Lexile: 330L

Explanation of Star Rating: I absolutely loved this book, which is why I gave it five stars! This book fits perfectly in the historical-fiction category. It is about the underground railroad from the perspective of a 12-year-old boy. I think engaging books about history can be difficult to find but this book is written very well. I will definitely use this in my future classroom. The author does an excellent job of making the young boy's life engaging and easy to comprehend.

Most standout trait(s): Voice

[Jennifer Ruvalcaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade Level: 1-4
While reading this book it made me realized that no matter what age you are, you can make a difference. The main character made a very risky decision but he knew his father would of done the same. This book is shown from a younger boy view that knows what is going on in the world.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favorite from Gloria Whelan, but a good and honest story, nonetheless. The illustrations are excellent.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning. Artful. Powerful.

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful read about a young boy who showed he had the heart of a compassionate brave man. While Louise’s father was away earning money for the family Louise has to maintain the farm, and when called upon his father’s station on the Underground Railroad; ferrying runaway slaves into Canada amid the heavily patrolled waters and dangerous weather conditions. A perfect book to share with students when covering the Civil War or anytime.

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book can be used while doing a unit on the underground railroad. It is a story of a boy who helps a mother with her two children cross the river into Canada. I could have the students write a story about a time when they have helped someone or they could write a story about what would they do if slaves wanted them to help them get to freedom.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about this book makes it a winner. the illustrations are not only gorgeous and informative, but the facial expressions, bnody postures, and use of light make an already dramatic story spellbinding.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of a boy who, in the absence of his father to guide him, helps three runaway slaves escape to Canada over the treacherous Detroit River at night is an inspiring story from the slavery era of our country. It's really a good read, high in suspense and full of detail. Really a good read.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thankfully people did help others and this picture books helps introduce history and humanity to children.

[Kati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about the Underground Railroad

[Jacey Romero · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a boy and his dad that worked on their farm. The dad was going north for work in the winter so he left his son in charge. He told him to do whatever he thought he would do. While the boy is putting the boat away he hears a whisper. A mother and her two children, a boy and a girl, come out of the bushes and ask for help. They need to cross the river to get to freedom in Canada. The boy runs into his home and grabs jackets and blankets to help them stay warm. They all get into the boat and the two boys begin to paddle. It is very cold and they are having to break through ice on the water. The mother and her children begin singing when they see a patrol boat. They stop moving and luckily do not get seen. They keep paddling and their hands are going numb. They finally make it to the other side where a couple welcomes them inside. They get warm and then the boy crosses back over the river. His mother is waiting for him when he gets back and he tells her he did what he thought his father would do.

This story was so inspirational. This boy was so young and he risked his life to save a mother and her children.

I would use this in my classroom to help teach about slavery and how people were willing to risk so much to have freedom. I would also add in a part about doing nice things to help other people.